| Hanging art work is a great way to add decorative | | | | the room's colors, and that brings out the mood you |
| flair to a room. The color, shape and type of artwork | | | | want to achieve. |
| you choose will add a personal touch to every space. | | | | Vibrant, bold colors in artwork add pizzazz, while |
| How you hang wall art--as a single frame or as a | | | | neutral tones produce a calming effect. Match the |
| grouping of frames--influences the entire look of the | | | | colors in the picture to the colors of your wall or |
| room. Proper picture hanging requires more | | | | couch, or to one of the subtle shades in the carpet. |
| consideration than one might think; it is not just | | | | However, if you want to create an art-deco-inspired |
| about pounding a nail in the wall and resting your art | | | | look, hang a picture whose main color contrasts that |
| on it. | | | | of the walls. For example, if you have green walls, |
| The following are some key tips on how to hang a | | | | choose a picture that has bright red tones in it--it will |
| picture: | | | | add punch to the entire room and make that wall the |
| Decide on the number of frames | | | | focal point. |
| When hanging wall art, first decide on the number of | | | | Use an art shelf |
| frames you want to use. You can either hang a single | | | | Who says art needs to be hung on a wall? Instead, |
| frame or a group of frames on the same wall. | | | | try putting up a shelf on which you can rest art |
| If you opt for a single frame, it should suit the size | | | | pieces. A shelf can take up less wall space and add a |
| of the wall, and be placed at the center point. Make | | | | fashionable, contemporary look to a room. |
| sure you hang the picture at eye level; you may | | | | Be creative |
| want to ask someone to help you judge the position. | | | | You do not have to hang a group of frames in a |
| If you want to hang a grouping of artwork--that is, | | | | straight line. Depending on the wall, you can create |
| two or more frames of the same or varying | | | | original, interesting displays with wall art. |
| size--test the arrangement first by laying the pictures | | | | Art pieces can be hung in a horizontal line. This |
| on the floor. Do you want to hang the frames in a | | | | pattern creates a widening effect on the wall, and |
| symmetrical line? Do you want to hang them in a | | | | looks best displayed over a long piece of furniture |
| diagonal line? Play around with creative patterns until | | | | such as a couch or table. |
| you find one that pleases you. To replicate the exact | | | | Hanging wall art in a vertical line gives a more formal |
| pattern, lay the pictures on paper and trace the | | | | look and adds height and refinement to a room. This |
| outside of each frame. Tape the paper to the wall | | | | picture-hanging pattern looks best when displayed |
| and use it as a template. | | | | near a doorway. |
| Match art and wall size | | | | A diagonal line of picture frames produces a unique |
| Although picture hanging allows for personal | | | | and interesting design. This pattern should be |
| creativity, it needs to be esthetically pleasing to the | | | | reserved for a stairway where there is a natural |
| eye once the last frame has been secured to the | | | | progression of height occurring along the wall. Hanging |
| wall. The number one rule to remember when you | | | | pictures diagonally on any other wall will give an |
| hang a picture is that the size of the frame needs to | | | | awkward look to the room. |
| be relative to the size of the wall. Smaller frames | | | | Hang art securely |
| look best on narrow walls, while larger frames or a | | | | When you hang a picture, make sure the frame is |
| group of frames are best hung on expansive walls. | | | | resting flat against the wall. Instead of nails, use |
| Match art to furniture size | | | | specially-designed picture hooks, and make sure that |
| Wall art needs to appropriate furniture size. For | | | | each accommodates the picture's weight. If your |
| instance, the picture frame over your couch should | | | | frame is very large or heavy, the hooks should be |
| not be longer than the width of the couch. As a | | | | installed in the wall studs to get the sturdiest support. |
| general rule, the bottom length of the frame should | | | | Picture-hanging perfection |
| not exceed 75% to 80% of the length of the piece | | | | While a blank wall can be intimidating to tackle, these |
| of furniture, and let the height of the furniture piece | | | | picture-hanging tips should make the task a little |
| determine the height of the art. It should not be too | | | | easier. Choose a piece or a few pieces of artwork |
| high; the base of the frame should be no more than | | | | you like, color-coordinate them with a specific room, |
| 8" inches above the top of the piece of furniture. | | | | decide on a picture-hanging pattern, secure them |
| Choose the right colors | | | | well, and voila! You've just created a well-dressed |
| In order for your wall art to stand out and make a | | | | wall. |
| statement, choose a picture that best complements | | | | |