How to Display Art in Your Home
A Guide for First-Time Collectors
Art is a great way to express your personal taste and bring a unique character to your living space. Whether you are a first-time art collector or looking to refresh your current collection, knowing how to display art properly in your home can transform your environment. The right artwork can elevate the mood of a room, create focal points, and tell a story about who you are.
At Lock & Decor Home (LDH), we believe in co-curating spaces that reflect your personality, and the way you display your art plays an essential role in shaping that narrative. This guide is designed to provide practical tips and advice for first-time art collectors, ensuring that your art display enhances your home’s aesthetic and complements your design style.
Choose the Right Artwork for Your Space
The first step in displaying art in your home is selecting the right pieces that suit the space. This requires considering a few important factors, such as the size of the room, the color scheme, and the mood you want to create.
Room Size and Layout
Before choosing art, think about the space in which the artwork will hang. In smaller rooms, smaller pieces of art will help avoid overwhelming the space. Large artworks, on the other hand, can make a bold statement on big walls or open spaces.
Color Scheme
When selecting artwork, consider how it complements the room’s existing color palette. If your room is minimalistic and neutral, vibrant or bold pieces can add contrast and life to the room. Conversely, if your room has a lot of color, neutral-toned or abstract art may blend seamlessly into the environment.
Art Style and Theme
Decide on the overall vibe of your room. For example, abstract art can add energy and sophistication to a modern space, while classical landscapes or portraits might be better suited for more traditional interiors.
Understand Different Art Formats
When you first begin collecting art, it’s essential to understand the different formats available. Each type of artwork has its own unique way of enhancing your home’s decor.
Framed Art
Framed art is a timeless option and provides a clean, finished look. You can frame prints, photographs, or paintings to preserve the piece and integrate it smoothly into your space. Choose frames that complement your room’s decor—whether sleek metal, rustic wood, or modern minimalist.
Canvas Art
Canvas prints are a popular choice due to their texture and depth. They provide a more modern and artistic look compared to framed prints and are available in a variety of styles, from contemporary abstracts to realistic portraits. Canvas art can be hung as a standalone piece or in a series.
Wall Murals and Tapestries
For larger spaces, wall murals or tapestries can add a dramatic effect. These large-scale pieces can cover entire walls and bring a unique flair to your room. Choose these pieces carefully, as they become focal points of the room and should match the overall aesthetic.
Sculptures
Sculptures bring a three-dimensional aspect to your collection. Whether displayed on mantels, shelves, or pedestals, sculptures can add depth and creativity to your interior. When displayed correctly, they can become an eye-catching conversation piece in your home.
How to Properly Hang Your Art
Hanging your artwork correctly is crucial to achieving a visually appealing display. Whether you’re framing a single piece or arranging a gallery wall, proper placement is key.
Eye-Level Placement
Generally, artwork should be hung at eye level for optimal viewing. This usually means the center of the artwork should be 57 to 60 inches from the floor. This height allows the art to be comfortably viewed by people of different heights and creates a balanced look on your wall.
Spacing Between Pieces
If you’re arranging multiple pieces, maintain a consistent gap between them. Typically, 2 to 4 inches between frames works well to keep the display cohesive and organized. Larger pieces might need a bit more space to avoid looking too crowded.
Symmetry vs. Asymmetry
Symmetry creates a formal and balanced look, while asymmetry can add modernity and dynamic appeal. Think about the room’s atmosphere and whether you want a sense of order or a more creative, freeform display.
Hanging Tools
Always use the right hanging tools for the weight of your artwork. Heavy frames may require specialized wall anchors or picture hanging hooks to ensure they stay securely in place. Lighter frames can be hung with nails or standard picture hangers.
Creating a Gallery Wall
Gallery walls are a fun and creative way to display multiple pieces of artwork in one space. This approach allows you to showcase a collection of different art styles and sizes.
Start with a Focal Point
Begin by placing your largest or most important piece in the center. This acts as the focal point for the gallery. From there, arrange the surrounding pieces, balancing their sizes and colors to create visual flow.
Mix Frame Styles
A gallery wall doesn’t have to have matching frames. Mixing frame styles—such as modern black frames with vintage gold ones—can create an eclectic and personalized feel. Keep the overall display balanced by varying the frame sizes.
Plan the Layout
Before hanging anything, lay out the pieces on the floor or use paper templates on the wall to experiment with the arrangement. This allows you to visualize the layout and make adjustments without committing to holes in the wall.
Highlighting Art with Proper Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in making your artwork stand out. Even the most beautiful art can go unnoticed if it’s poorly lit. Here are some effective lighting options:
Track Lighting
Track lighting offers flexibility, allowing you to direct light onto specific pieces of art. It’s a popular choice for galleries and homes with multiple artworks to highlight.
Picture Lights
Picture lights are mounted directly above or in front of artwork to illuminate the piece. This focused lighting draws attention to the details and enhances the piece’s colors and textures.
Natural Light
If your artwork is placed near a window, natural light can work wonders. However, be careful about direct sunlight, which can cause fading over time. If you want to protect your art, consider using UV-protective glass or acrylic in frames.
Room-Specific Art Placement
The placement of art varies depending on the room’s function and design.
Living Room
The living room is often a central space in a home. Here, large art pieces or a gallery wall can serve as a focal point above the sofa or fireplace. If you have multiple pieces, consider creating a gallery wall to fill the space and make it inviting.
Dining Room
In the dining room, art should enhance the atmosphere and promote conversation. Abstract art or classic still life pieces often work well in this space, adding elegance and charm.
Bedroom
For the bedroom, art should create a relaxing environment. Soft, calming pieces such as serene landscapes or minimalist designs are ideal for this personal space.
Hallways
Hallways are often overlooked, but they offer great potential for art display. Use smaller pieces or a collection of photographs to create a gallery-style display. This transforms a transition space into an area that holds visual interest.
How to Start Your Art Collection
Building an art collection doesn’t happen overnight. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Start Small
As a first-time collector, start with a few pieces that speak to you. Visit local art fairs or explore online galleries for affordable yet beautiful artwork.
Buy What You Love
While it’s tempting to invest in trendy pieces, it’s important to buy art that resonates with you personally. Art should reflect your taste, personality, and style.
Do Your Research
Learn about the artists, art movements, and mediums that interest you. This will help you understand the value of art, as well as make informed purchasing decisions.
FAQs About Custom Mirrors and Art Pairings
The size of the artwork should relate to the size of the room and the available wall space. Larger pieces work well in spacious rooms, while smaller pieces are better suited for compact areas.
Start by selecting a focal point, then arrange other pieces around it. Keep consistent spacing between frames and mix frame styles for an eclectic look.
Track lighting or picture lights are great for highlighting artwork. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading over time.
Yes, mixing styles can create a dynamic and personalized display. Just ensure that the colors or themes connect in some way for a cohesive look.
Explore local art galleries, art fairs, and online platforms like Etsy or Saatchi Art for affordable art from emerging artists.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines, you can create a space that not only showcases your art but reflects your personal style. Whether you’re a first-time collector or a seasoned enthusiast, these tips will help you display art in your home effectively, bringing beauty and personality into every room. If you’re unsure about where to start, Lock & Decor Home is here to help curate the perfect art and furniture combination for your home.
