Isabella Flores
When it comes to decorating a room, art is a great way to add a personal touch and bring life to blank walls. However, knowing what to put on either side of a large painting can be challenging. While some may prefer to let the painting speak for itself, others might want to create a gallery wall or play with different shapes and sizes of artwork to achieve a balanced look.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of art pieces | Odd numbers, especially three, are more eye-catching. |
| Size | Different sizes create an asymmetrical duo, while similar sizes create a matching pair. |
| Style, subject, or color | These elements should be echoed in at least one other piece. |
| Shape | Use different shapes to make the room more interesting. |
| Placement | Hang art at average eye-level, which is 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor. |
| Spacing | For multiple sconces, space them 8 to 10 feet apart. |
| Furniture | Hang art 6-8 inches above furniture. |
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What You'll Learn
Hang a pair of wall sconces
Wall sconces are a great way to accentuate a large painting. They can be placed at middle height on either side of the painting, adding symmetry and versatility to the arrangement. This classic and traditional approach works well with any wall space.
When hanging wall sconces, it is important to ensure they are placed evenly at the midpoint of the painting. If you have a wide wall, leave a few inches of space on each side of the painting to avoid a cramped look. For a more modern touch, you can align the bottom of the sconces with the bottom of the painting, creating a straight horizontal line.
To determine the ideal placement, you can use wrapping paper or brown paper cutouts to simulate the sconces and the painting. Tape these to the wall and adjust their positions until you are satisfied. This method helps you visualize the arrangement and ensure it feels right from every angle.
If you are hanging two sconces, make sure they are at the same height and distance from the painting. For electric sconces, you may need to consult an electrician to install old-work electrical boxes before mounting the light fixtures.
Wall sconces can enhance the ambiance of your space by providing attractive ambient or task lighting. They are especially useful in bedrooms or living rooms, serving as bedside or couch-side reading lights. By combining wall sconces with a large painting, you can create a visually appealing and well-lit focal point in your room.
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Create a symmetrical gallery wall
Creating a symmetrical gallery wall is an excellent way to add elegance and sophistication to your space. Here are some tips to help you achieve a well-designed and balanced look:
Choose a Cohesive Theme:
Select a specific theme or colour palette for your gallery wall. This could be black and white photography, flower collections, maps, or abstract art. By using a cohesive theme, you can create a sense of unity and purposefulness in your design.
Determine Frame Size and Orientation:
The size and orientation of your frames will depend on the available wall space. If you have a vertical empty space, portrait photos or frames will work best. For horizontal spaces, opt for landscape or large square frames. You can also mix and match frame sizes to create visual interest. For example, hang a larger frame in the centre and surround it with smaller frames, or hang two large frames side by side and accent them with smaller frames.
Arrange Art at Eye Level:
When hanging your gallery wall, it's essential to consider the height. The centre of your artwork or the group of artworks should be placed at average eye level, which is typically 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor. If hanging artwork above furniture, such as a sofa or table, leave a gap of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) between the piece and the furniture.
Use Spacing Strips for Symmetry:
To achieve perfect symmetry without measuring, use spacing strips between your frames. Test out different spacing by laying your frames on the floor first. You can use vertical and horizontal spacing strips to create a balanced and symmetrical look.
Add Accents:
Complete the look by adding accents to your gallery wall. Throw a plant next to your gallery wall to create a wow factor. You can also add sculptures or 3-dimensional sconces to break up the symmetry and add depth to your space.
Remember, symmetry creates a sense of calm and refinement in your space, so have fun curating your artwork and enjoy the process of designing your gallery wall!
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Hang a trio of art pieces
Hanging a trio of art pieces is a great way to decorate a wall and add a sense of visual harmony to a room. Here are some tips to help you hang three art pieces effectively:
Choose a Configuration
You can hang three art pieces in a vertical stack or a horizontal row, depending on the size and shape of your wall. For a narrow wall, a vertical stack can be a great choice, while a horizontal row can work well for a wider wall. If you're hanging three equally-sized pieces, a horizontal arrangement can create a clean, contemporary look.
