Hanging Pictures & Decorative Mirrors

Hanging decorative wall art is part of charm of having home décor. Deciding exactly where to display your new piece is entirely subjective, but some sensible tips can help change the focal point, and open up your room.

Large Pictures and Mirrors

Large mirrors and pictures are typically placed with the top most frame 6 feet above the floor for standard sized decor. For larger pieces on large vaulted ceiling walls then you have a few choices as to how to arrange the décor for maximum effect. Very large arrt can easily be centered on the wall space and slightly tilted forward. This allows the viewer, while not at eye level, to still gaze up at the picture or mirror, while still allowing the décor to balance the wall. If no other wall art or furniture is in the way, then try to place the center of the décor at eye level.

Groups of Pictures and Mirrors

Grouping matched home décor is an easy way to use smaller sized art to achieve a large center piece look. The actual type of art or shape of the mirror will help determine how they should be arraigned for maximum dramatic effect. Planning for a group design is a little more time consuming. The single best way effectively laying out your wall décor while not putting sample holes in your wall is to use craft paper and some wall safe clear tape. Simply cut the craft paper in the shapes of the décor, and you can easily arrange your art with no damage to the wall.

When using groups of artwork to create a montage large centerpiece, remember the most important aspect is the perception of balance. Have you ever looked at three pictures in a row, and new one of them was slightly off balance? Regardless of whether you arrange your décor in linear rows, stepped down or in an abstract design, the balance of the group is what will create that pleasing appearance. A simple trick for balance is to use a piece of string to help decide placement. If all of the décor is of similar size, then use a measured piece of string and go from the center of the art to the next center. Even if one is slightly large of frame, the balance should be even.

For a group where we have unequal sizes, then we will be looking at the balance of each side. On large center piece with three small to the right and two medium to the left typically works well. In the case the string is used to determine the center point of the next group of smaller works. And remember, have fun. This is about creating a room layout you like.

Lighting

Lighting can both accent and highlight. It can be used to emphasize the glory of your arrangement, and add mood and ambience to your room. Light directed directly onto your arrangement or from directly above drives the focal point directly to the décor. Lighting from below or floor lighting is used more to set tone. In dark rooms, the soft floor lighting can add warmth to the décor, while colored lighting can accent the mood of the décor. Regardless of which you choose, make sure your lighting is soft enough to not produce a glare.