No living room is complete without art. Having said that, what one
person considers art can vary drastically from another. What most people
can agree on is that no room is complete without something on the
walls.
Types of Art
Art doesn't have to be expensive.
While collectors may be willing to spend thousands on a single piece,
you can decorate your walls for very little money. Ideas include:
- Frame children's artwork
- Keys, jewelry, silverware or other mementos mounted in shadow boxes
- Frame wallpaper or fabric samples
- Frame pages from old books
- Washi tape art
Where to Hang Living Room Artwork
Above the Sofa
When
it comes to living rooms people love to hang art over the sofa. But the
number one mistake people make is to use a piece that's too small. The
piece of art should be about two-thirds the width of the sofa. If you're
hanging a group of pieces the same rule generally applies (unless
you're doing a larger photo wall). Just be sure that the space between
each frame is the same - approximately 2" to 3".
If you're absolutely determined to use a small
piece of art, put it in a large frame so that it's still in proportion
to the sofa.
Over a Mantle
Mantles
require special consideration due to their height. It's best to hang
art 4 to 12" above, depending on the height of the mantel. If the mantel
is four feet or taller, then hang 4 to 6" above. If the artwork is
taller than three feet, lean it on the mantel for a more casual effect.
Either Side of a Window
If
you have drapes on the windows make sure you've got enough room between
the drapes and the walls so the art doesn't look too crowded. Make sure
you've got at least 4-6" on each side.
Wherever you're hanging
art make sure it isn't too high. The center point of any piece or
grouping should be at eye level. No one should have to crane their neck
to look at it.
Tips for Photo Walls and Grids
Art always
creates an impact when several pieces are hung together. Here are some
tips on how to make different types of groupings work.
- Always plan out a photo wall in advance. Place the pieces on the ground in front of the wall and play around with the arrangement until you find one that satisfies you. If space doesn't allow for this use graph paper.
- When hanging several pieces together think of them as one unit. (Again, the center of the entire display should be at eye level.)
- In a photo wall it's important to have a focal point. A large piece in the center of a wall acts as an anchor for any display. Other pieces can be randomly hung around it and it will still look as though it was well thought out.
- If you're making a proper grid it's vital that pieces be hung at exact distances from one another. As soon as one is off by even a 1/4" it will be noticeable.
- In a grid, use all the same frames for an organized look, or use frames that are the same size but different colors to mix things up. In a grid it's also ideal to use photos and mattes that are all the same size.
When it comes to living
room art the ideas are quite literally endless. While the above
guidelines are there to help create pleasing displays, there are no hard
and fast rules. For more ideas check out this collection of living room art ideas.
