Priya Kapoor
When it comes to decorating a space, art is a great way to add a pop of colour and express your personality. However, it can be challenging to decide what to put on either side of a painting. There are many creative ways to style artwork, and it ultimately depends on your personal preference and the size of the wall.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height of the painting | The centre of the painting should be at eye level, which is 57 to 60 inches off the ground. |
| Spacing between paintings | Leave three to four inches between frames to keep the arrangement tight. |
| Empty space on either side of the painting | The "three-eighths rule" suggests that the blank space on either side of the painting should be equal to three-eighths of the width of the wall. |
| Number of paintings | Hanging artwork in a pair or a trio is visually appealing. |
| Symmetry | Symmetrical gallery walls are pleasing to the eye. |
| Variety | Intersperse paintings with photographs, prints, sculptures, baskets, plates, mirrors, and sconces. |
| Cohesion | Pieces should cohere in terms of colour, style, or subject matter. |
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What You'll Learn
Hanging art at eye level
However, in rooms where people spend most of their time sitting, like dining rooms, living rooms, or offices, art should be hung lower so that it can be appreciated without straining your neck to look up. In these cases, the artwork's centre should be at around 57 inches, which is considered average eye level.
If you're hanging artwork above furniture, the bottom of the frame should be six to eight inches above the top of the furniture. In these cases, it's acceptable to go higher than the 57-inch guideline if necessary. The artwork should also relate to the size of the furniture—for example, a small work of art hanging above a long couch may not look proportional.
When hanging art, it's important to consider the overall composition of the space, including other art and furniture. For instance, if you have a large mirror and a large print, hanging them on perpendicular walls shouldn't be a problem. You can also balance a rectangular painting by placing a bracket with rounded items, like dinnerware or pottery, on either side.
Remember, every scenario is different, so make sure you're happy with how your art is displayed. You can always play around with arrangements by taping off different sizes or arrangements on the wall before committing to any holes!
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Creating a focal point with a large piece
When creating a focal point with a large piece of art, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the artwork should be hung in an open area, preferably on the longest wall in the room, with at least 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.61 meters) of free space around it. This allows for a variety of decor options and ensures the artwork is not crowded. Heavy pieces may require special consideration for wall support.
The next step is to establish the layout of the furniture in the room, complementing and drawing attention to the artwork. In a living room, for example, a large painting can be placed above a sofa to create a focal point, but it may get lost if placed behind a TV. Pulling colours from the artwork and incorporating them into accessories such as pillows, curtains, rugs, and lampshades can further emphasise the painting and create a cohesive look.
To enhance the visual impact of a large artwork, it is recommended to hang it at eye level, typically 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor. This ensures the artwork is at a comfortable viewing height and naturally draws the viewer's gaze.
When decorating the space around a large piece, it is essential to strike a balance. Smaller art pieces, framed photos, mounted sculptures, or sconces can be placed on either side of the central painting without detracting from it. These additional elements should complement the style of the main artwork, whether it is modern, abstract, or eclectic.
Another option is to create a gallery wall by filling the space around the large piece with smaller artworks, creating a sense of variety and unpredictability while also providing negative space for the eyes to rest. This can be achieved by varying the configurations, scale, and orientation of the artworks within a cohesive colour palette.
In conclusion, creating a focal point with a large piece of art involves thoughtful placement, consideration of furniture arrangement, colour coordination, and the incorporation of complementary decorative elements that enhance the impact of the artwork without overwhelming it.
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Using a mix of shapes, sizes, and mediums
When it comes to decorating a wall with art, a mix of shapes, sizes, and mediums can create a visually appealing and interesting display. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Firstly, consider the “three eights" rule when hanging art on a blank wall. This rule suggests that you should leave blank space amounting to three-eighths of the wall's width on either side of the artwork. This can be calculated by multiplying the width of the wall by 0.57. Ensuring proportional spacing between the artwork and the walls can help create a balanced and cohesive look.
Next, don't be afraid to experiment with different shapes and sizes. You can try a symmetrical approach by hanging a larger frame in the center and surrounding it with smaller frames or hanging two larger frames side by side and accenting them with smaller frames. Alternatively, an asymmetrical duo can also be appealing. Try hanging three equally sized pieces in a horizontal row to fill wider spaces, creating a triptych layout with more breathing room between the artworks.
