Design How-To: Hang Art Like a Pro

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6qPRfTHINy1UIYwPyfHID-OnRr9puYNdKCAI-zM5DYJ_kemusvvpwSOZepNke5Suc5RcaZzggdMHje9vrsEVC3g5oag3cO0-9F8CMb2GNUuJcoInVfx0j086igCMwsAs0958-IU6nbZv/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-06-02+at+3.29.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6qPRfTHINy1UIYwPyfHID-OnRr9puYNdKCAI-zM5DYJ_kemusvvpwSOZepNke5Suc5RcaZzggdMHje9vrsEVC3g5oag3cO0-9F8CMb2GNUuJcoInVfx0j086igCMwsAs0958-IU6nbZv/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-06-02+at+3.29.18+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Hanging art is one of the decorating road blocks I come across a lot when consulting with residential clients. The fear of leaving a trail of swiss cheese holes on freshly painted walls while looking for the perfect spot to position artwork or framed photography prevents many people from even starting their wall styling projects. I have even seen some people just use the “well the nail was there so that is where I hung it</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">”</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"> method of art installation which often results in art hanging without any relationship to the layout of the room.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpbE9MKfHnVycOJ2Bp_g8x8cjIPl8sNE5jq9EsDHpEDsU1_rjkRGFbIbo2xnBL0Dan9k-HXVmeuR6RJAKeI60LzctkwZ0lbaQ7OUKG4jTyoPVFyh4rww7SXWvr1rTB6cuYxMbrI_hqgoo/s1600/proportioned+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpbE9MKfHnVycOJ2Bp_g8x8cjIPl8sNE5jq9EsDHpEDsU1_rjkRGFbIbo2xnBL0Dan9k-HXVmeuR6RJAKeI60LzctkwZ0lbaQ7OUKG4jTyoPVFyh4rww7SXWvr1rTB6cuYxMbrI_hqgoo/s1600/proportioned+art.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Getting it Right with Scale and Proportion</span></b><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The best way to determine where to hang a piece of art is to anchor it with a piece of furniture below it. The piece below should be the same size or wider. If the anchor piece is smaller, it will appear as if the art above is teetering precariously over it.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4y7mV-VPtpvjOh-58w-9qc1sf9WLy430Lzq0GvMIHJlsfsKV20pB8iYJXh7K_7-SUmSAwSxXMJ4YVDUdZOxuyt61i67kt5z9wR72HrtFbcPs_PaBEPXBprDjGojorV6q64gdhSvvSIxc9/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-06-02+at+2.44.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4y7mV-VPtpvjOh-58w-9qc1sf9WLy430Lzq0GvMIHJlsfsKV20pB8iYJXh7K_7-SUmSAwSxXMJ4YVDUdZOxuyt61i67kt5z9wR72HrtFbcPs_PaBEPXBprDjGojorV6q64gdhSvvSIxc9/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-06-02+at+2.44.15+PM.png" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Don’t make the mistake of hanging your artwork too high. When people think of eye-level, they are usually hanging it higher than it should be. Try to keep the work of art close to the furniture piece below it instead of floating it so far above it that it does not seem like the two pieces go together.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Keep your desired focal point in mind. An eye-catching piece of artwork on every wall in the room will create visual chaos. It is better to select one main star and include supporting pieces that don’t fight for attention. Intentionally leave a wall free from art for a bit of breathing room.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2_q_tHaXmXC-Zf_C5kkUO6AIXt5LkLTW9mCVa4x1GSqIflW3POCtj6PXyYcFcUJDqb7mpHQq7-ObBOuMUsYNmeeglA4tsCJMhXkh6YZxu3x98Gs7-2ysdFZlBgIsSkZpB1xjcvRrFtX8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-06-02+at+3.07.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2_q_tHaXmXC-Zf_C5kkUO6AIXt5LkLTW9mCVa4x1GSqIflW3POCtj6PXyYcFcUJDqb7mpHQq7-ObBOuMUsYNmeeglA4tsCJMhXkh6YZxu3x98Gs7-2ysdFZlBgIsSkZpB1xjcvRrFtX8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-06-02+at+3.07.55+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Gallery Walls</span></b><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">When creating a gallery wall consider using the same type of frame on each piece for a cohesive look. Varying mat sizes can keep the arrangement interesting. Another approach is to completely mix it up by using an eclectic combination of frame styles. Vintage and modern frames of different finishes can co-exist nicely if grouped together in a confident manner.