Who wants to look at empty and depressing walls? That's why hanging pictures or artwork is one of the best ways to brighten up your mood and your living space. However, your prized painting collection or personal artwork will not get the exposure or compliments it deserves if you fail to hang them appropriately. From choosing the best framing options to different ways to hang your pictures/artwork, you can follow some helpful picture framing tips to get the best results.
If you have a treasure of family photos to create a family tree on your wall, have your own art collection, or paintings from celebrated artists, here are a handful of dos and don'ts to guarantee exceptional results.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Picture Frames Bottom Line
The Do's & Don’ts of Hanging and Selecting Framing Art
Do's
- Paint your walls according to the color theme of the artwork. Choose colors that complement or contrast the painting, but never opt for colors that overshadow the piece of art.
- Remember to choose locations where your artwork gets appropriate lighting –for instance, in the living room or the dining area.
- If you use picture-hanging hooks instead of screws or nails, you can hang larger paintings. That's because these framing accessories can take a large amount of weight. In some cases, they can even cater to something that is up 100 pounds. Level the artwork by using two hooks per piece.
- Design a photo wall on paper before initiating the wall design. That way, you can play around with the arrangement without ruining your wall or artwork.
- Place some pieces on top of your console tables or couches in the living room. Some people layer a few pieces together to compliment the color or style of their furniture.
- Many art enthusiasts prefer hanging artwork at eye level. For that, you will have to position the picture in such a way that its midpoint is from 55 to 60 inches from the floor. However, the proper distance depends on the room's ceiling height and your height, of course.
- If you don't want to hang the picture frame at eye level, you can hang it wherever you want. The key is to trust your instinct. When hanging a picture frame above a furniture piece, make sure it is at least four to six inches above it. When it is going above a sofa or a couch, the framing should be nearly 2/3 the width of the furniture.
- If you want, add some precious and exciting items to the surroundings, so the guests won't feel like exploring a museum. For example, trays, platter, pretty dishes, clocks, decorative and sculptural pieces, and some personal photos here and there will make things more interesting.
- Clean and maintain your picture frames according to their material.
- When hanging several picture frames, start from the largest one and work around it. Visualize it and draw the arrangement on paper first, so you have a map to follow.
Also Read: How to Display Your Artwork like A Pro
Don'ts
- Avoid buying picture frames that are either too expensive or available for a very low price. Many manufacturers fail to provide premium-quality frames because they use low-grade materials. Likewise, choosing an expensive frame worth more than your artwork is not a wise decision.
- No matter where you hang the artwork, the focal point of a group of pictures or a single picture should be not too high above eye level.
- Avoid hanging a tiny piece or a small picture frame on a big wall.
- Don't hesitate to ask for help if you can't hang the picture frame alone. Sometimes, your favorite piece of art is so heavy that you need at least two more people to ensure accurate placement.
- Avoid hanging pieces too far apart from each other. The distance between two pieces should be almost two inches or even less below and above and on either side.
- Never hang all the small pieces in one area and all the large pieces in another. If you mix up things with different sizes, you will create a balanced and visually appealing wall design.
- Don't buy a picture frame that matches your sofa or furniture but not with your artwork.
- Arrange your furniture before hanging your picture frames. That way, you won't risk any damages to your expensive or prized artwork.
- Avoid hanging artwork where it receives direct exposure to sunlight. A low-quality frame does not offer a protective UV-blocking glass, which can affect the quality of an antique painting.
- Don't hang artwork in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens since these areas of your living space can be hot and humid. Likewise, avoid hanging your paintings above the fireplace or a radiator.
How to Choose the Best Picture Frames
If you ask any interior designer or gallerist, displaying art in a fascinating manner is only possible through beautiful and durable picture frames.
The purpose of a good-quality picture frame is not just to display a work of art. The material and glass of the frame should protect the painting from dirt, grime, grease, and any factors that can harm its original quality. If you have a fragile painting that also holds sentimental value, choose a frame that will protect it for years to come.
Like most other décor accessories in your office or home, picture frames require regular polishing, dusting, and cleaning. Don't settle for low-grade or cheap cleaning products for your picture frames. When you are exploring picture-framing options, don't forget to do some homework to figure out how tough or easy it will be to maintain the frame.
Bottom Line
When looking for the best picture framing options, Universal Arquati is a premium Italian picture frame moulding material supplier. We offer beautiful and durable frame mouldings at competitive price tags. We showcase a fabulous collection of more than 1000 moulding styles in different designs and finishes.
Contact us today if you want to know more about how to choose the best picture frames and the best picture framing tips. Get in touch with us, and we will be happy to help you with your framing queries.