Do you want to display artwork like a Pro? Read these easy steps!
Let’s display artwork like a pro!
For me, artwork is the cherry on top of all your decorating. It finishes off the space and brings a room together. Coming from a family of artists, hanging art at the proper height and proportions has been instilled in me.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO DISPLAY ARTWORK LIKE A PRO
Measuring Tape
Pencil
Hammer
Screwdriver and/or Drill
Picture Hangers
Screws
Painter's Tape
Tracing Paper
Silicone Bumpers
Level
SYMMETRICAL & ASYMMETRICAL ARTWORK DISPLAYS
Whether you’re creating a gallery wall or using part of a wall for your artwork arrangement, for a symmetrical layout you’ll need to find the centre of the wall so the pictures are evenly balanced.
If your layout is asymmetrical you don’t need the wall’s centre.
Step 1 - Find the Width & Height of the Wall
Measure the width and height of the wall where you’re hanging artwork. If you’re using the entire wall, you’ll also need to find the centre of the wall.
For the width:
Place your tape measure along the baseboard measuring the wall from end to end
Divide this number by two, for example 10 ÷ 2 = is 5 feet
Using a pencil, mark the halfway point on the wall above the baseboard and at the top of the wall
For the height:
Measure the wall from floor to ceiling
Divide this number by two, for example 8 ÷ 2 = 4 feet
Mark the halfway point with a pencil
Step 2 - Intersect the Width & Height Measurements
Using the marked width and height halfway points, match up the width marks (top and bottom) with the height mark (floor to ceiling) and mark the wall with a pencil at 4 feet.
This is the centre of the wall. Measure the layout from this centre point for each side of your symmetrical artwork layout.
Gallery Wall Tip
Lay artwork on craft paper, trace each piece & mark hanging points. Tape the paper on the wall & hammer in the nails. Remove paper & hang art!
Use these 3 Quick Measurements
57” to 60” Ideal height for art on a wall
3” to 6” Ideal distance between art pieces
6” to 8” Ideal distance between bottom of art and top of furniture
1. Ideal Height for Art on a Wall
The centre of artwork should be 57” to 60” from the floor. If you’re hanging a gallery wall you’ll need to find the visual centre of the arrangement (see above to find the centre of a wall).
2. Ideal Distance Between Art Pieces
Leave 3” to 6” between art pieces so the frames relate to each other. If you leave too little, art looks crowded and too much it loses its visual impact.
3. Ideal Distance Between Bottom of Art & Top of Furniture
Allow 6” to 8” between the top of furniture and the bottom of artwork (measure the back of the furniture piece for height).
ARTWORK & FURNITURE
Sofas & Beds
Allow 6” to 8” between the top of furniture and the bottom of artwork
Put large art or a group of artwork in the centre above large furniture
The art or group of artwork should be no more than 2/3 or 75% the width of the furniture
If the group of artwork is not centred, ensure it is symmetrical so it doesn’t overpower the furniture
Side Tables & Night Stands
These tables usually feature a lamp and/or accessories
Hang artwork at eye level or 57” to 60” from the floor
Bookcases & Chests
This wall space is a great opportunity for a piece of art or a grouping of artwork
Use the 6” to 8” rule in this case
Console Tables
These tables feature a lamp, two lamps on either end, a centre piece or accessories
Make the artwork part of the vignette and place it a minimum 6” above tables
Fireplace
This is a focal point of a room
Make the art or artwork group the same size as the fireplace opening for visual impact
Now that your artwork is displayed like a Pro…
Sit back and admire your work!