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Living Beautifully with Art
This month’s client question for our Q and A column really hit home. I’ve recently inherited some art and collectibles that have wonderful memories for me. It can be challenging to incorporate pieces that you have emotional attachments to into your existing collections; even for me, i.e. The Art of Placement, Inc. Just the question of “where do I want to see this everyday?” has major impact.
So many times I’ve entered homes that house the most interesting collections and art pieces but everything’s so jumbled up you can’t appreciate the beauty of each piece. It’s important for the senses not to be overwhelmed, the eye needs to be able to rest. A good example is when you go to the opera…you just can’t appreciate the music without the pause; not every space on the wall has to be filled. Q. Can you give us some basic how to tips when it comes to hanging our art? No matter what we do, it just doesn’t feel right.
A. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not…art can be very subjective but here are a few constants that I’ve collected from the pros over the past few years that really work.
1. Never hang art too high
2. Remember which areas in your home serve what purpose. Art viewed from a standing position in the entry is meant to be hung higher than when you’re seated in the living room.
If your straining your neck to look at your pieces then they’re hung too high.
3. Frames of similar sizes shapes and materials give continuity to a room.
4. If your frames are a combo of styles and sizes painting them one color gives you a sense of order.
5. The most interesting groupings are organized by subject, size or color.
6. When you’re hanging art, the room, its proportions and the art are 3 important elements that must be remembered.
7. Last but not least, if you don’t know where to hang that painting try leaning it against the wall in different rooms and different positions; i.e. on top of the entry table, next to the bed…over a mantel. Move it around until it does feel right to you and always think about
the effect you want to achieve. Layering works so incorporate groupings of art pieces right along with your art work whenever possible and remember, sometimes art can be the rug you’re standing on or the ceiling above you! |
