As a professional organizer, I work with a lot of very creative people. Many of my clients have so many creative talents or have a passion for creativity, including artwork.
One of the more common issues that comes up is how and where to display their artwork.
I love art in many forms and can appreciate the passion to collect it. However, it can become clutter.
It is very important to keep in mind, when purchasing artwork, that you are able to visualize where it is going to live when it arrives in your home.
Just like everything else in life, all of it cannot be your favorite. If you tend to hang everything you own on all of the walls in your home, you are defeating the purpose of featuring the art that you love. It just becomes clutter. Artwork needs to be appreciated and it cannot if it is surrounded by lots of other pieces. It does not stand out from the crowd. When viewed, you are distracted by all of the other pieces around it. It is important to hang your artwork sparingly and in a way that complements your decor. You want to be particular about what you display on your walls
Here are some basic rules to follow:
1. Use your artwork to balance your room's visual space. Sometimes large art can feel overwhelming but, if you are aiming for it to be your room's focal point, the rules can change. Rows of smaller pieces in idential frames and mats make the arrangement a piece of art in itself. The symmetry draws your eye into the frame itself, emphasizing the art inside. For a more eclectic arrangement, try mixing and matching size. Also, aim to keep your art at eye level. Most people tend to hang their art too high to be truly appreciated.
2. Determine the format you wish to use. Most interior designers airm for a rule of three or an odd number when hanging art arrangements. Interestingly enough, odd numbered displays tend to feel more balance. If you choose to go with even numbers, a grid can help balance out the display's visual space. If you want to make the room look longer, make the display horizontal. If you want the ceilings to look higher, hang your display vertically. The other alternative is to simply arrange your artwork organically. Just do what you think looks best, but be sure to plan it out first. You can arrange the pieces on the floor in front of your wall first, and then move to the wall and mark their places lightly with a pencil.
3. Select your style. You can stick with one style, color or artist for a more cohesive look. This tends to work best in a more refined space with a single framing style. If you want to be more playful, hang clocks and mirrors on the wall along with other 3 dimentional elements. Although variety can be interesting, try to find a way to have some elements tie the display together, whether it is frames of the same color or art with the same type of finish.
4. Tell a story. A gallery wall should depict who you are and what makes you happy. Be sure to build your wall with meaningful items. Start by using one inspirational piece that can be the guide to choosing all of your selections. You don't necessarily need to put this piece in the center. Be creative!
5. Now you are ready to hang it up. Groupings look best when the items are spaced close together (approximately 1 to 2 inches apart). Begin by hanging your middle pieces at eye level (about 5 feet off of the floor) and then build around them.
Artwork is an easy way to enhance your home decor if it is done correctly and does not end up looking like clutter on the walls.
