Art, like beauty “is in the eye of the beholder”. Which means, people have different ideas about what is beautiful or what is considered art. Get out there and find some ART you like. Do something about those blank walls. That clear, bare, plain space. A conundrum to most. A mathematical burden to others. Fret not my decorating enthusiast, let these images drive away your insecurities and inspire you to enliven your walls.
Salon style dates back to the 18th century when schools would hold annual art shows with limited wall space. A salon style art wall brings major drama. If you are brave enough to try it, the results are amazing. The space between the art should be consistent. In the art world this is called “rest”. The eye needs space to rest before looking at another piece. Rest space will vary 2-6″ .
Measure the space then lay the images on the floor in groups to create your design. This will give you the confidence to begin putting holes in the wall.
It helps if the art is tied together in someway (like the black & white pieces in this pictures). Don’t get caught up on matching frames. It’s actually more “Salon” if they don’t match.
A modern mixed media gallery brings personality and color to blank walls. Abandon the rules and mix large with small, paintings with photographs, color with black & white. For a fool proof way to see it before you hang it, make a template and tape it on the wall. This will give you an idea of proportion, spacing and height.
Consistent spacing (2-4″) is the key to an organized grouping. This look is easily achieved (with a tape measure) and will brighten any room
When hanging art are over a piece of furniture 1) it should hover 6-12″ above the object 2) should never be wider than the object.
57″
57 is the magic number. The center (not the top of the frame) of the artwork should hang at 57″ from the floor. Why? because that is the average eye-level. Knowing this magic number will give all your art hanging projects continuity. No more ….. “is that high enough?”
HOW TO:
1. Measure and lightly mark 57″ on the wall
2. Measure artwork and divide by 2 (this gives you the center)
3. Measure top of your picture to the tightened wire (a small amount)
4. Subtract “tight wire” amount from 1/2 height amount for the “to the hook” amount. This will tell you how far above 57″ your hook should go
5. Lightly mark wall just above 57″ with the “to the hook” amount
FOR INSTANCE
1. You buy a lovely painting 60″ tall
2. The middle of the painting is 30″ (this mid point should rest at 57″)
3. Wire comes to 10″ below the top (pulled tight)
4. 30″ – 10″ = 20″
5. Lightly mark 20″ above your first mark OR 77″ on the wall
Now that you know the tricks……go out and buy some art.
