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Abstract By Design

4

hanging artwork in your space

Hanging your artwork correctly is super duper important! I can’t even tell you how many times I used to see a beautiful piece hung incorrectly and it does both the room and the artwork a huge disservice.

Let’s chat a bit about some common mistakes…

MISTAKE # 1 - Hanging TOO high

This is probably the biggest mistake made and it can really look bizarre. Artwork should be hung at an approximate eye level and it should connect visually to whatever it is hung over (i.e. a sofa, a mantel etc.)

TIP - Hang your artwork approx. 8" - 10" above your sofa.

TIP: Eye level is referred to as Museum Hanging and is approx 60" from the floor.

MISTAKE # 2 - TOO Small OR TOO Big

Proportion and scale is important within a room and the same goes for artwork. Hang a tiny piece on a large wall and it looks rather ridiculous just as hanging a huge piece of work over a tiny chair looks disproportionate. 

TIP : Artwork should be about 65% - 85% of the furniture’s total width.

Too Small

Too Big

MISTAKE # 3 - too far apart

If you are wanting to hang a diptic or triptic for you need to ensure that you hang the pieces next to each other but not too far away. Again we want to create a connection between the pieces and the room, decor or furnishings and if you hang the set two far apart it appear disjointed.

TIP: Allow for two to five inches of space in between the works.

Paired Artwork - Too Far

Paired Artwork - Correct

Here are some ideas for hanging groups of artwork….

setup

technology is your friend

One quick point regarding technology and how it can help you in the creative process. You will see and hear me talk about using my iphone or ipad to experiment on my art digitally. This is INCREDIBLY useful! You get to play and make drastic changes to your art without actually touching it! I highly recommend you try it! If you have a smartphone you can do this!

I use the app Procreate on my iPhone. It’s relatively easy to use too! Here is a link to the app and their handbook.

Procreate Concept : Rising

Procreate Concept : Gilded Horizon

Let's continue to creative contract ...