Our homes are an extension of who we are, from our preferred esthetic, which expresses our individual tastes, to photographs and other pieces of our familial history that demonstrate our life’s journey and that of our loved ones as we have evolved into who we are today. The photos and artwork you display in your home are visual evidence of what inspires you and the people and memories you value most.
Placement is Key
Consider the purpose and the atmosphere you are seeking to create when deciding where to hang paintings and photographs. For instance, candid snapshots of memorable family vacations tend to suit informal areas like the family or entertainment room, while portraits and other fine art paintings frequently lend the perfect touch to complete a dining room.
Contemplate the furniture and accent pieces already in each room and their layout. Each image should evoke a mood that is in sync with the overall atmosphere of the room. Taking the time to display items thoughtfully will enable you to create a cohesive esthetic.
Of course, there are more practical considerations you must consider before you strike the first nail.
Accent Lighting Options
Artwork should be lit so that the piece becomes a focal point of the room. There are three primary lighting options to choose from, energy-efficient LED lights, halogen lighting and the traditional favorite, incandescent lights. The right choice for you will depend on the condition of your artwork and whether you wish to create a mood that is warm and inviting or cool and sleek.
The Correct Height for Hanging
There is no one correct height for hanging photographs or art. Gallery walls featuring a mix of shapes and sizes instantly create a central focal point as the observer is engaged with a cohesive combination of objects and imagery. As you develop your distinctive home décor, don’t shy away from experimenting with a variety of configurations.
How to Create a Showstopping Staircase Gallery Wall
We’ve all seen gorgeous displays of art, family photos and other treasured keepsakes hung in what appears to be perfect precision so that the collection follows the path of an entryway staircase. These presentations make a striking statement that done properly can instantly convey a sense of your personal tastes and values that will leave a lasting impression on any visitor to your home.
Precise measurement and planning are instrumental in creating a staircase gallery wall:
- First, measure and record the height, width and pitch of the wall. Doing so will ensure your final layout is balanced and that your artwork hangs at a level that descends as the staircase wall slopes downward.
- Once you have documented the wall measurements, sketch a layout showing where each item you intend to incorporate into the display will go.
- Create a mock layout on the floor using painters’ tape to outline each object to scale.
- ·Place the frames you plan to use in their designated outline spaces, making sure you leave six to 10 inches of blank space along the bottom. This will ensure you protect the items displayed from being disturbed by foot traffic.
- Photograph your floor layout for reference as you hang.
- Hang each object using a hammer, picture nails and the correct hanging hardware for each object’s weight.
- Once each item is positioned just as you want it, apply small balls of museum putty to make sure the bottom of each piece is properly secured.
