I think you will struggle to find a single person that doesn’t appreciate some form of art!  As interior designers it is such a valuable and captivating element in defining a space and / or creating a focal point.  

But when it comes to displaying art what can make or break a space is often how and where it is hung! Hanging art can seem like a simple weekend job done with a hammer and couple of nails, but trust me when I say, there is nothing worse than an awkwardly (even crookedly) hung piece of art.

We will always consult with a professional hanger when hanging any artwork for our projects, but regardless of whether you are engaging professionals or approaching it DIY style, there are some key things you must consider… 

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1. Choose your location…

First things first, it’s important you make a confident decision on where your artwork will be placed. I know it seems obvious but any plain wall isn’t always the answer. Ensuring the correct location involves understanding the overall desired outcome of the space.  Do you want the piece to be your main focal point or more of an accent piece?  Taking a look at the scale of your artwork in proportion to the size of the wall will dictate how much of an impact it will make in your space. 

There are also some external factors that come into play when choosing the right location such as traffic flow in your home and sun exposure.  If you are wanting to hang your art in a hallway ensuring the piece has been framed / treated to suit is super important.  Another element is sunlight.  Glass framed pieces (unless museum graded) will reflect a lot of light making it difficult to even admire the artwork in the first place ( after all that is the whole purpose of it right?!?) and of course, direct sunlight is extremely harsh on most forms of art so ensuring your piece is protected will prevent sun fading. 

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By TLC Interiors

2. Assess the placement…

Getting the location right is one thing, but it can all come undone if you do not get the placement right as well.  That’s where you’ve got to hone down into the space itself and understanding the correct position to suit your individual space. 

The first thing to do is take a look at your existing furnishings, such as in a bedroom placing it just above the bed can assist in creating a focal point in that area of the space.  Whereas in a living room, since a sofa is typically larger, you have some play room when choosing the placement – maybe placing it off centre to allow for other taller furnishings to balance out the space might be the way to go?

Or do you have a low hung pendant that will obstruct the view of the artwork? Ensuring the positioning compliments the design language and doesn’t interfere with hanging pendants or positioning of furniture will make sure your art piece marries into the space and not stand out for the wrong reasons…

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3. Frame the look…

We are a huge fans of framing artwork, yet surprisingly it often something that is neglected.  There are various different styles that can suite any home such as a more traditional profiled framed if you’re wanting to add more character to the space, or if the artwork says it all, maybe opt for a more simple and subtle frame that will simply just compliment the space. Playing with thickness and colour finishes  means you can make the frame as subtle or as bold as you desire.  Sometimes artwork can be an after thought or a sentimental piece that moves houses with you,  so framing can always help be able to tie in timbers or solid colours with the rest of the home for a visually complete look.  

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