|
 How
to Hang a Painting
Determine placement
Consider the area in your home, and what aesthetic effect you
envision. Are you looking to add interest to a small nook? Would
you like to create a calming, serene atmosphere, or would you
like to create a bold, dynamic space?
A painting can bring a previously ignored nook
to life. A landscape can open up a small room by creating a window
to the vista depicted in the scene. Groups of smaller paintings
add variety and depth. Horizontal lines in a larger painting can
create serenity and, in a narrow room, can create the illusion
of increased width in the space. In a room with low ceilings,
a painting with bold vertical lines can make the ceiling seem
higher.
If you are decorating a new home, or re-decorating
a room, consider placing all of the furniture first, based on
the intended function of the room, then determine the location
of paintings. A general guideline is to hang paintings that are
more than half the width of the furniture below.
Paintings are for the eyes as well as the soul,
so hang paintings at eye-level. It is a common mistake to hang
paintings too high. Remember the function of the room, however.
In a dining room, eye-level may be lower, since people will be
sitting down a majority of the time. It is worth the time to ask
someone to hold the painting while you walk around the room and
determine placement.
Wall Fixtures
Though it may seem obvious, it is necessary to have secure fixings
on which to hang the painting. One may wake in the middle of the
night to a loud bang, yell out to ward off the burglar, only to
find upon flipping on the light downstairs that the painting just
purchased that day is on the floor.
We recommend taking the time to find studs in
the wall, or to plant two or three secure drywall nails before
hanging.
Another option. .
. don't hang your painting!
Consider that smaller paintings can be arranged on a mantle, bookshelf,
end-table, bedstand, piano top, or counter top. You can also place
paintings with consistently-themed objects (such as Tuscan pottery,
botanical arrangements, sculptures) to create an appealing decorative
look.
back
TO PREVIOUS PAGE |
