Photo Credit: cottonbro studio via www.pexels.com
When you are trying to make your house feel more like a home, there are many things you can do; however, one important way people improve the style of their place is by adding wall art prints to different rooms. Choosing the right piece of art, be that a piece of photography, a textured art piece or a typography print, can completely transform your apartment, adding a vibe, a pop of colour and personality. One thing some people may need help with during this process is where to place their new art. Knowing whether to hang your new framed prints above your bed, above your sofa or create a gallery wall up your staircase can be tricky. Let’s explore some tips and tricks to help you choose where to best hang your pieces to make your home look complete!
Consider The Layout
Take a step back and consider how your room is arranged. Think about the path you and your guests take as they enter the space and what places in the room you want to highlight. If you have a large empty wall behind your sofa, you may wish to add one large art piece or three cohesive framed prints here, as this will help create a focal point in the room. Alternatively, if you have a long entryway, creating a gallery wall in the centre of the wall or leading up your stairs will create a flow and add some interesting pieces to the space that change how you view the room!
Now Let’s Look At Sizing
Another essential factor to consider when you are deciding on the placement of your prints is the size. Smaller spaces need small art; large walls are perfect for statement pieces. Putting a large piece of art in a small room will overwhelm the space and make it look even smaller! However, having one small frame in the centre of a wall may look a little out of place; one way to solve this is by positioning multiple small frames together as a collection. This will not only make smaller pieces look larger, but it will also add a visual element to the room.
Mix And Match
As I have mentioned previously, a gallery wall is a perfect way to add a variation of sizes, styles and textures to one space without making each piece look random and like it doesn’t belong. If you have multiple pieces you want to add to one room, hanging them in different areas and on different walls will create a blocky vibe and have no continuation or flow to the space. However, that doesn’t mean these pieces can’t all be put together – that’s where the ever-so-popular gallery wall comes into the equation! Mixing framed photographs, typography prints, canvas wall art and even 3d sculptures onto your wall cohesively will produce a layered statement look that adds character and depth to the room. When you are creating a gallery wall, it is best to select colour palettes and themes that tie in together, such as a vintage theme or neutral tones.
Placement Is Key!
When it’s time to hang your pieces (unless going for a gallery wall), you should always aim for eye level. This means the centre of your artwork should be approximately 60 inches from the floor. Hanging your prints at this height is standard practice for most homes as it ensures they can be easily appreciated without strain on the neck when people enter the room. These hanging heights may need to be adjusted depending on the room; for example, if you are hanging a few prints in a children’s bedroom, you may want to lower them slightly.
If you are placing frames for a gallery wall, I suggest laying your placements out on the floor beforehand to get a visual idea of how these will look together on the wall. Planning your placements before hanging will ensure you get them on the wall correctly the first time! To hang your pieces you should always start from largest and work your way down to the smallest. Hanging your largest piece first will give you a guide for the placement and alignment of the smaller frames you have. Ensure that you keep a border space between each frame when you are hanging to allow some separation between each art piece. You do not want this to look cluttered. Tip – use a level tool to ensure your pieces are straight and even!
Create Balance
When you add art and prints to a room, consider the balance. If you hang a larger statement piece on one wall, compliment this with a few smaller pieces on the opposite wall. Similarly, if you have a symmetrical room, hang symmetrical wall art. For example, if you have 6 pieces in total, hang 3 on 2 opposite walls. This will create a cohesive look and add dimension to the space. When placing your prints for balance, always consider the colours and textures of the art. If you have bold pieces, balance them with some neutral tones or monochromatic pieces to avoid overwhelming the space.
In conclusion, deciding where to place your new art piece or collection of bold prints can be a daunting task. However, considering the room’s layout and size, the style of your pieces and the effect you want it to have on the space will help you pick the perfect spot. You could also use sites like Pinterest to help you find inspiration too!