As homemakers, we possess an incredible power to transform the ambiance of our homes. One way to harness this power is through the strategic placement of artwork. The art we choose to display, as well as how it is arranged, can have a significant impact on the overall feel of a space.
To beautifully place artwork, there are four key considerations to keep in mind. First, establish focal points that draw the eye and create visual interest. Second, arrange artworks in balanced vignettes that create a harmonious composition. Third, be mindful of sight lines and ensure the artwork is easily visible. Finally, assess the orientation of your walls and position the artwork accordingly.
Establish Focal Points
As you're arranging art pairings, be very intentional about considering the flow of the room. One key principle is identifying where you want to establish focal points in the room. A large, statement piece or a carefully composed pairing can become the star attraction that immediately draws the eye when you enter.
You can create this focal point by hanging the pieces at eye level on a prominent wall, allowing ample negative space around them.
Create Balanced Vignettes:
Another approach is to construct balanced vignettes or gallery clusters that combine multiple art pieces into cohesive visual stories. For example, you could create an eclectic vignette by leaning varied sizes of framed works on a credenza or hanging an asymmetrical arrangement on a single wall. The key is using pieces of different scales, orientations and styles to build an interesting composed scene.
In this gorgeous gallery wall the assortment of paintings and photos creates a captivating visual flow. That's no accident - the placement and scale of each piece was thoughtfully considered to draw your eye through the space in an intentional way.
Consider Sight Lines:
As you're arranging your pairings, be very intentional about considering the sight lines and flow of the room. You want artwork to complement the natural walkways as well as navigate people's eyes in a certain path as they move through the space. Strategically placing pieces to be viewed from multiple vantage points can give them added dimension.
Don't be afraid to use scale and proportion in creative ways when displaying art pairings. Hanging very large-scale pieces lower can create a bold, grounded presence. Conversely, placing smaller works higher up adds a sense of airiness and space. Playing with exaggerated scale differences keeps your display visually dynamic.
Assess Your Wall:
The orientation of your wall can impact how you display art. Tall ceilings allow for stacking of art to create an engaging display. On a vertical wall like this one, I've stacked the pieces above and below each other to create a balanced, symmetrical look. This allows the eye to easily among the artwork and also draws your eye upward instead of from side to side.
But let's say you have more of a wide, horizontal wall to work with. In that case, you'd likely want to position the artwork side-by-side. This spans the space in a more panoramic way. You can play with the spacing between the pieces too, to create different levels of separation and connection.
Ultimately, it's all about considering the proportions and orientation of your wall, and then arranging the art accordingly. The goal is to achieve a sense of cohesion and flow, whether you're stacking vertically or arranging horizontally.
And of course, that same principle applies when curating a gallery wall. The varied sizes, shapes, and spacing between the artworks come together to create a dynamic, visually engaging composition. It's like your own personalized museum exhibit, right in your living room!
This is all part of the secret sauce when it comes to making art shine in your home. The way you showcase pairings can be the difference between a space that feels uninspired versus one that feels utterly captivating.
Ultimately, arranging art pairings within a space is about staying mindful of your lines, layers, and vantage points. The next time you're refreshing or redecorating a room, I encourage you to think beyond individual artwork. Look for dynamic duos, trios, or even entire gallery walls that can transform an ordinary space into something truly extraordinary. The possibilities are endless!
