Arranging Pictures and Artwork

Think in terms of scale, unity and balance when combining and hanging pictures of various sizes. An easy way to learn good wall arrangements is to take note of those displays and arrangements that you'll find in any good home furnishings magazine or book. And here are a few basic tips to get you started:

Plan Your Picture Arrangement

Before you drive in a single nail, paste, glue or tape, arrange the pictures on the floor so you can see how they look together.

Unless your picture is very large, it will get lost if it's hung on the wall by itself. Give it impact (and some visual balance) by hanging it near a sofa, table or chair.

Stylish Ways to Hang A Picture

There are three ways you can go here.

Column - Stack three or more pictures one above the other to create a column effect. If the pictures are different sizes, put the smallest one on top

Block or Grid - If your pictures are similar in size, hang them an equal distance from each other in a grid arrangement. Use the width of the picture frame to determine the distance to leave between each picture; if your frame is 2" wide, for example, leave 2" of wall space between each pic.

Line - Arrange pictures so that all of the tops and bottoms line up along an imaginary line.

Although an accomplished interior designer can group disparate wall hangings into a pleasing arrangement, an amateur would do best to pair like with like.

The more similar the collection is, the more impact it may have when shown as a group.

Choose a space over a sofa or next to a dining table where there's room to stand back and take everything in.

Whatever type of artwork you're working with, always position the largest item first and then arrange the rest around it-like planets revolving around the sun.

The arrangement will look better if the sizes are similar or close.

Interesting Picture Arrangements can also be achieved by Picking a Geometric Shape

For example, to make a triangular display, build a pyramid. Place the larger pieces toward the bottom, and use smaller pieces to fill out the top and the other two points.

Want a circular arrangement? Place the larger pieces in the center, starting at the left. Smaller pieces should be arranged to fill out the curve on the top and bottom.

If you prefer a "step" display, hang the first piece of eye level on the lower landing to achieve a perfectly balanced stairway arrangement. Then, skip every other step and hang each piece at eye level.

For a square arrangement, pieces should be equally placed as if in a grid. If your artwork varies in size, using mats of all one size will have a unifying effect.