Designer tips to displaying art

Want to know how the designers get it right? Read on...

Fit art
Though you might be tempted to ignore the small patch of wall like the one above this chair, correctly sized artwork can be a great addition. Hang art that is the correct scale for the wall surface.

Offset
Relax traditional art with innovative display. Here the two lower watercolour prints hang with the frame edges under the prints (inside the mats). This arrangement calls attention to the central sculpture and frames the table display below.

Lead the way
Though this type of staircase arrangement is more difficult to measure and hang, it has a huge impact on a stairwell area. Notice too, how the pictures are a larger scale to hold their own in this oversize space.

Art ledges
Picture shelves are a great way to organize framed and matted photographs. Though black-and-white photos are a terrific look in a contemporary room, art shelves can also host prints, framed postcards, and a variety of other objects. Lean and overlap frames to avoid blanks; fill in with edited accessories in fluid shapes.

Mix shapes
Turn assorted prints, photographs, and frames into an arrangement with paint and mats. Work out the grouping on the floor or trace shapes on kraft paper and tape to the wall before nailing. Start in the center and work out. Hanging in odd numbers is also a good technique to use when hanging diverse items like plates, platters, and other items.

Art is served
Vary shapes and sizes of the same type and same colour of object (here floral tole trays) for a strong focal point. Centre the largest object to anchor the arrangement, then flank with pairs of similar objects.

  source: meredith publishing