Painters Tape & Post Its
Just imagine… you put the finishing touches on decorating the home of your dreams only to discover that the decor you labored on with such determination falls flat due to the empty walls staring back at you. Your moment of triumph deflates as you realize your space feels underwhelming. Don’t want to fall into this trap? Read on to discover how to nail the art of choosing wall art that will really set your space apart.
Many of us don’t realize this on a conscious level, but the art you choose for your home can make a big impact on the mood in your place, make a big statement, be a conversation starter, or just make your space feel like home.
Use artwork to anchor the room. If you have a corner that feels neglected, the piece will work to fill the empty space.
Where the Math Comes In
Your wall art should take up two-thirds to three-fourths of the wall. This measurement also applies to hanging art above a piece of furniture. In determining the correct height your wall art should hang, take into consideration these calculations: the bottom of your wall art should hang 6 to 12 inches from the top of the furniture you are hanging it above, and there should be the same distance from the ceiling to top of the painting, as there is on the bottom of the painting to the piece of furniture below.
If you are hanging your art above a fireplace, be sure to select a piece of work that is wider than the opening of the fireplace, but smaller than the mantle and leave a 3 to 6 inch space above the mantle.
Make a Statement
If you are undecided on how big you should go, it is always better to play it safe and choose art that might be too big, rather than being stuck with a piece that underwhelms and ends up being too small. This is especially true if buying a showstopping piece of modern art - bigger is definitely better for your piece to make a big statement.
Are your ceilings high and vaulted which begs for an oversized, grand painting? Or are you trying to not call attention to your ceilings which are on the lower side? In this instance, choose artwork with a landscape orientation that draws the eye outward rather than up.
Before You Hang Your Art
Often, it is difficult to visualize how your art will look when it’s hung. A quick trick is to use post-it notes or painters tape to mark the corners of where you want your artwork.
Gallery Walls
Gallery walls can be a playful way to fill a large space with multiple pieces. These displays should take up the same or even more wall space than one large statement piece. There are many ways to achieve this look by grouping together wall art which is all the same size or grouping together art of varying sizes that carries a common theme or has the same color palette. A simple rule of thumb to keep in mind is to hang large and medium pieces 2-3 inches apart, and smaller pieces 1.5-2.5 inches apart.
Bring the unexpected by pairing a dark and sultry wall paint color with vibrant artwork, giving a striking contrast to the moodiness of a room.
Consider Your Space
Are you a minimalist or a maximalist? No one space is exactly the same, and for each of us our appetite can either feel cluttered or bohemian.
In a smaller room, such as a bathroom or small office, you might want to size down your art as to not overwhelm the space and give the effect that the room is bigger than it really is. However, in a larger room, such as a great room or master bedroom, scale up to make a big statement.
Many homeowners can get overwhelmed when trying to determine the proper size of their wall art in order to achieve their desired effect. By following these simple steps your space is sure to complete your space and make your house a home. Don’t let decorating your home be a daunting task and overthink every detail. You don’t have to be purposeful in everything. Embrace the unexpected and non-conformity to rules.