To add further interest, vary the mediums of your artwork. Intersperse paintings with photographs, prints, sculptures, baskets, plates, mirrors, and sconces. This less structured arrangement allows for creativity while maintaining visual balance. Consider the texture, color, and style of each piece, ensuring they cohere in some way. For instance, you might combine fine art prints with black-and-white photographs or juxtapose a bold piece of pop art with an antique painting.
Lastly, when arranging your gallery wall, use painter's tape or cutouts to visualize the placement before putting nails in the wall. This will help you achieve the desired balance and ensure the arrangement suits your space.
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Playing with spacing between artworks
When it comes to spacing between artworks, there are several approaches you can take to achieve a visually appealing result. Firstly, consider the "three eights" rule, which suggests that the blank space on either side of a piece of art should be approximately one-third of the width of the wall. This rule provides a proportional guideline for determining the ideal size of the artwork in relation to the wall.
Another approach is to focus on creating a visually interesting gallery wall. This can be achieved by playing with different widths between artworks, typically ranging from three to six inches, depending on the size of the artworks, the width of the wall, and the ceiling height. For a grid layout, aim for a tighter arrangement with three to four inches between frames, while a triptych layout allows for more breathing room at four to six inches.
If you're hanging artwork above furniture, a general guideline is to ensure that the art takes up about two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall space. This rule also applies when hanging art above a piece of furniture, such as a dresser or a sofa, where the artwork should be two-thirds to three-quarters the size of the furniture piece. However, with smaller accent chairs, you can choose to prioritize the wall width and opt for a larger piece of art.
To create a visually balanced gallery wall, consider combining artworks of different sizes, textures, colours, and styles. You can hang a larger frame in the centre and surround it with smaller frames or pair larger frames with smaller ones to create a symmetrical layout. When pairing different styles of art, look for a rhythm by choosing pieces that are monochromatic, complementary in colour, similar in size, or mounted with the same type of frame.
Before committing to nail holes in your wall, it's advisable to visualize the arrangement by using painter's tape to outline the artworks' placements. This allows you to step back and assess the spacing and overall look before finalizing your decisions.
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Hanging art above furniture
When hanging art above a specific piece of furniture, such as a sofa, dresser, or bed, it's important to consider the clearance between the two. You don't want the art to be so low that people hit their heads, but you also don't want it to be so high that it feels disconnected from the furniture. A good guideline is to leave around 4 to 8 inches between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the picture frame. This will create a sense of harmony and balance in the space.
The size of your art is also an important consideration. When hanging art above furniture, aim for the art to fill at least half to two-thirds of the width of the furniture. This will ensure that the art doesn't look too small and out of place. If you're hanging a single piece of art, make sure it's large enough to stand out. If you're hanging multiple pieces, treat them as one unified piece and ensure they take up enough space collectively.
In addition to these guidelines, there are a few other tricks you can use to enhance the look of your hanging art. Consider leaning art on furniture or a mantel to create a casual, yet stylish display. Just be sure not to place it on surfaces that are too high or unstable. You can also add items like a vase, a sculpture, or a lamp to create a vignette. If you're hanging art above a bed, a pair of wall sconces on either side can add balance and complement the artwork.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and trust your instincts. Hanging art is a mix of science and art, and there are no hard and fast rules. Tape the paper insert from the frame to your wall to visualize the height and spacing, or take a step back and snap a photo to see if it looks right to you. Remember, you can always adjust and move things around until you find the perfect arrangement.
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Frequently asked questions
The “three eights” rule suggests that the blank space on either side of art should be three eights of the width of the wall. So, for a 9-foot-wide wall, art around 60 inches wide would be best.
The art should be two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the furniture. For example, if hanging art above an 84-inch sofa, the art should be 56 to 63 inches wide.
Hang the largest, most prominent pieces first to create a focal point. If hanging pieces of the same size, create a grid with the same distance between all the pieces.
Try to pick pieces that cohere in terms of colour, style, or subject matter. For example, combine fine art prints with black-and-white photographs, or juxtapose a bold piece of Pop art with an antique painting.
Create a gallery wall with paintings, photographs, prints, wall sculptures, baskets, plates, mirrors, and sconces. Play with different widths between artworks, typically between three and six inches.
