The Perfect Display: Hanging Artwork Like a Pro in Your Home

You've carefully selected the perfect artwork to complement your living space, and now it's time for the next crucial step—displaying it on your walls. A thoughtfully arranged art display can elevate the entire ambiance of your home, adding warmth, style, and a personal touch.

Still searching for the right art piece? No problem! Check out my guide: A Creative Guide to Finding Artwork for Your Home.

Now, let’s explore expert techniques to help you hang your artwork like a pro, transforming your walls into a haven that reflects your unique taste.

1. Choosing Your Artwork Location

Before grabbing a hammer, it's essential to plan the location and layout of your artwork. Take the time to walk around your home with the piece, experimenting in different rooms until you find the perfect spot.

Here are a few common placement ideas:

Standout Pieces:

If you have standout or particularly sentimental artworks, consider giving them their own dedicated space for maximum impact. Highlighting special pieces creates a sense of importance and draws the viewer in. Think of any focal points in your home where you want to draw the most attention, this could be above a couch, over a bed’s headboard, or on a fireplace mantle.

Pictured above: Storm Chaser’s Delight original painting. Prints now available here.

Art Pairings:

Pairing artwork together is a creative way to fill larger wall spaces with style. Consider grouping two or three pieces, either side by side or stacked vertically, to create a cohesive look. To keep things visually harmonious, you may want to choose pieces with similar colors or themes.

An example is selecting two artworks from the same series, like Low Tide and High Tide pictured above from The Atlantic Collection.

Small Spaces:

Don’t overlook those smaller, awkward spaces in your home. A well-placed small print can transform a dull corner into a charming, intentional nook. Perfect spots include entryways, kitchen walls, or even the bathroom.

Pictured above: Countless Shades of Blue canvas print framed in natural. Original painting available here.

2. Framing Your Artwork

Framing enhances the presentation of your artwork significantly. You will want to choose frames that complement the style of the artwork, and your home's decor.

I find that simple frames work well with a variety of home styles, and I offer a few options on my website:

Original Paintings - For original paintings, I include professional framing, ready to hang with hardware included. I typically select a natural maple floating frame for my canvas works.

Canvas Prints - Canvas prints are available framed or unframed. I offer professional framing options on my website in natural wood, black, or white, allowing you to select the style that fits your decor.

Paper Prints - Paper prints are shipped rolled and unframed, giving you the flexibility to choose the framing that fits your personal taste and budget. You may consider using mats to create a clean separation, with more breathing room, between the artwork and the frame.

3. Hanging Your Artwork

A general rule of thumb for hanging artwork is to position the center of the artwork at eye level, typically around 57 to 60 inches from the floor. This ensures that the artwork remains at a comfortable viewing height for most adults, promoting better engagement.

Invest in quality hanging hardware appropriate for the weight and size of your artwork. For heavier pieces, use wall anchors or picture hangers to ensure stability and prevent damage to your walls. Additionally, consider using two hooks for larger artworks to distribute the weight evenly.

My original paintings have a hanging wire that goes across the back. For wire, it is best to hang on a proper picture hanging hook and nail in a stud.

Lastly, don’t forget to check out my article: Art Guide: How to Care for Your Original Paintings.

With these simple yet effective techniques, you’ll transform your walls into a curated display that not only reflects your personal style but also enhances the overall atmosphere of your home.