I want to preface this list by saying that any art that hangs in your home should bring you joy and pleasure, and that - honestly - you can hang it any way you like…
However, there are some basic strategies that will make your artwork look even better on your walls, and hopefully these ideas will give you the courage to get any unhung prints, original paintings or framed photos up off the floor or, even worse, out of a cupboard!
Here is my list of simple Dos and Don’ts
DO
As a general rule, artwork should be hung at eye level, which my American customers insist is exactly 58-60 inches (147-152 cm) from the floor, but in fact varies a wee bit dependent on your height and the height of your ceilings.
EXTRA TIP
That said, if you’re hanging either one painting or a group of paintings above a sofa or headboard, LOWER IS BETTER. Aim for a maximum of 20-25 cm above the back of the furniture.
DON’T
Don’t hang one small painting by itself on a medium or larger wall, BIGGER IS BETTER AND MORE IS MORE! Above a sofa, artwork should take up an absolute minimum of two thirds of its length.
(Artwork by Danny Schreiber)
(Artwork by Aimee Schreiber)
EXTRA TIP
You can hang groups of smaller paintings plus object d’arts (lettering, clocks, skulls, sconces, small tapestries) together on a wall as long as there is a cohesiveness in size and theme. This could be frame colour, painting style, accent colour or even just purely because you like them!
DO
Err on the side of caution with hanging materials. I always have my paintings professionally framed, which includes a hanging string across the back of the canvas. If it’s a heavy piece use rawl plugs and screws, and if necessary hire a joiner/carpenter to do a big job properly. Take time using good quality wall hooks and check artwork is straight with a spirit level. Don’t use the velcro sticky pads unless it’s a cheap print in an Ikea frame that you don’t mind unexpectedly pinging off the wall from time to time.
DON’T
Do not just shove a painting up on a nail or hook left there by the last owner of the house. Spend a few minutes thinking how your artwork would look against furniture, placing it at eye level, or you run the risk of it becoming a micro annoyance FOREVER!
(Image via Juniper Home)
DO
The most treasured artwork looks best above or beside furniture, otherwise it will be lonely. That doesn’t have to mean everything becomes matchy-matchy colour-wise, more that you can intentionally create an interesting line for your eyes to enjoy travelling over. Strategically placed lamps, plants or tables enhance the look of paintings.
DON’T ever, EVER hang paintings staggered on a wall like this, I beg you. It looks old-fashioned and gives me the ICK!
DO
Consider painting the wall behind a special artwork a shade or two darker than you might think. I love a dark blue/grey wall with a stunning artwork hanging on it, even better with a hint of gold!
(Artwork by Susie Collingbourne)
If you live in the Edinburgh area, I’m going to begin an exciting new service starting in January to help hang artwork in your home. I’ll be offering digital mockups of how your rooms could look, and I’ll work with you to find the ideal placement of either one painting or a houseful of artwork needing a fresh and creative approach to wall hanging. This can be a really simple and straightforward process that goes a long way towards making anyone’s home more joyful and stylish.
Sign up to my newsletter if you haven’t already for details about how you can get early access to my waiting list for this inexpensive service.
You can sign up to receive my newsletter via my website at www.susiecollingbourne.com
Thank you and happy hanging!
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