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Tips for Hanging Framed Artwork and Photos

Although it seems as though it should be the simplest part of decorating your home, hanging artwork can often be more complicated than choosing the artwork itself. This is especially true if you have multiple pieces to hang upon one wall or within one room. Hanging too many pieces of artwork or framed photos within a space can make the room feel smaller and cluttered, but not including enough wall art can make a space feel bland and devoid of personality.

Beautiful artwork in a colorful living room

by Digs By Katie | Katie Leede & Company

Art hanging tips

When hanging art above a piece of furniture, make sure the piece or grouping of pieces is no longer than the furniture itself. A good rule of thumb is to hang art and groupings that are about three-fourths of the total width of the furniture below.

Do not hang your wall art too high. This is a rookie mistake many people make, usually by falsely assuming that hanging art higher will make the ceiling seem taller. However, art should always hang at eye level.

Kids room with colorful hanging art work

by Becky Harris from Design Public

Visualize and Create a Template

When hanging groupings of different sized art, you should first create a template. Imagine the grouping as one large rectangular or square piece of art. Hang a newspaper cut out on the wall and decide how you will place the art within that shape. Trace each framed piece within the cut out if it will help you visualize the final product. Create the same sized shape on the wall in washable pencil, and wipe away after the pieces are all hung.

Careful About the Weight

Lastly, select hardware carefully and do not misjudge the weight of your artwork. Often framed pieces of art, especially those with a thick glass front, are too heavy for your average nail. Select hanging systems that can withstand the art. The only thing worse than poorly hung art is a damaged wall and shattered frame.

Modern living room with artwork and fancy sofa

by Leverone Design (Lisa Romerein)

Modern artwork hanged in contemporary apartment

by FORMA Design

Traditional living room art work

by MJ Lanphier

Fancy living room furniture and art work

by CHROMA design lab + interiors / Photography by Mike Butler

Hanging artwork in the living room, above furniture

by Pilar Calleja – Draw The Line Design

Horses painting hanged in the living room

by Marie Burgos Design

Carrie Dagenhard

Carrie is a seasoned blogger, entertainment journalist and all around professional wordsmith with a passion for interior design and home organization. A self-proclaimed eternal wanderer and neat freak, she enjoys sharing her eclectic tastes and zeal of creating a beautiful and balanced space through DIY home décor. After graduating with a degr[...]

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