Decorate Your Space: Learn How to Hang Art

Transform a blank wall into a distinctive art gallery with these quick hanging tips and decorating pointers. Use these tips and tricks in any room.

Get it Right the First Time

Step 1: Decide the height and width of your art display.

Step 2: Select your artwork, frames and other objects.

Step 3: Figure out how many hangers you’ll need and whether you have drywall or plaster walls (newer homes tend to be built with drywall).

Step 4: Trace outlines of your objects on sheets of brown paper, and mark where the hangers are located. Group and move the shapes around on the floor until your arrangement feels right.

Step 5: Use painter’s tape to stick the papers on the wall. Once you’re happy with the arrangement, screw or hammer the hangers right through the paper (if you have plaster walls, drill pilot holes before inserting anchors or nails).

For a bold statement, define the section you want to decorate with painter’s tape. Then paint the section a bright color that contrasts with your existing wall color. The painted zone gives definition to the space, and the bright background causes artwork to stand out.

For a Symmetrical Arrangement

• Size matters. Hang similar-size art in pairs or small groupings.
• Use a level to line everything up; use a ruler to make sure each piece is evenly spaced.
• Think outside the frame. Small groupings of tiles, postcards, sconces, or whatever can still be arranged symmetrically. Hanging artwork in a grid creates a feeling of unity between the individual pieces.

For an Asymmetrical Arrangement

• Pick a color palette. Colors should include a few main shades and some bold accents.
• Look for big, small and in-between. Large objects anchor a collection; smaller objects fill out the space.
• Think beyond framed art. You’ll get more interest from unusual objects—think plants, tools or a special trophy.

Arranging an assortment of random art can be tricky. Start with your largest piece or pieces and work out from there. Add a shelf to display items that you can’t hang.