Hanging artwork and mirrors in the right place is more important than the artwork itself! Properly displayed, a piece of art or a mirror can enhance a focal point, an architectural detail, or serve as a focal point itself.A piece of art can stand alone or be grouped with other pieces for greater impact. Artwork should harmonize with the interior design, architecture and colors in your home.If you're timid about pounding nails in your walls, or live in an apartment or dorm that doesn't allow nail holes, see  for home decorating ideas on another way to showcase your favorite pieces. The most common mistakes people make when hanging artwork and mirrors: Finish placing all the elements, (furniture, area rugs, lighting, draperies, etc.) in your rooms before hanging artwork and mirrors. These home design elements will guide you in the placement of your artwork. See home interior design rules. How to space and place artwork Below is an instructional video by Susan Phillips who discusses how and where to hang art.

Before hanging artwork and mirrors on your walls, consider their size and scale before putting holes in the walls. Balinese Cat Prices UkThere are a few basic rules you need to know before committing yourself:When hanging artwork and mirrors over a sofa, fireplace, or table, the piece should be about 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the furniture below. Free Labrador Puppies NorfolkThis rule of ratios, called the "golden section" rule, is explained on my art of accessorizing page. Beaded Seat Covers For CarsSee how the oil painting to the right doesn't follow the golden section rule?The large painting is proportionately top heavy and appears to loom over the chest. In addition to being unbalanced, the style is also too "taste specific" for home staging.

If you're trying to make a home sale, avoid this "museum-like" ornate style  which won't appeal to many house hunters. When hanging artwork and mirrors, the pieces should be large enough to be noticed against the feature that it's hanging above, whether it's a fireplace, sofa or console table. In addition, it should also try to mimic the shape of the object or detail that it's complementing. For instance, a long rectangular shaped object like a sofa should be complemented by a piece of art or mirror of the same rectangular shape, or a grouping of paintings or mirrors arranged in a similar shape. Wall groupings are typically smaller pieces of art that are related in some fashion; by their frame, theme, style, color, size or material.Like single pieces of art, groupings placed above furniture or fireplaces look more cohesive when they imitate the shape of the feature below. For example, four pieces of art could be arranged in a square to match the square shape of a fireplace below.

Likewise, artwork could be arranged horizontally over the rectangular length of a sofa. Follow the same proportional ratios (golden section) with wall groupings as you do with single pieces of art; When grouping pictures or mirrors, the pieces should all have at least one or more things in common for a unifying effect. The more they relate to each other, the more cohesive the final effect will be:The same frameDifferent frames, but in the same colorThe same style frame, like all contempory or traditionalAll black and white photographsAll color photographsThe same sizeThe same color artworkThe same color mattingAvoid mixing black & white photos with colored subjects This home decor style works well in formal room designs, which are based on symmetry and vertical lines. Symmetry is for those who prefer a sense of order, balance and calm.Symmetrical wall groupings share certain similarities; shape, size, color or subject content. Formal groupings work well over large furniture, like sofas, tables or fireplaces.

Although each photograph is different in the picture on the right, there are many elements in common, creating a cohesive effect. All of the photographs are the same size, black and white, with white matting and frames. The similarities unite the individual pieces into one large rectangular shape. Symmetrical wall groupings are easy to create, because you are simply trying to "match" each side of a room. Asymmetrical home design, or informal balance, gives you a more casual and energetic feeling, preferring horizontal lines over vertical. Informal balance is for those who prefer a bit more excitement and creativity in their home decorating.For asymmetrical groupings, you can combine artwork of different shapes and sizes, but they should have at least one characteristic in common, like; color, subject or frame style. In the photo on the right, you see a bird theme going on that links the grouping together.Asymmetrical wall groupings can be tricky to create. Work out your arrangement on the floor or paper before pounding any nails in the wall.

Typically, you start with the largest piece first and arrange smaller pieces around it until you achieve a balance you like. Keep asymmetrical arrangements from looking sloppy by avoiding random patterns; stick to squares, circles and rectangles.If you have two large pictures in your arrangement, hang one higher than the other so they aren't too matchy. With asymmetrical wall groupings, both sides of the arrangement won't look the same, but balance and scale are still important. The easiest paper method for creating a successful wall arrangement is to lay the paper down and trace around the pictures (or mirrors) you plan to use with a pencil. Cut them out and tape to the wall, arranging and rearranging until you find a wall grouping that you like. See the photo on the right.In this method, you'll need to measure and mark for nail holes to make sure you get the spacings perfect between each picture. See the second method for instructions on how to do this.In the same manner as the first method, start by laying a large piece of paper (as big as you plan the arrangement to be) on the floor.

This paper will be your template. Arrange your artwork on top of the paper. Start with a large shape in the middle, like a square or rectangle. Fill in the middle section with more art, and finally the edges until you're pleased with the arrangement. You can arrange artwork casually or in more formal shapes like squares, rectangles and circles. When you're satisfied with the arrangement, draw an outline around each piece of art with a pencil or dark pen. To get nail holes in the right spot, measure the distance between the top of the frame and wire (pulled taut) on the back of each piece of art. Mark the spot with a circle, making sure it’s in the center of the frame. If the picture has a saw-tooth hanger instead of a wire, mark that in the same manner.Tape the template to the wall in the desired location. Stand back and assess the arrangement. If you approve, hammer nails in the marked spots on the template, making sure to hang appropriate hooks for the size and weight of the artwork.

Gently tear the paper template away from the nails and the wall-- hang the pictures in their designated locations. Below is an informative video by eHow by Anne Myrick, who discusses some of the topics mentioned above.It's not inexpensive, but the end result is flawless. This product comes with matching picture frames, matting, botanical prints, templates and hardware. (Matts are in standard sizes and can be swapped out with your personal photos when you move to your new home.) Perfect Picture Wall comes with all the hanging tools you need, except a hammer. See the video demonstration below to learn more about this product. Select the spot where you want to hang your picture or mirror. Hold it against the wall, (remember, the middle should be around 60" high) and draw a tiny pencil line along the top of the frame. The best place to hang a mirror is where it will reflect light from a window with a great view or a sparkling lighting fixture. This will bounce more light around a room creating the illusion of more space.

Be careful of what the mirror reflects; you don't want to reflect something undesirable!A mirror above a fireplace usually reflects the ceiling-- not very interesting! If you create an attractive arrangement on the fireplace mantle, the mirror will reflect the back of that. Make sure the mantle arrangement looks good on both sides. Mirrors can be hung alone or in wall groupings, just like artwork. The same rule of scale and balance for hanging artwork also applies to mirrors. Mirrors can be hung in every room. Small rooms especially benefit from the addition of a mirror, because they add depth to a room by seemingly extending the room through the glass. Just like artwork, the distance between a mirror and the top of a sofa should be 6-12 inches. The distance between a mirror and a tabletop should be about 10-12 inches. Hanging oversized and heavy art is more complicated than putting up smaller pieces. Follow the advice in this instructional video by Pottery Barn. Return from hanging artwork and mirrors to home page