Hanging Pictures, Art & Objects

Contributed by Barb Cook, Interior Designer & The Hive Overland Park Member

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I’ve been stuck in the house the past few days waiting for mother nature to make up her mind to snow or not to snow.  The decorations are put away and the house looks like a minimalist has moved in. The walls, now in plain sight are looking a little stark, they need to be refreshed! Maybe you recently acquired some new art work or, if you are like me, want to switch some things up to give your space a refreshed look as we welcome the new year. Let's learn how to hang pictures, art and objects.

Where do I start you ask?

First, gather the pieces of artwork, wall sculpture or anything that comes to mind that you want to use, incorporating the entire space you are standing in front of. Consider adding some inexpensive objects that can add character, evoke a memory of a vacation and create dimension to your arrangement.

As you put your plan in place, also consider using one color as a primary focus and repeat that color to create rhythm giving your eyes a place to travel throughout the arrangement. The choice of your frame selection can also incorporate your unique personality into your design.  A simple, slim, metal frame or a frameless frame gives a more modern look, while a heavier, more ornate frame will suggest a more traditional interior.  As the photo above illustrates, you can see the entire arrangement is anchored above the sofa, end tables and lamps. I like to use larger pieces to center the arrangement and fill in around them. I’ve used tint and shades of blue to create rhythm. The canoe draws the eye up, accenting the ceiling height.

Before we get out the hammer and supplies, let’s do a little planning.

I like to start with my anchor piece, which is larger than the others, and create the design from there. Once you have your art pieces selected, you have a couple of options to plan the look that reflects your personal design aesthetic; one is to lay them out on the floor in front of the wall and then measure each piece and the space between them. I do not recommend hanging large pieces more than 5” from each other so they will keep their connection with the piece next to them. If your pieces are smaller in scale, you want them to be closer to each other. For smaller pieces in the arrangement, I place them 2-3” apart.

Once your design is complete, transfer the measurements to paper to use as a map, then begin hanging. Another option many designers elect to use is craft paper; measure each piece, label and cut out the shapes/sizes of your pieces. From there, they can be taped to the wall, and you can adjust them as needed, remembering to keep them the recommended distance from each other and the top of the furniture to avoid art that is hung too high above the furniture or mantle.

Now that you have your layout set, you want to make sure you have the right tools.  A stud finder, level and laser level will be life savers for getting correct heights across the span of your artwork and vertical alignment when using multiple frames. In addition, a pencil (never use a pen on walls to prevent damage to the drywall), nails, mollies, hangers, a tape-measure, and hammer to hang your pieces. If your artwork is heavy, consider hanging it on a stud for more support using sturdy screws to support more weight. If you are going into drywall, consider using plastic wall anchors or self-drilling anchors for better grip.

There are two styles of hanging artwork that designers use when planning wall arrangements; Salon and Museum.

Salon style allows you to create a grouping of objects that both complement and create unexpected combinations, juxtaposing each other. This style can fill an area or an entire wall making one large art collage that looks curated over time. The Salon style works for modern and traditional design aesthetics.

 Museum style is generally one focal piece of art above a piece of furniture, bench or alone on a wall. Think of how you see paintings displayed at your favorite museum. In both styles, pictures are hung at eye level, about 57 inches from the center of your picture to the floor. The artwork should take up approximately two-thirds the width of the furniture or wall that it’s placed on for balance.

Allowing time for thoughtful preparation, will ensure a perfect arrangement that reflects a beautiful interior highlighting your personal style.