Decoration Inspiration
Displaying art and artifacts effectively
How high is too high? - Your idea of art might include museum posters, children's drawings, Stella originals, or an eclectic mix, but no matter your tastes, art is best viewed at eye level. About 165cm from the floor is a good rule of thumb and will always make a strong statement. It's a good idea to place your central piece by this method, and position other pictures around it.
Think in terms of multiple impact and be creative - Mix prints, paintings, and drawings with plates or photographs. Just about everything benefits from being hung in multiples. Consider the width of the frames to dictate the spacing between pieces. If you have several pieces from the same artist, try blocks of four, six, nine, etc., so they can be viewed as a single entity. Hang work from different artists in a less strict manner to emphasize each piece's uniqueness.
Objects work best together when they share a collective trait - Collections hold special importance in the decoration of a home and should be on display to add the owner's personality to what is otherwise a blank canvas. A collection might feature artwork in both pastel and paint, but all in shades of blue. To make everything cohere, remember, close together and low to the item of furniture.
Classic space for displaying art is above the fireplace - Mantels and the wall space above them are classic spots for displaying cherished art and objects, but the mouth of the fireplace is often a missed opportunity. Prop lean a couple of canvas artworks here for a casual contemporary look. Hang objects closer to the mantel or console after measuring, rather than in the exact middle of the space. This will lend a more human scale to the grouping.
Do the head tilt - Look at the big picture - Try to harmonize the room by keeping the balance of the different components in mind. For instance, where an artwork is hung can counter-balance the effect of a floor lamp in the corner of the room. Look at the room as a whole, and how each element plays a part. Keep moving pieces around until you are satisfied.
Measure twice, hang once - Make a map - Measure the wall space and designate an area of the same dimensions on the floor marking eye level (165cm) for reference. Place the objects within this template and make any desired changes before transferring to the wall. This is the time to experiment freely with spacing and proportion and save your walls from marks and holes, especially on wallpaper, panelling, or special paint finishes. Keep a level handy to avoid crooked art.
Everything is not created equal - For items that weigh less than 10 kilograms, a long, thin nail secured at an angle works fine. If an artwork exceeds 10 kilograms, then use a hanger. If you choose to take extra precaution with two hangers, separate them by at least 8cm to equally distribute the object's weight. For even more strength, locate a wall stud with a stud finder. Besides nails and hangers, other devices are available that might suit your needs.