There are numerous ways to display artwork effectively. Some of the factors that determine placement are the space/room, the style and size of the artwork, the number of pieces, one's own style, height of the ceiling and so on. Here are some pictures for inspiration with some guidelines to keep in mind.
Artwork is generally hung too high. In a living room, for example, where most occupants will be seated, the artwork should be at a level at which those seated can appreciate the piece.
Mix things up for interest by placing different items on the wall like in the picture below. If unsure of placement, in this type of grouping, start with the largest piece near the center.
Photo: Thomas J. Story
The occupant of the room is important in determining height placement. In this case, a kid's room with artwork by bedside at eye level.
Photo: Lisa Romerein
Negative space in a room like in this case, a corner, can be made much more interesting by adding a mix of artwork.
Photo: Lisa Romerein
Bringing the outdoors in adds calm. Note - the artwork is not centered above the bed but above the nightstand and bed together. It works!
Photo: Lisa Romerein
Adding artwork to a shelf can break up the monotony of the shelf display if too large.
Photo: Thomas J. Story
A frame with a personal picture displayed on the kitchen counter warms up the space instantly and can be easily changed.
Photo: Ericka McConnell
Another effective way is to keep everything at the same level (eye level) to create a linear grouping.
Photo: Thomas J. Story
A color scheme (in this case blue, yellow and white) and a symmetrical grouping adds balance.
A tall ceiling allows for a mix of artwork with inches between rather than grouped close together. Note the artwork on table and propped up on floor.
In this room, because of the slanted ceiling the collection has been grouped closer. There is balance with the sizing of pieces on either side of the window.
Scale is very important. A piece or pieces (collectively) should be at least two-thirds the size of furniture it is displayed above.
Visual balance with heavier piece near the bottom.
Level the middles of the artwork pieces when working within one room and different walls, different sized artwork.
In the kitchen, artwork should be hung away from water or heat.
Do not hang a small single piece on an oversized wall. Place it on a narrower wall or as part of a grouping or else it will look lost. For example, good for between doors and windows.
Layering adds a lot of interest and warmth, like on the mantle.
Match your style in terms of choice of artwork and the way to display - symmetrical displays are traditional and formal whereas assymetrical ones are more modern.
This I love. Propped up artwork.
Lastly, use paper (brown, newspaper) templates to lay out artwork. I use this all the time for clients (even for furniture layouts) as it gives one a better sense of scale and balance.
These are just guidelines. There is no perfect way to display art. It is your artwork so make it work for you and make sure you enjoy it. Do you display your artwork in one particular way or do you like to try out different groupings and mixes? Would you now try something new?
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Lisa
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