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Arranging a group of pictures

There are plenty of opinions about how to design an “arrangement” of pictures. If you have a formal or symmetrical composition of several similar images that are the same size and frame, it’s fairly simple to create a balanced composition.

When working with a grouping of pictures or objects hung on a wall, think of the grouping as one large picture and relate the bottom of the entire grouping to the furniture underneath it.

• Does the center rule apply if you are hanging a tall vertical picture, panel, or poster? In this case, it may be better to think about placing the art so that the top one-third area of the picture is near eye level. However, the actual height of the piece will determine the best position on the wall. Again, have someone hold it lower and higher as you see what looks best.

• What about hanging small pictures? A small picture hung on a large wall can look out of balance. Look for narrow walls (such as the spaces between two doorways or windows) and consider hanging two or three small pictures in a vertical line. In this case, treat the center picture as the center of the grouping.
• Groupings in matching frames should be placed about 2 to 2 1/2 inches apart, or for a window-like appearance, even closer. Groupings in unmatched frames can have a little more space between.
• Use pairs of paintings for a symmetrical, formal look; conversely, asymmetrical groupings give a more casual feel.
   

Tags: artwork height, decorating, group art
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At FSID, we are often asked: “What is the optimal height for art?”
Not sure how high to hang art on your walls? You’re not alone! Most people tend to hang artwork too high, which can make it look like it is floating up toward the ceiling. The good news is there are many options for hanging your artwork so avoid the too-high hanging blunders and use my tips with helpful ideas and designer secrets for getting the best look for hanging artwork.

You may have heard that you should hang artwork so the center of the picture is at eye level.

Right away you may be confused, especially if you’re 5 feet tall and others in the house are over 6 feet tall. Also, does this eye level rule apply to all sizes of art or just large sizes? What about a grouping of several pieces of framed art? What if you are hanging a painting over a sofa – should it be hung at the same level as when the picture is used in a hallway? Approximately 60 to 65 inches from the floor to the center of the art is a place to start.

Begin to think of the artwork you are hanging as it relates to everything around it. Whether you hang a framed picture over a sofa, on a stairway wall, or in the hall, each of these spaces will have elements to consider.

• Will you mainly be standing as in an entryway or hallway? If so, it may make sense to hang artwork a bit higher than the 60-65 inch center starting point –especially if the ceiling is tall.
• In a room where you generally sit down like a dining room, family room, or office, hang pictures a bit lower, so they can be enjoyed at a lower viewing angle. Sit in a chair and have someone hold the picture against the wall, moving it up and down so you can evaluate the look.
• A large framed piece over a sofa or sideboard relates more easily when hung so the bottom of the frame is positioned 6 to 12 inches above the top of the sofa back or tabletop. This won’t work, however, if your artwork is very small. In that case, consider hanging the piece in a group of other objects such as plates, mirrors, or decorative items.

Tags: artwork height, decorating, where to hang art
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