Picture this. You have taken a fantastic photo, ordered the perfect made-to-measure frame, and the two look beautiful together. So the hard work is done? Not quite. Hung in the right place, a picture is lifted to another level. Hung in the wrong one, it can be a bit of an eyesore. Here are some simple tips.
The art gallery rule
Galleries hang pictures with the centre about 60 inches (152cm) from the floor, which is roughly eye level for the average person. It is a good starting point at home, though mirrors, fireplaces and furniture will sometimes mean you have to adapt it.
Size matters
Consider the size of the picture against the size of the wall. A small picture looks lost on a big wall, and an oversized one can overwhelm a small wall. Measure the wall first, and choose a frame size to suit. Our team can advise.
Where exactly to hang it
Most people hang a new picture in the middle of the wall. It is not the only choice. A picture hung off-centre, balanced by a lamp or a piece of furniture, adds interest and can make a small room feel bigger.
Grouping
Some people think a group of pictures looks cluttered, but it need not. Pictures of different sizes and shapes can look striking together if you keep the spacing even. A gap of 5 to 10cm between frames works well.
Hang a large group above a piece of furniture, such as a sofa, a sideboard or a bookcase, to anchor it. Mounts of one colour, or frames that go together, will unify it.
Use a common theme
Frames with one thing in common give a wall a unified look. They might all be metal, all wood, all one colour or all one size.
A mix of different frames can be just as effective, so long as something ties them together: a single bright colour, the same mount, or pictures in the same style.
Plan it first
Lay the frames out on a large sheet of paper, or several sheets taped together, and move them about until you are happy. Draw round each one and mark where its hook goes. Then tape the paper to the wall and nail straight through the marks. Every frame ends up exactly where you planned it.
Add symmetry
Symmetry is pleasing to the eye. Balance the left and right sides of an arrangement, so that one mirrors the other. Even with frames of different shapes and sizes, aim for an arrangement that is balanced overall.
Use a spirit level for every frame. Straight lines and even spacing are what make a display look professional.
Avoid direct sunlight
Sunlight fades and discolours artwork, and can damage frames too. In a sunny room, choose a wall that does not face a window, or use blinds or curtains. UV-filtering glazing gives extra protection.
Consider the room
Hot, humid rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms are hard on paper and canvas, so keep precious pictures out of them. Avoid hanging artwork directly above a radiator or a working fireplace, where the heat can damage it.
Conclusion
Start at eye level, suit the picture to the wall, plan groups on paper, keep them level and evenly spaced, and stay out of the sun and the damp. That is all it takes to make a wall of pictures look good.
Our picture frames are made to measure, and we are glad to advise on the best frame for your artwork.
Call EasyFrame on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are happy to talk it through even if you do not want to buy.