Curating your home to reflect your personal style gives you the freedom to break traditional design rules! Instead of sticking to the “white cube” gallery aesthetic, personalize your home full of artwork and objects you love, thoughtfully arranged to complement your space. Incorporating art in your home can unify the design, adding intention and cohesiveness to the overall vibe. Hanging artwork for the first time can feel a bit daunting, but don’t worry! With a few easy tips, you’ll be ready to tackle it with confidence. Here are some guidelines to help you get started.
Hanging a Painting
When you find a painting you love, displaying it properly helps you fully admire it. Typically, the center of the artwork should be at eye level. Measure the distance between the top of the painting and the hanging wire pulled taut—this is called the drop measurement. It is the key to where you should place the hook on the wall. To figure out where to nail the hook, subtract the drop measurement from where you want the top of the painting to be. Keep in mind, it should match your eye level—customize your home to suit your personal taste!
When hanging art above furniture, you can bypass the eye-level rule. Instead, aim to have the bottom of the painting hang 8-12 inches above the furniture. Remember to consider the drop measurement! Depending on the size and style of both the furniture and the artwork, adjust the space between them to create a visually pleasing effect.
The ⅔ Rule
To make your artwork the focal point, use the ⅔ rule. The length of the artwork should be roughly two-thirds the length of the wall space or the furniture beneath it. If you have 3 feet of wall space, then the artwork should be around 2 feet, give or take a few inches. This helps balance the room and ensures the artwork doesn’t look too small or too cramped on the wall. By taking up most of the space, the artwork naturally becomes the center of attention. Don’t be afraid to get creative- try out different placements and see where it best fits!
Grouping Artwork
If you don’t have a single artwork that’s large enough, you can create a grouping of smaller pieces. Arrange two or three smaller works together to occupy roughly two-thirds of the available wall space. You can group them by theme, color palette, or simply because you enjoy how they look together.
Alternatively, consider creating a gallery wall. A gallery wall allows you to display multiple pieces of art, photographs, or framed prints, giving your space a personal touch. This is an excellent option for larger walls or above long pieces of furniture like a hallway credenza. A gallery wall balances the space while adding character and personality.
By following these tips, your artwork can be the focal point of any room, adding style, personality, and balance to your home. While these guidelines are helpful, they’re only a starting point. Sometimes, the best art breaks traditional rules—so feel free to experiment and curate your space in a way that truly reflects your unique vision!