Learn how to place, frame and hang art
Learn how to place, frame and hang art
Learning how to place, frame and hang art can feel overwhelming when you first begin but is incredibly rewarding. Practicing these skills gives you the power to completely transform spaces. Here are some of Cramer & Bell’s best tips, picked up after years in the industry as art consultants for hotels, restaurants and residential developments.
Placing art:
The space you are trying to fill should inform the orientation of your artwork. Horizontal spaces, like above headboards or long hallways, best suit landscape orientation artworks or series of multiple smaller pieces. Locations that best suit portrait orientation artworks are narrow columns, while square-shaped artworks work well above boxy furniture.
Also consider the audience and purpose of the space. For instance, our clients often request calming and neutral-toned artworks in bedrooms. Very private spaces, like bathrooms, can present an opportunity for experimentation. Consider placing a comedic print or an arrangement of playful photographs.
Be thoughtful about how your artworks interact with other art and decorative elements in the space. The wall colour should complement the colours of your artwork, so be careful to not select artworks that clash nor blend in too much.
Framing art:
The right frame can elevate an artwork into something very special. Consider using a variety of frame materials (woods and metals), thicknesses, colours, textures and designs to add visual interest.
We often look at colours within an artwork to decide which kind of wood or stain to use for the frame. Coloured paint can be a nice way to add a bit of fun to your artwork and interior space.
Another element to consider are the finishes within the room where the artwork will hang. Try to match the frame to the metal finishes or wood type of the furniture in the room for a seamless look.
Equally as important as the frame edge is the mount. Select a mount that compliments the colours of the piece – an off-white mount versus a bright white can make a huge difference. When a work on paper has a beautiful deckled edge, we recommend floating the artwork so as to show this off!
Lastly, selecting the correct glass can help prevent damage from dirt, dust and damaging UV light. Do your research (or ask your framer for advice) to select the right glazing for the medium and hanging conditions. For instance, anti-reflective/UV protected glass is critical for works on paper in direct sunlight.
Hanging art:
When hanging art, the industry standard for artwork height is between 150 to 160cm from the floor to the centre of the artwork – this is average eye level. If you are hanging a picture above a piece of furniture, we advise giving about 20cm of space. If you are hanging art in an area with seating, consider how the artwork will look whilst sitting down.
Do research into what type of wall you are hanging on – specialist hanging fixtures are occasionally required and you don’t want anything falling down.
Final thoughts:
Placing, framing and hanging art is a skill that anybody can learn. Over time you will begin to instinctually understand what works. That said, there is not just one right way. Everybody will have their own preference. Trust your instinct and your eye for design to end up with something you truly love!
If you are looking to source art to transform spaces, find out more about Cramer & Bell via their website here.