Creating an Outstanding Picture Gallery in Your Home

Rainy day got you down? Head out to your local store and buy some new artwork for your home and brighten up your day.  Okay so don't run out and purchase all new, open the closet and take out all the ones you have, but got frustrated when trying to hang them.  In all the magazines and on all the shows you see designers hang pictures in groups and make really great galleries and arrangements, they make it look so easy! I can help you do it too so it looks so easy!

1.       Always hang pictures at eye level! What is eye level exactly? The center of the photo for the average person should be level with your eyes. Depending if you are standing or sitting? Best rule of thumb is, if the room is used for sitting a majority of the time than you should base your eye level off of sitting. If the room is typically used for standing then use standing eye level. Example: your bedroom, you are majority of the time sitting (sleeping) but in this room you would want to sit. Rooms such as your bathroom, entry, and kitchen should have artwork placed at a standing eye level.

2.       When hanging pictures over a sofa, do not leave a lot of room between the sofa and the picture.  Keep the distance well balanced at about 3 to 6 inches. If you have too much space the eye will be drawn to the blank spot and your artwork will be lost.

 THIS ONE IS AN IMPORTANT ONE!

3.  Make templates to help you decide where to place pictures. Simply trace the outside of the frame on butcher paper and secure it to the wall with painters tape. (it will not damage your walls) Do all your measurements on the butcher paper, and even secure your anchor and hook with the paper in place. This makes it easier to hang items in groups, and to find the center for eye level. With making the template you can leave it at paper for a couple days before the commitment of making holes in the wall to be sure that is exactly what you want.

4.     Frames and groupings? When choosing the frames for the grouping they do not need to match. The just need to be compatible. The frames should be around  the same color. Some can have a pattern and others can be plain.  If you find a frame you love but it’s the wrong color; just simply paint it. The matting in the frame should also be the same for every frame. If you a designing a gallery type of look going with white matting will help to create a uniform look. If using a big chunky mat for one then using a chunky mat for the rest would be recommended.

5.      Patterns for groupings, this is where tip #3 will help you out. Once you have all of your templates made try mixing small and large pictures together. You can make a grid formation or a free flow formation. You don’t always have to have even numbers in your groupings 3, 5 even 7 is OK as well. Arrange your templates until you have it just the way you want then use your template as a guide to place hooks and such to hang.

6.       Use paint to make your pictures pop. Section off an area with painters tape and paint the inside of the box with a darker shade of your wall color.  At a local art gallery in Manchester they use this idea to show off the artist pieces so why not do it in your own home.

Gallery look with just a little paint

   7.       Pay attention to the colors and subjects in your pictures. Black and White photos can be very dramatic when grouped together.  When using pictures with colors remember that they should have a similar color scheme . You want the pictures to work together not against one another.

8.       Where are you hanging the pictures and what type is important to consider. Know the environment. For example you would not want to hang an oil painting over a heater; the heat coming up from the heater can damage the surface of the painting. Be careful with sunlight as well. Make sure you have a proper glass that will help prevent fading.

9.       If you have a plate collection and want to hang them, where would be the best place to do so? The kitchen or dining room of course. When hanging plates and platters more is best. Your plate display doesn’t need to match, but there should be some unity in the theme. Hang your collection above a focal point, a large side board, fireplace or cozy kitchen dinette.

picture from silive.com

  10.   You have a ton of photos and pictures that you need framed, when you go to your local frame shop, be sure to bring snap shots of your room. They will be able to help you decide what size frame and frames that is appropriate for your space. Here are 2 links that can  help you with framing needs: casualcat.com in Amherst, NH. or your local Michael's Craft store michaels.com.

Now you have a guide to help you get those pictures, painting, and wall hangings up... so get to work! The sun will be out tomorrow so what better thing to do today!