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Tracing the shape of a frame onto a piece of brown kraft paper then hanging this one dimensional template on the wall with the help of removable tape is a good way to establish where to hammer in the first nail.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Whether you are installing one, a few, or many works of art, step back to view its placement in relationship to the other items in the room before you commit to the arrangement’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s final position on the wall.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Special Challenges and Considerations</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Wall surfaces that feature fireplace bricks or architectural curves present structural challenges as do older walls without predictable stud placement. Likewise, after investing in custom murals or expensive wallpapers or grass cloth, the fear of making a mistake is intensified. When face to face with these challenges, it’s easy to see why many choose to avoid hanging art all together.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda46i8X5GzWrbFhoDx0GrpKlq6CUKZIzhG3JDLgCiyfQxmzogHkD150-GDwQMNLGM2EPEM2RXaALM3jRVvp4LrYfX6Tuv4scEBzNfqo8IQI3WTK4_zhU5wvT0vmQ6Kb9-3LfEN5ksyI-I/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-06-09+at+5.00.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda46i8X5GzWrbFhoDx0GrpKlq6CUKZIzhG3JDLgCiyfQxmzogHkD150-GDwQMNLGM2EPEM2RXaALM3jRVvp4LrYfX6Tuv4scEBzNfqo8IQI3WTK4_zhU5wvT0vmQ6Kb9-3LfEN5ksyI-I/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-06-09+at+5.00.54+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Traditional picture rail moldings that are installed close to ceiling height are a great way to hang art without damaging walls. A simple hook is placed over the rail allowing the art to be hung at a desired position using <a href="http://www.ashanging.com/en/products/">picture hanging hardware.</a></span><br /><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4UlPtJhzauURry5RUF6HmJwL9RkD1CosCgfD2HD7TzaZMnThn8uaieBXKybhRdh8T_RP4YlpBuiRTquUt2px8vqrlSKMliJOD_bnuXw0xPnicd1whwySsvTyT24aXwOFz2txNkVvRSdf/s1600/picture+hanging+system.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4UlPtJhzauURry5RUF6HmJwL9RkD1CosCgfD2HD7TzaZMnThn8uaieBXKybhRdh8T_RP4YlpBuiRTquUt2px8vqrlSKMliJOD_bnuXw0xPnicd1whwySsvTyT24aXwOFz2txNkVvRSdf/s1600/picture+hanging+system.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A clip and rod system at the Bassett showroom in</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Burlington makes changing art super easy.</i></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Likewise, flexible art hanging systems that utilize tracks, rails, clips, cables and rods can provide the freedom to arrange (and rearrange) artful images without worry, even on the most challenging surfaces.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Use the Right Tools</span></b><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">There are all kinds of great wall design solutions out there, whether you are hanging the finest oil painting, a cherished family photo, or a child’s mini-masterpiece <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/yblacker/hanging-art/">(visit my Pinterest board to see some of my favorites).</a> The key is to choose the type of system that will safely allow your works of art to get the attention they deserve.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: large;">All furniture and wall art available via <a href="http://www.bassettfurniture.com/">Bassett Furniture</a></span></i><br /><i><br /></i><i><br /></i><i><br /></i>