Consider the Size of the Art Pieces
When hanging a trio of art pieces, vary the sizes for a more dynamic display. Include a small, medium, and large piece in your arrangement. If you're hanging artwork above furniture, the art should be proportional to the furniture. A general guideline is that the artwork should be 50% to 75% the width of the furniture below it.
Determine the Placement Height
To ensure your artwork is at a comfortable viewing height, it's recommended to hang the center of the artwork at eye level, which is typically 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor. If you're hanging the trio above furniture, the bottom of the lowest frame should be 6 to 8 inches above the top of the furniture.
Space the Art Pieces Appropriately
When hanging three art pieces together, it's essential to space them appropriately. Leave about 0.5 to 3 inches between each piece. Additionally, consider the spacing between the group of three and any surrounding objects, such as furniture or other wall decorations.
Alternative Options
If the idea of lining up and measuring three pieces seems daunting, consider using a picture ledge. This allows you to lean the three pictures against the wall, creating an instant art wall. This setup is also ideal if you like to change your art pieces frequently, as it eliminates the need to create new nail holes each time.
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Lean art on a fireplace mantle
Leaning artwork against your fireplace mantle is a great way to create a focal point in a room. It is generally safe to lean art against your mantel, unless the piece is very heavy. When hanging art above a mantel, it is recommended to hang the art 6-8 inches above the mantel. However, if you prefer the look of leaning art, there are many ways to style it.
One option is to layer a mirror, a piece of art, and decorative accents on your mantel. For example, you could anchor the display with a large rectangular mirror, lean a small piece of art in front of it, and then add decorative accents such as brass candlesticks to break up the linear objects. You could also lean a black and white abstract art piece against a black mantel to accent a taupe plaster fireplace, or lean a blue canvas art piece against a blue lacquered fireplace mantel accented with marble surround tiles.
If you want to hang your art, consider hanging a pair or a trio of artworks on either side of the fireplace. You can hang two larger frames side by side and surround them with smaller frames, or hang a larger frame in the centre and surround it with smaller frames. You could also hang three equally-sized pieces in a horizontal row above the mantel.
Remember, when hanging artwork, it is recommended to hang the centre of the artwork at average eye level, which is 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor. For a group of paintings, treat the group as a single unit and hang the centre of the group at eye level.
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Hang artwork above furniture
Hanging artwork above furniture is a great way to add a pop of colour and character to a room. It is important to consider the scale of the artwork in relation to the furniture, the height at which the artwork is placed, and the overall aesthetic of the room.
Firstly, the scale of the artwork should complement the furniture. As a general rule, the artwork should span roughly two-thirds of the width of the furniture. If the artwork is significantly smaller than the furniture, it may appear too low when hung at the appropriate height. In this case, consider sizing up or adding sconces or other pieces to fill out the composition.
Secondly, the height at which artwork is hung above furniture is crucial. A good rule of thumb is to hang the artwork 6 to 8 inches above the piece of furniture. This distance creates a visually connected unit, preventing the artwork from appearing disjointed or "floating" above the furniture.
It is worth noting that the average human eye level is around 57 inches from the floor, and artwork is often hung at this height in museums. However, when hanging artwork above furniture, the appropriate height may vary based on the specific furniture piece and the overall aesthetic desired.
Lastly, consider the overall aesthetic of the room by incorporating different shapes, sizes, and styles of artwork. For example, an asymmetrical duo can be just as pleasing as a matching pair, creating an echo effect. Groups of three are also visually appealing, as our eyes naturally appreciate patterns.
Remember, design is subjective, and these guidelines can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences. Step back, take a look, and trust your instincts to create a cohesive and visually appealing space.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to hang the centre of the artwork at average eye level, which is 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor. If you are hanging artwork above a piece of furniture, it should be placed 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) above it.
You can hang a pair of wall sconces in wood or metal on either side of a large painting. Alternatively, you can hang two other pieces of art of a similar size to create a symmetrical duo.
An asymmetrical duo can look just as good as a matching pair. You can hang two pieces of different sizes together by echoing either the style, subject, or colour in the smaller piece.
You can add sconces or other pieces to fill out the composition when hanging a smaller work over a large unit.
