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[#1]

An eighty-two year old friend of my husband Dave recently moved. When Dave returned from a visit he commented that the handyman had hung all the artwork sky-high. That prompted me to write a blog on the topic which I have addressed in more depth in my book, Decorating Without Fear.

Just for the record, generally speaking, artwork should be hung so that the center point of the picture or of grouping is at about eye level for the average person. Here is an example of why that doesn’t always work: I am 5’1 ½ inches, Dave is 6’ 5”! So now what? We compromise and hang most artwork somewhere between his eye level and mine! I believe that hung objects should be no more than 6-9 inches above any furniture or structure below – that way it creates a sense of relationship rather than leaving them flying high alone.

Another tip is to think of your grouping of pictures and accessories as one unit. I usually lay everything out on the floor below the wall to play with combinations until I am happy with the composition. You can also trace them out on paper then use that as your map for the hanging on wall.

Always consider the objects and furniture surrounding the wall area. Architectural details and wall shapes and sizes should be incorporated into the overall plan. Artwork, just like tabletop display is a matter of personal style. Are you formal, funny or daring? Consider the style of the artwork itself. Often it dictates how you will hang it.

Symmetry, which feels more formal, is artfully accomplished when you display a series of pieces framed identically and hung with precision closely together to create a square, rectangular shape overall.  To create symmetry with freedom, arrange a variety of sizes and shapes, and maintain consistency by choosing frames in the same color and overall proportion. With this style, you do have the freedom to use a circular or oval concept as your overall shape. 

For more loosely arranged styles, follow the form of your room or open spaces. For example, I have a tall live tree in my kitchen which sits next to a small cabinet with shelves and accessories above. When I took a photo of the space to examine it, I found that the wall space above the tree felt bare and unfinished. To fill in this gap, I hung a cute piece of artwork above it. Now everything looks balanced and complete!

 One more thought: Recently my friend Mikki said that her hubby didn’t want to hang anything on their newly painted walls. Nor did he want any help from anyone. He didn’t want to ruin the new paint. Alas, Mikki is not happy with bare walls. I volunteered to give her hubby my standard replay, “It’s just a nail – get over it!” A beautifully finished and personalized space is one of the most important ways to turn a house into a home.

Be inspired,

Sharon Hanby-Robie, ASID