Design How-To: Hang Art Like a Pro

Hanging art is one of the decorating road blocks I come across a lot when consulting with residential clients. The fear of leaving a trail o...

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Fashionably Chic Condo, part 2

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnlyUXUOfnl2u8-XdgYXh29D7rpGQg2hMofW2E3COqNex1nPDs2t86V3RZohTkPgBH1KcU0fcFpfW2zSYzw-jc1iNzoeMLcPMxOMZfO3SQszjnx50wZxw_HEMpfOLpRPZfyO9NLDKpxo/s1600-h/kitchenflowers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383899504866503650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnlyUXUOfnl2u8-XdgYXh29D7rpGQg2hMofW2E3COqNex1nPDs2t86V3RZohTkPgBH1KcU0fcFpfW2zSYzw-jc1iNzoeMLcPMxOMZfO3SQszjnx50wZxw_HEMpfOLpRPZfyO9NLDKpxo/s400/kitchenflowers.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I love how the pretty-in-pink flowers look against the Sandy Hook Gray<br />(Benjamin Moore) wall of the kitchen. Framed print from <a href="http://www.art.com/">Art.com</a></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">My favorite decorating project is when I can coach someone else to design on their own. My sister, Linda, (who has also inherited an eye for design) is a great example of a “client</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> who with just a little style guidance can </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“</span><span style="font-size:130%;">take it from here.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> This summer, I helped Linda select the palette for her new condo based on some of her favorite colors. We then spent several afternoons shopping for big ticket items like a sofa and ottoman, and then the important finishing touches like carpets, end-tables, art and lighting. Since my <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/08/design-tv-and-fashionably-chic-condo.html">last post</a>, she has continued to add personal layers to define her new space. </span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">From uninspired ...</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zjwP3w1xT4qGgVt9ovfpNdn-P2DF2ksmC_Fz4AyXbjmAE5il2j91iEYVRiVDRENETjuhGzug7vCYhgO-DlzkMpwT5iF89lm4qF25H6esNHxLARExXKuBwkRVVEIUuNu7Wc5fBnPlICw/s1600-h/musicbefore.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383899420156870130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zjwP3w1xT4qGgVt9ovfpNdn-P2DF2ksmC_Fz4AyXbjmAE5il2j91iEYVRiVDRENETjuhGzug7vCYhgO-DlzkMpwT5iF89lm4qF25H6esNHxLARExXKuBwkRVVEIUuNu7Wc5fBnPlICw/s400/musicbefore.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">to intentional ...</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFq91U68bcZ3MRfLScbi-AF7udgGo1wREWpxIB1UfkdgGWLG8uKGaj9GAzF5VcAysjQyoN94uPQe6UbI6VM6e24h58zjG8Z5RkIvVkzxc-5jPcja8pEPRVQwX9OOnmzPlRoY0xt5kYX8/s1600-h/den-music.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383899400858134658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFq91U68bcZ3MRfLScbi-AF7udgGo1wREWpxIB1UfkdgGWLG8uKGaj9GAzF5VcAysjQyoN94uPQe6UbI6VM6e24h58zjG8Z5RkIvVkzxc-5jPcja8pEPRVQwX9OOnmzPlRoY0xt5kYX8/s400/den-music.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />We draped this antique piece with a stunning teal pashmina that was too pretty to leave tucked away in a drawer. Above the music must-haves, she created an eye-catching shadow box of images from a special trip to New York with friends.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Den before ...</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRdnyrJOQKTvbEB7Q7wS1qckL9-Plvdqz9YZLoq_oTcWNjdY9Zk6ydmxhTWLzGq_N7VlzuS1qQ6-qIR6XFQpyZyhF7MxwFaHZCdIjQ3W4mmaJiCTGAFbc9R_6i_tEtWh4Pc6zkU2Dw1E/s1600-h/futonb4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383899413549743522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRdnyrJOQKTvbEB7Q7wS1qckL9-Plvdqz9YZLoq_oTcWNjdY9Zk6ydmxhTWLzGq_N7VlzuS1qQ6-qIR6XFQpyZyhF7MxwFaHZCdIjQ3W4mmaJiCTGAFbc9R_6i_tEtWh4Pc6zkU2Dw1E/s400/futonb4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Den during ...