How To Choose (and Install) Art For Your Home
/
Bonnie’s travel collage. copyright the aura home.
My friend Bonnie has this amazing collection of one-of-a-kind artwork and photos that reflect her life growing up abroad. When she asked me to come over and help her hang her pieces I jumped at the chance as this is one of the trickiest and most rewarding parts of decorating. Done right, art work pulls together your room and reflects your personal style and between you and me, I’ve screwed this up too in the past. But thanks to trial and error and a lot of research I’ve learned that there is a science to selecting and installing art so I’m sharing it with you.
Pick a spot. This one is a no-brainer, right?! The most common, spots are over large furniture like sofas, tables, and dressers, and empty walls. Remember to leave some blank space too.
Measure. Pieces installed above furniture should measure about 2/3 the length of the furniture below. this is one of those weird mathematical equations that somehow works out to the most pleasing visual ratio. for an 86” sofa look to fill about a 30x60 inch rectangle above the sofa for the most pleasing look. Size up or down accordingly for your furniture.
Pick a subject. For Bonnie, we had a fabulous collection of original artwork, historical political posters, and family photos to pick from. To keep it cohesive we decided to separate the themes grouping the family photos in bedrooms and living spaces and displaying the artwork in the hallway. I suggest starting with what you have and love whether its paintings or photos. You can add to your collection by purchasing more pieces in the same theme.
Coordinate. Your art work doesn’t have to match or come from a single set but there should be a common theme and/or color palette that unifies the pieces in the room. In Bonnie’s case the artwork had a common color palette and travel theme. Below is an example of individual pieces with a common color palette and Parisian theme. All pieces available from Minted.com.
Hang it. Ha! You saw this one coming! The general rule for art is to hang pieces on an empty wall at about 56-60” above the floor, “eye level”. For artwork installed above furniture you want the bottom of the piece/s to sit about 5-9” above the top of the furniture. If you’re installing a collection keep an even 1-3” gap between pieces.
So whether it’s Ansel Adams or a weird collection shower hair art (wtf?!?) you know the secret to nailing it every time. Pick the spot, measure the space, theme and coordinate, and finally install. As usual, I’m here to help, so grab an hour design consultation with me before you make your next big art purchase.
