So you got yourself some beautiful personalised wall art (hopefully designed from Design Gaff) and have it framed. Now the question is where to hang it?
There are no strict rules about displaying your art, but there are a few general rules that will make it look more pleasing to the eye and that is what I want to dive into in this article.
One of the things I really don't like to see is a picture frame stuck on a large wall all on its own. This may be OK if it's a very large frame but when they are 10x8 or A4 sized it just looks wrong.
In a situation like this, I would recommend adding 3 or 4 more of the same frames or very similar (obviously with different prints in them) and have the same distance between each one.
Pictures also tend to have more impact when grouped together but there is no right or wrong, everybody has different preferences. Mixing different styles of art and frames can look very interesting when you get a balance. Again this would involve keeping the spacing in-between each picture frame roughly the same.
Another thing that looks wrong is having your wall art hanging too high on the wall. As a good rule of thumb, aim to have the centre of the art piece at eye level. If you a little on the short side then 57 inches from the floor is the standard eye height of the average person. If it's a group of pictures, then you would be looking to have the middle of the group at eye level.
Try to display your art in a way that does not distract from the image itself.
White frames are great when framing colour photography as your eye is drawn to the colour in the image. Black frames with a white mount look great when framing black and white photography. I always like to leave at least an inch white border around the image for the mount.
You don't always have to spend big money to frame your images and art. Recycling old frames, which may be your parents or grandparents had, or can be picked up from second-hand stores or charity shops, can look great with a modern photograph and are easy to DIY.
Using picture ledges and shelves are also a great way of displaying your prints
I love the use of picture ledges, the IKEA Ribba ledge is a great one. Displaying artwork on a ledge makes it easier to change, mix and match your artworks and easily add other complimentary items such as ceramics, vases and small plants to add interest to your display. The result can be effortless and eye-catching.
When it comes to hanging methods I find the 3M strips fantastic. With the lighter or smaller frames, I would ever cut some of the strips in half. They save from putting holes in the walls. When it comes to the larger heavier or more expensive frames though I would recommend using a hanging kit just to be on the safe side.
Place a small bit of toothpaste where the nail holds the frame to the wall, then press the picture frame to the wall and remove it. Some of the toothpaste will remain on the wall thus giving you an indication of where to place your hanging kit.