</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrMIzL9ecuLtYa6PSGd_gLvWT-xN1-kyL3efTQ-mWWDr2qdUa5OEO7xsct-PW-z8AAVuhlk66C2Sdlc5RM853ox80wABu4QEIOOULRYWAYRmRGKV9aYbsKpnt5dXS7hvP3SdhvG7zmMQ/s1600-h/futonafter.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383913052131405346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrMIzL9ecuLtYa6PSGd_gLvWT-xN1-kyL3efTQ-mWWDr2qdUa5OEO7xsct-PW-z8AAVuhlk66C2Sdlc5RM853ox80wABu4QEIOOULRYWAYRmRGKV9aYbsKpnt5dXS7hvP3SdhvG7zmMQ/s400/futonafter.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><br />Den after ...</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43GZCC3RHb0TrPAgH3fFrmZB9V3-z8u3_LFaJ52oSwtwLmEYyjorHLKz-WKnGgMU0Qf320MccdA_LgD8yn3KY9bOxyCBIURdGUJ5Vz9VXwQf02SD5hUNEVFEpCDX3dWu6SAOi8aqU2O0/s1600-h/den-photocollage.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383899406781350130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43GZCC3RHb0TrPAgH3fFrmZB9V3-z8u3_LFaJ52oSwtwLmEYyjorHLKz-WKnGgMU0Qf320MccdA_LgD8yn3KY9bOxyCBIURdGUJ5Vz9VXwQf02SD5hUNEVFEpCDX3dWu6SAOi8aqU2O0/s400/den-photocollage.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">She added a couple more pillows </span><span style="font-size:130%;">in a soft linen-like texture </span><span style="font-size:130%;">to my “you-must-have-this-pink-ruffled-number</span><span style="font-size:130%;">!”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> A thoughtful collage of family photos (frames selected at <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/">Pottery Barn</a>) add personal warmth and visual interest. One gold star for hanging them all on her own without making swiss cheese of the newly painted wall (visit PB for the tips she used to create a <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/stylehouse/decorate/mem-wall/">memory wall</a>). The pretty watery blue wool carpet is still one of my favorite finds for this tranquil setting.<br /></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRmgHVmIH1LGQvhNsabOdBFRYiMW5zOaRW9ger9dziBXamsJLDNIRfIsDxjHoKuIfy5pAjB93CLKmwlzqXce_-fhiA3py8I3s3rPj74T-6ODD-IwD5xvsYWLh-qQS4N8vSG1cu6z9bV4/s1600-h/powderroom.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383899430258647426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRmgHVmIH1LGQvhNsabOdBFRYiMW5zOaRW9ger9dziBXamsJLDNIRfIsDxjHoKuIfy5pAjB93CLKmwlzqXce_-fhiA3py8I3s3rPj74T-6ODD-IwD5xvsYWLh-qQS4N8vSG1cu6z9bV4/s400/powderroom.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Not to be overlooked ... the powder room is modernized with a deep Smoke Gray (Benjamin Moore) on the walls to compliment (and upstage) the less-than-modern yellow tile. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Lots of brushed silver and chrome add new sparkle, while s</span><span style="font-size:130%;">umptuous towels from <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/category/category_sub_w_products.jsp?navAction=jump&navCount=1&categoryId=cat1500022">Restoration Hardware</a> add a luxurious touch. I think the banded tissue holder that she found is just fabulous, along with the framed pic of a little black dress – a great visual as she prepares for a night out!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Check out my previous post</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> featuring this </span><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/search/label/fashionably%20chic%20condo" style="font-style: italic;">chic condo</a><br /><br /></div>

Fashionably Chic Condo, part 2

I love how the pretty-in-pink flowers look against the Sandy Hook Gray (Benjamin Moore) wall of the kitchen. Framed print from Art.com My f...

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