Top 5 Tips for Hanging Art by Your Favorite Painters

It’s a wonderful feeling when you connect with a piece of art. You’re giddy the whole way home. You walk into the room you know will be the perfect area in which to display your new painting. Suddenly, you’re filled with apprehension because you want to hang this art in a way that allows people to appreciate your new favorite painter’s work the way you do. Here are five tips for hanging art like a professional.

Tip #1: There Are No Rules

You should let go of the idea that artwork has to be centered, color-coordinated with the room or other pieces of art, or anything someone has told you must be done. The biggest tip I have is to make sure you’re going to enjoy it where it is. Often, a client will buy a piece they love and then place it in a spare bedroom simply because they have an empty wall there. If you can’t see it, you might as well not have it.

If you need to clear a wall or move furniture around to be able to place a piece of your favorite art where you’ll be able to most enjoy it, then go for it.

Tip #2: It’s OK to Follow Rules

Just because it’s OK to ditch rules doesn’t mean you have to. If you like symmetry, then go for it – just do it right. Get a level and make sure your lines are even. You don’t want your lines being just a little off to distract from the art you’re displaying.

Another rule is to hang at eye level. I like this one because it’s the perfect positioning for most pieces. Picture your wall broken up into four even horizontal quadrants. If you want eye-level art, place it in the third from the floor quadrant.

Tip #3: Use Paper Placeholders

If you’re hanging multiple pieces, cut paper in the same size as the art you're hanging and place them on the wall where you’d like the pieces to go. This will give you a good idea of how the shapes will work with the area you’re using. This will save your walls from the “I don’t like it there” rehanging holes.

Tip #4: Be Sure You Have the Right Tools

Take stock of what you’re doing. Are you hanging a heavy piece on a delicate wall? What about hanging art on a brick wall? This is the time to do a lot of research online. If you don’t get this right, you can damage both the wall and your art. When you’ve consulted reputable forums or friends, be sure you don’t take shortcuts on the tools.

If a drill is necessary, don’t fool yourself into thinking a hammer will do. We know you want to get it hung so you can enjoy it, but getting it right the first time will save you headaches down the line.

Tip #5: You Don’t Have to Hang It

There are several ways to display a painting without having to actually hang it. If you like to switch artwork out a lot, you might want to consider adding a shallow picture shelf to your room. You can mix up your displays too by hanging a picture, leaning some against the wall, or using a picture rail. It’s your art – you display it the way you want!

Find Your New Favorite Inspiration

The right piece of art will just speak to you, inspire your imagination, be the focal point of lively conversations, or just the center of your quiet moments. I invite you to browse my artwork and find the piece that calls your name. If you’d like to talk about a commission, ask a question, or make a purchase, please contact me here or call 214-543-4796.