How to Hang Art in Your Home

How to Hang Art in Your Home

A UCL study found that just 30 minutes in an art gallery drops cortisol and lifts your mood.

The good news?

You can easily create your own art gallery in your own home. And hanging art isn’t just decoration, it’s support for your nervous system!

So how do you go about actually hanging art? Here I’ll give you my top tips and outline the rules. Hint: There aren't any rules! 

Choosing the Right Frame

Frames are just as important as the artwork they hold. They can completely change the look and feel of your wall art. When I create my own pieces, I often hand-paint the frame or mount to create either cohesion or contrast. Sometimes, I even start with the frame first and then design something to fit inside it.

If you’re not looking to spend a fortune at the framer, have a look at places like Habitat or my personal favourite is the local charity shop for a rummage, you can uncover some really affordable and unique framing options.  

Forget the Rules (But Consider the Space)

Repeat after me: there are no rules for how or where to hang art in your home!

That said, a few considerations can help:

  • The size of the space you have
  • The colour of your walls and furnishings
  • Your own aesthetic. Do you prefer minimal and calming, or bold and eclectic?
    Personally, I like both. Some of my rooms are serene and pared-back, while my hallways are joyfully chaotic (controlled chaos, of course!).

My Go-To Styling Tips

Here are some of the ways I style art in my own home:

  • Contrast or cohesion: Either contrast the art with your wall colour, or match it for a calming effect. For example, my green bedroom is filled with nature-inspired art and plants.
  • Mix media: Create a collection of more than just art. You can hang plates, textiles, or plants alongside prints and paintings.
  • Mismatched frames: Different colours, widths, and styles can work beautifully together in a gallery wall.
  • Space to breathe: Give large pieces space around them.
  • Clusters for smaller art: Arrange smaller works together at eye level or incorporate them into a larger gallery wall.
  • Lean don’t hang: Lean pieces against the wall, on shelves or sideboards, for a relaxed vibe.

Tips for Creating Gallery Walls

Some people like to lay their gallery wall out on the floor before hanging to test the arrangement. I usually just go for it because I like a random, organic look.

If you prefer something more curated:

  • Start with one or two key pieces at eye level.
  • Keep roughly the same distance between works.
  • Build around the central pieces to create balance.

Enjoy the Process

The most important thing is to experiment and enjoy it. Nothing is permanent so have fun and express yourself through your walls.

If you’d like advice on hanging your own collection, or you’re looking for original wall art and prints for your home, feel free to drop me an email at Thursday.Arts.Club@gmail.com.

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