Hanging wall art is a quick and easy way to personalise a space and bring it to life. The process only requires you to choose a spot on the wall and hang your selected piece there. However, art placement is more than just selecting a location.
It also demands a thoughtful approach to ensure the art enhances the room’s overall design. Not many people consider this subtle detail, so—despite their best intentions— they make common mistakes that affect the visual impact of their art.
When wall art is placed thoughtlessly, it can disrupt a room’s harmony and fail to complement the décor.
To that end, this article will highlight some of the most frequent errors people make when hanging wall art and help you create a display that enhances your space and creates a lasting impression.
Neglecting Scale and Proportion
Choosing artwork that’s too large or too small for the wall can create an imbalance in the room. Large pieces of art can overwhelm a small wall, while smaller pieces may get lost on a large, expansive surface. As such, it’s essential to ensure the individual works are proportionate to each other and to the available space.
For instance, when creating a gallery wall, consider a combination of larger pieces with smaller ones to create visual interest and harmony. The larger artworks act as focal points and the smaller ones fill in the gaps to maintain a cohesive feel.
If you want to hang a single piece of artwork, make sure its size is appropriate for the wall space. To do this, measure the wall and select an artwork that occupies about two-thirds of the width of the wall. This will allow the piece to command attention without dominating the entire space.
Hanging Them Too High or Too Low
Another common mistake in hanging artwork is placing them either too high or too low. While it might seem like a minor detail, the height at which you place your art can dramatically affect the look and feel of a room. Art that’s hung too high can create a feeling of disconnection from the space, leaving the artwork floating above eye level and failing to engage the viewer. This is particularly noticeable in living rooms or dining areas where people are typically seated. On the other hand, placing art too low can make the room feel out of balance, as the pieces may appear overly dominant in the space, making it feel cramped or cluttered.
The ideal height for hanging art is often at eye level, around 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the centre of the piece. This allows the artwork to be the focal point without overwhelming the room. However, the specific height may vary depending on the size of the piece and the arrangement of furniture. For larger pieces or when you’re hanging multiple artworks, a bit of flexibility with height may be necessary to create a balanced, aesthetically pleasing arrangement. Adjusting the art’s placement to suit the room’s layout ensures that it becomes an integrated part of the space, contributing to the overall atmosphere.
Clustering Too Many Pieces
When too many art pieces are grouped together, it can create a sense of chaos rather than harmony, making the wall feel cluttered. This is especially problematic if the artworks aren’t appropriately spaced. To avoid this, choose a few key pieces that complement each other and make sure there’s enough room around each one to breathe. You can arrange them in a grid or an asymmetrical formation, but be mindful to maintain consistent spacing between each wall art. This will help you create a well-organised display that not only highlights each artwork individually but also contributes to a cohesive look.
Not Considering Wall Colour
The colour of your walls can significantly impact how artwork is displayed and perceived. If the wall colour clashes with the tones in the artwork, it can distract from the piece itself, making it feel disconnected from the room. As such, it’s important to consider the relationship between the colours of the art and the wall to achieve a harmonious balance. For example, vibrant artwork stands out best against neutral or muted walls. On the other hand, darker walls are better suited for lighter or more subtle artwork, creating a contrast that makes the pieces feel more dynamic and dramatic. Considering the wall colour carefully enables the artwork to complement its surroundings, thus enhancing its visual appeal.
Overlooking Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in showcasing artwork, yet it’s often overlooked during the hanging process. The right kind of lighting can enhance the colours, textures, and details of a piece, making it appear more vibrant and engaging. On the other hand, poor or inadequate lighting can make artwork seem flat.
Ideally, the artwork should be well-lit—but not too harshly that the light causes glares or shadows. Consider using adjustable picture lights or wall-mounted spotlights that direct light onto the artwork without causing reflections. Additionally, the intensity and angle of the light can change the mood of the art, so experiment with different options to see what best highlights the piece.
Wall art can transform the atmosphere of a room, but only if it’s thoughtfully selected and displayed with care. The right pieces, when placed in harmony with the space, can enhance its aesthetic and bring out its full potential. Taking a thoughtful approach when hanging wall art will ensure your artwork complements the room and enhances its overall design.
