Getting your walls looking sensational is an art in itself! Here’s how to skilfully hang your art and pictures in your home.
Here are some tips for eye-catching displays:
Get your pictures or artworks professionally framed – it makes all the difference.
Choose hooks or drill in plugs that are strong enough to hold your pictures. Sagging displays, or frames that are pulling away from the walls just don’t look good.
In general art should be hung so that the centre point or grouping is around eye level for the average person.
If you have individual pictures that are too small for the space, create a grouping with more than one instead.
Choose a theme for a gallery wall: it can be unified - for example a collection of similar items such as 12 botanical prints - or eclectic – a combination of different items such as photographs, objects and paintings.
You don’t need to be stuck with conventional art for a gallery wall, it can be anything from baskets or hats to vinyl album covers, empty frames, mirrors or plants.
Test the arrangement of a group of pictures by laying them out on a table or on the floor first.
Arrange your pictures on a wall by using newspaper cut exactly to size. You can then adjust them with Prestik as much as you want before drilling holes.
When hanging an artwork that requires two hooks, cut a piece of masking tape that fits exactly between the two hooks, then tape this to the wall – make sure it is straight using a spirit level and then make a hole at each end.
Use a comb to hold the nail in place and protect your fingers when hammering.
Choose smaller pictures for narrow areas and larger ones for bigger expanses.
In general, if you’re hanging a picture over a piece of furniture, the picture should not be longer than the width of the furniture.
Even the most beautiful work of art can be lost if it isn’t lit properly - choose an area with good lighting, or install suitable lighting.
Art shelves are very trendy. Simply standing a number of objects, or frames on a shelf makes a pleasing display.
Vibrant colours add excitement to a space, neutrals are more calming. Think about the mood and function of an area before deciding.
Horizontal arrangements generally widen spaces and create a casual mood while vertical arrangements can be used to create a more formal feeling.
Landscape art is a great way to create an open or “window” feeling in a small or windowless wall.
Choose art works and colours that complement the furniture and feeling of the room.
Draw attention to your artwork by displaying it against a deep-toned wall. Using a colour drawn from the artwork will enhance the effect.
Be creative with your displays to make a space that’s contemporary and true to your own unique style.