You’ve decided on your next piece of artwork (hopefully, from one of our incredible artists at Barsky Gallery NJ) and deciding where to hang it in your home.
Well, before you do, here are three common art hanging mistakes that you won’t want to make.
Common Art Hanging Mistakes
Hanging Art Too High
Poor Spacing Between Pieces
Wrong Location for Artwork
Hanging Art Too High
The number one mistake people make when hanging art is picking a spot that is altogether way too high.
On the contrary, art in your home should be at eye-level, only about 60 inches from the floor to the center of the piece.
Readjusting your art to hang just a bit lower than you’d think adds sophistication and tastefulness to a room. It really shows off the art, is more eye-catching, and is an effective use of space.
Making this simple change can totally transform your space and you’ll soon agree that it’s indeed more aesthetically pleasing.
Poor Spacing Between Pieces
When hanging art in your home, you’ll want to not only consider the wall space you have to work with, but also the furniture in the room that will be below the piece. In general, your art should be a bit smaller than the furniture.
Additionally, you’ll want the piece to be ⅔ of the size of whatever furniture is below it such as a couch or buffet.
In most cases, hanging one large piece on an empty wall is more aesthetically pleasing than hanging a small piece leaving lots of white space.
If you’d like to hang two or three equally sized pieces on the same wall, treat them as one work using the same rules of thumb -- 60 inches from the center of the piece to the floor, 4 to 6 inches above furniture, and ⅔ the size of the furniture.
For gallery walls, hang larger pieces 2 to 3 inches apart and smaller pieces 1.5 to 2.5 inches apart. It might seem closer together than you’re used to but, trust us… it’ll look amazing.
Wrong Location for Artwork
When hanging art in your home, you’ll also want to get the location right.
A striking piece on its own in the entryway can make a bold statement. A large artwork above your bed is another stunning look. Gallery walls feel amazing in living rooms and a tastefully spaced row of evenly sized works can completely transform your hallway.
Plus, framing matters when it comes to different locations in the house. Prints framed with a glass front can help reflect light in darker spaces whereas a frame allowing the canvas to remain exposed works in well-lit areas.
Don’t worry, our Hoboken art framing experts can help.
Tips for Hanging Art Like a Pro
Go for one large piece of art or a gallery wall of smaller pieces.
Hang your art so that the center is about 60 inches from the ground -- lower than you might think.
Your art should be about ⅔ of the size of the furniture below it.
Hang your art 4 to 6 inches above furniture -- again, lower than you think.
Hanging multiple pieces? Treat them as if they were a single piece.
For gallery walls, large pieces should only be 2 to 3 inches apart and small pieces 1.5 to 2.5 inches apart.
Of course, hanging art in your home is a personal experience and if you’re someone that likes to break all the rules of convention, be our guest!
However, if you want your home to look polished and put-together with your fabulous art collection beaming on the walls, using these picture-hanging techniques can go a long way.
“Hang your art a little lower than you might be tempted to, make sure there’s not too much white space in between pieces, and choose the location of your home art wisely.”
Albert Barsky of Barsky Gallery
Still feeling overwhelmed? Our Art Services can help.
Learn more about Home and Office Art Installation and avoid these prevailing art hanging mistakes once and for all.