Hints on Hanging Art
Here are some tips on assembling groupings. Remember, successful decorating is sometimes a matter of inches. Creating custom groupings that fit your style and personality is what decorating is all about. With Celebrating Home we can help you do just that.
1. Put the grouping on the floor to determine the spacing. (You can use the brown paper method. Place the grouping on the floor on brown paper, trace around the items, then put the paper on the wall with masking tape and hammer nails into the wall through the paper.)
2. Have you ever tried to hand a big print, or hang a shelf that has 2 "teeth" hangers? It's not easy!!! Try toothpaste. Yes, toothpaste! Place a small dab of toothpaste right in the center of the "teeth” hanger. Then place the print or shelf where you want to hang it. Gently press up against the wall and pull away. You'll see a small bit of the toothpaste on the wall. Pound your nail (that has a "head" on it) at an angle right through the toothpaste. Wipe off the toothpaste, and hang the print or shelf. You can use this on the paper as well.
3. Every room should have one focal wall. The other walls should compliment it.
4. Hang groupings 3” to 11” above furniture for a unified look.
5. Items in a grouping should be placed no more than a width of four fingers apart. You want it to appear as a grouping, not just individual items hung on the wall.
6. Most rooms have a lot of horizontal lines; therefore they need vertical lines and curves to add interest. Consider adding items in multiples for a tiled effect or a round mirror.
7. The line of the grouping should follow the line of the furniture or wall. For example: Horizontal sofa = horizontal grouping; cathedral ceiling = triangle.
8. Slanting lines should be used only with a staircase or slanted walls in your home such as an attic space.
9. Not every wall requires an accessory. Use an open area to give the eye someplace to rest.
10. Place pictures or plaques low on the wall and beneath a lamp to create the effect of light “bathing” the accessories.
11. When hanging a grouping that is not anchored by a piece of furniture consider adding a shelf at the bottom to ground the grouping.
For assistance decorating or accessorizing your home contact Independent Celebrating Home
Designer, Donna Frazier at 336-209-2133.