Art is the perfect outlet to express your personality in your home, furniture and accessories are part of your home decor story telling, but art is an expression of you. There is a reason one piece stands out to you more than another – so, what do you do once that to die for piece speaks to you? Buy it on the spot and hang it wherever you can as soon as you walk through your front door? Well, Mr or Ms go getter, it may not be quite so easy. When you are going to make an investment in a work of art (no pun intended), you may want to consider a few things before you commit. I would like to share a few tips and tricks with you so when you unexpectedly fall in love with a beautiful painting on your way to the grocery store, you will have been prepared for that moment.
1. Scale. Envision where that piece will go, is it the right size for the space? As a general rule, you don’t want artwork to overpower the piece of furniture it is hanging above and you certainly do not want it to be too small. If you have a large empty wall don’t be shy to use the whole space for one piece, and on the other hand, if you do not have a large piece to fill that space, then consider a grouping of small pieces.
2. No rule. There is no rule of thumb that art should blend in with its’ surroundings, but you may hear the advice that your artwork should balance your interior and remain consistent. Once again, there is no rule of thumb! In fact, I’m going to let Canadian artist, Zoe Pawlak‘s words talk us through number 2.
“While your home decor can obey certain rules, such as investing in neutral couches or flooring, I urge people to use their walls for irrational or eclectic choices. Art is a place for expression through color content, and texture. Choose art at a heart level…”
3. Compliments. Number three is a carry-over from number two. There is no rule that art should match your furniture, however, consider complimenting. Pick a color or two from your piece of art and coordinate that color with an element in your room – whether it is an accent chair or throw pillow. Let your artwork have one or two things in common with the room, this, in fact, will increase your art’s statement in the space that it is hung.
4. Framing. Not all art should be framed but when you have a piece that requires a frame, take a moment to consider your choice. Does your selection compliment the furniture or features of your room? Choose a frame to match your flooring, or on a more subtle level, if you have a pair of silver lamps consider a silver frame. Even if you are choosing a frame to add contrast to the style of your room, like a contemporary piece to a traditional room, just like we said in Number Three, a little compliment will effortlessly tie it together.
5. Hanging. Position your artwork at eye level. If your room has high ceilings you may be tempted to hang the piece higher, but consider an art gallery’s standard – the center of your artwork should be about 60 inches from the floor. If you are hanging a grouping or collection, to find the center, treat them as if they were one piece.
How would you hang you art? Comment below, I would love to share your ideas!
xo A
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