How to Group Frames on a Wall
Dec 15, 2023
We are so proud to have been featured in a HGTV Magazine feature article about displaying wall art, and we wanted to expand and share even more ideas with you! When it comes to wall art and framing pieces, there are so many possibilities, coming up with a design and getting it onto your walls can be a bit daunting. Never fear! We’re here to share a couple tips on displaying and grouping wall art, since we are total nerds for the subject.
Correct Height to Hang Pictures
The most important advice we can give for hanging your beloved artwork is to hang it “At 60 inches on Center.” Translation: The middle of the artwork is always at 60 inches, which is eye level.
The only real big no-no: never hang your pieces diagonally, except over stairways. This is because the artwork would no longer be at eye level – which is the goal!
Let Your Walls Do the Talkin’
You can get creative with your walls just by hanging a few pieces of art or your favorite photos. It’s a great way to let your walls tell everyone how awesome you are while you sit silently, staring at your insanely gorgeous art display.
Now, the easiest way to pull any group of wall art together, whatever the color, size, or subject matter, is by framing them all similarly. We want cohesion, not chaos, folks. Simply, choose the same mats and/or frames for an overall sense of consistency, in each of the pieces you work on.
Looking for drama? Try grouping your art collectively for a more stylish effect. For example, hang common themes together, typography pieces together, oil paintings together, B&W photography together and more!
Small Pieces, Big Impact
There’s safety in numbers. Instead of placing small pieces of artwork all alone on a big wall, hang them together. The effect is quite intriguing. It draws people in to investigate each piece individually. Choose mats in lighter colors and slender frames, so as not to overwhelm the miniature works of art. When you hang your group of frames, leave less than the width of the frames themselves between each frame. This way, they’re nice and cozy. Not to mention, super-professional-designer-looking.
How Do You Balance Wall Art?
Large room = large artwork. To balance vast spaces, group pieces in even numbers. To anchor furniture, group your pieces in uneven numbers. This technique offers volume without overcrowding. But be careful not to display your large pieces or frames too far apart: 2-3 inches, max! This tip is as crucial as the “60 inches at center” rule and is key to achieving the Pinterest-worthy look for your wall.
How to Get A Gallery Look
If a crisp, clean museum effect is what you’re after, imagine a line at that ever crucial 60 inches above the floor stretching across the wall. You’ll center your art along this imaginary line. Choose sleek, black gallery frames and large white mats for presentation. (psst, we can help you with that with our Print & Frame Services) How far between frames you ask? That ever important 2-3 inches.
And when hanging multiple sizes in a gallery together, always put the larger piece on the left side of the group. It’s proven more aesthetically pleasing to the eye!
Hanging Frames Without Photos
With or without something inside, frames make beautiful artwork all by themselves! And since we have a vast selection of custom frames you can find the look that expresses your unique style. Hung all by their lonesome or layered on the wall, gilded, painted or rustic frames provide a simple and creative way to add depth and texture to your walls.
Try a Triptych
Think outside of the frame. One image may be too awesome to be contained in a single picture frame, so build it out over multiples! You can work with our team to print your images in portions or frame them separately. And try hanging them in a row to create a stunning triptych, not to mention a focal point and conversation piece!
And if you really want to stir up your next art conversation, read up on the history of triptych art. Time travel back to the Middle Ages and see how triptychs have been used across world history from their earliest use as altar adornment to the great master painters like Francis Bacon and Pablo Picasso.
Embrace Eclectic
Going for a curated look? Go all out! Great for kids rooms, family rooms or anywhere you want a fun, Bohemian feel. This technique is informal, inviting you to play with a mix of frames, plaques, 3D art, mirrors or whatever your imagination can conjure. Large and small, squares and circles, sculptures and sconces. If you love it, display it and soon you’ll have a wall you can’t take your eyes off of!
Got a wall display you love? Don’t hold back, we want to see how you express yourself through your walls. Share #FramingJoy!