How to Hang and Style Art Prints: Tips for Home Decor and Creating a Gallery Wall
The biggest reason people decide not to buy art or prints is not knowing where to put it. I get it - my walls are covered with photos and art with little room for more.
If that’s what’s keeping you from buying a piece you LOVE, you could swap out art the way you swap out seasonal decor. If a piece evokes a sense of freshness and light, hang it in the spring, and replace it with a piece that feels warm and cozy in the fall season.
I’ve pulled together some quick tips on where to hang art prints in your home, how to style your prints to match existing decor, create cohesive gallery walls, and follow the 'eye-level rule' for perfect placement.
How to Find the Perfect Spot for Your Art Prints
Room by Room
Living Room: Hang a large statement piece above the sofa or fireplace to create a focal point. Smaller prints can be grouped together for a gallery wall that tells a story.
Entryway: Welcome guests with art that reflects your personality. A single bold piece or a trio of smaller prints creates a warm, inviting vibe.
Bedroom: Choose calming artwork, such as soft landscapes or work that feels cozy, to place above the bed or on a wall you see as you wake up.
Where you hang your art prints depends on the mood and purpose of the room:
Living Room: Hang a large statement piece above the sofa or fireplace to create a focal point. Smaller prints can be grouped together for a gallery wall that tells a story.
Entryway: Welcome guests with art that reflects your personality. A single bold piece or a trio of smaller prints creates a warm, inviting vibe.
Bedroom: Choose calming artwork, such as soft landscapes or work that feels cozy, to place above the bed or on a wall you see as you wake up. I also hang personal items with meaning in my bedroom, like the paw and nose prints of our pup who passed away in 2019. I also framed the first tiny baby sweater I bought for my daughter when I found out I was having a girl. (Making meaningful items into art is so fun)!
Bathroom: Smaller pieces (think 5x7 in 8x10 frames) work well in bathrooms. In my own bathroom, I hung a set of 5x7 floral cyanotype prints I made during the summer.
Matching Art with Decor
Ideally, the art you choose should complement the style and colors of your room. Here’s how to ensure harmony:
Match the Color Palette: Pull colors from your furniture or accessories to tie the room together. Complementary colors bring variety to a room while keeping it cohesive. If your decor is neutral, use art to introduce pops of color.
Unifying Theme: If your room has a rustic feel, choose farm-inspired prints (I happen to know where you can get some). For homes in seaside towns, nautical art like the pieces created by my fellow Rhode Island artist Jeanette Vertentes would work well with that vibe.
Mix Textures and Materials: Combine framed prints with other decor like wood shelves, metal accents, or fabric wall hangings to add depth.
Styling and Layout Guidance
Hanging art is about balance and proportion. Here’s how to get it right:
Think in Proportions: For a single piece, choose a size that’s about two-thirds the width of the furniture it’s above.
Balance the Space: If you’re grouping art, arrange pieces symmetrically or create visual balance by keeping spacing consistent.
Gallery Wall Ideas
Gallery wall quick tips
Plan Your Layout: Lay the prints on the floor first to experiment with arrangements.
Use a Unifying Element: Using similar frames, a consistent color palette, or a specific theme would work well. If your vibe is eclectic, choose bold, interesting frames that match your style.
Mix Sizes and Orientations: Combine vertical and horizontal prints with a mix of small and large pieces for visual interest.
Who doesn’t love a good gallery wall? Putting one together takes some planning but it’s worth the effort. Follow these tips to create one that works for your space:
Plan Your Layout: Lay the prints on the floor first to experiment with arrangements.
Use a Unifying Element: Using similar frames, a consistent color palette, or a specific theme would work well. If your vibe is eclectic, choose bold, interesting frames that match your style.
Mix Sizes and Orientations: Combine vertical and horizontal prints with a mix of small and large pieces for visual interest.
Before adding nails to the wall, create templates the same size as your frames using sheets of paper. Arrange the templates on the wall with tape. Once you have a good layout, add your nails and hang the art!
How High Should I Hang My Art?
Ideally, you should hang art so its center is at eye level, roughly 57-60 inches from the floor. Also consider:
Above Furniture: Leave 6-8 inches of space between the bottom of the art and the top of the furniture.
Gallery Walls: The middle of the arrangement should still be at eye level, even if some pieces extend above or below.
Seating: If you’re hanging art in a room where people are usually seated, like a dining room or living room, lower the art slightly to suit the seated eye level.
Art is a reflection of your personality and can bring life to any room. I hope these simple tips for hanging artwork will help you display your art prints more easily. Happy decorating!
Cheers -
Bridget
