Hanging Art

Hanging art & photos on walls is one of those things they don't teach you at home or at school. I learned by constantly flipping through Pottery Barn and Crate&Barrel catalogs, studying their placement of pictures over desks, and art over fireplaces.  Thanks to Horchow, there is now a guide on how to hang wall art.  Now you can showcase all the photographs & paintings that are tucked away in closets & basements! 

How To Display & Hang Artwork via Horchow

How High?
In hallways and entries, hang wall art at average standing eye level, about 5' 6" from the floor.
For a large piece, hang so the center of the piece is about 5' from the floor.
In living and dining rooms you are likely to be seated, hang wall accents closer to sitting eye level.
Allow at least 6' when hanging art directly above a sofa or dining table. It should be high enough to avoid crowding the furniture, yet low enough to enjoy the full effect.
When hanging two or more works together, such as tapestries and figurative art pieces, mentally divide the wall vertically in thirds and position the art within the lower two-thirds.

Proportional Presentation
Generally, large works of art balance large pieces of furniture and vice versa, but don't be afraid to mix things up.
A straight line isn't always desirable: Try hanging several works above a sofa with a curved back, following the curve in positioning the art.
When grouping , wall art separate them by at least 2".
An odd-numbered grouping (3, 5, etc.) tends to be more pleasing to the eye then a symmetrical even-numbering arrangement.

 Hammer Time
Decide where you want to hang the wall decor.
Measure artwork to locate its center.
Mark the wall where you want the hanger, and don't forget to account for the "drop" of the wire.
For a grouping, arrange all the pieces first on a table or floor, then sketch an outline to follow in hanging them.
Use hangers specifically designed for the weight of the wall art. A large or heavy piece may require two hangers, so use a carpenter's level to make sure they are aligned. Use wall studs or special drywall hangers for added strength and security. Use masonry screws for brick walls, and molding hooks for plaster walls. To hang art from picture-rail molding (near the ceiling, typically in older homes), use molding hooks, S-hook hardware, and a decorative chain or cording.


Happy hanging!