10 Top Tips to hanging Artwork
Byron Bay's Guiding Light
Fallen in love and purchased a painting only to get it home to start second guessing yourself on where and how to hang it? Sound Familiar?
Here are ten top tips to help you hang it right.
Choose the Right Height: Aim to hang your painting so that it’s at eye level. If it’s too high, you might need a ladder, and if it’s too low, your guests might mistake it for a floor mat. Aim for 145-155cm from the ground, and remember, art is for admiring, not for neck exercises.
Consider the Room’s Proportions: For large walls, consider a large statement piece to create that gallery look - Big wall, big art, big impact. But for more intimate spaces, a smaller single artwork or a small gallery hang collection will create more intrigue.
Use the Right Tools: Don’t go using a thumbtack for a heavy painting unless you want your art to experience a sudden gravity check. Invest in proper nails, hooks, or wall anchors. A picture hanging kit can be a great investment. Your painting will thank you for not having to meet the floor face-first.
Measure and Mark: Measure twice, hammer once. Use a pencil to mark the corners.. Use masking tape to show the actual size of your artwork and step back to get a true sense of scale.
Level Is Key: Nothing can trigger vertigo like a crooked painting. Use a level to keep things straighty 180.
Check the Weight: Make sure your hooks or nails can handle the weight of your painting. You don’t want your art to experience an unscheduled descent. For heavy pieces, consider more robust hardware that’s up to the challenge or use multiple hooks or screws.
Frame and Mounting Considerations: Ensure that the hardware on the back of your painting is secure. You don’t want your masterpiece to pull a Houdini and disappear from the wall. A properly framed and mounted painting is like a well-behaved child—always in its place.
Spacing for Groupings: When arranging multiple pieces, lay them out on the floor first. Consider a cohesive colour pallette, size or subject matter. If it looks like a chaotic game of Tetris, adjust until it’s a harmonious gallery wall.
Protect the Wall: If you’re renting or just like to keep things pristine, use picture-hanging strips or adhesive hooks. They let you hang and rehang without leaving a trace (or a hole). But make sure that they will support the weight and can handle any humidity.
Take Your Time: Don’t rush it. Take a step back frequently to admire your work—. Adjust as needed and savor the moment when it finally looks just right.
Happy hanging, and may your art always be at just the right angle!
Gallery Hang in an intimate space can create intrigue
Colours can compliment a room and larger scale creates impact
