Dear Melissa:
In my bedroom, I have a painting on each of three walls. Do they have to line up with each other? What do you do about paintings? Barbara, IN
Dear Barbara:
Here are some guidelines for hanging paintings. Proportion is important. A single, tiny painting looks lost on a large wall. Conversely, a gigantic painting that practically fills up an entire wall will also look odd. Smaller pieces can be grouped into an arrangement for more stature and visual interest. Sometimes all you need to correct the size issue is to change the frame or mat. Keep in mind though, that the frame is supposed to enhance the painting, not detract from it. Ornate, heavily carved frames were used historically to separate those bold, colorful masterpieces from the ornate walls of the period. A heavy frame won’t make sense on a line drawing hanging on a painted white wall.
Placement is also important. I’m sure you’ve heard that you should hang a painting at eye level. But whose eye level? The person who is 6’3” or the one who’s 5’2”? This guideline applies more to gallery spaces. If you are showcasing a painting, it should be hung at the height where most viewers can interact with it. In one's home, that means it could be at chair height.
Artwork in homes is typically used to unify furniture with walls; therefore unless a painting is large and dominant, it is often placed over something, like the bed or a dresser. Artwork should hang relatively close to the piece of furniture, creating a composition. I want to say hang it no higher than 12 inches above the furniture, but it really depends on each situation. Just remember, if you aren’t sure about the height, err on the side of hanging it too low rather than too high, even placing it on the furniture. Please. It makes me crazy when pictures look like they’re drifting up towards the ceiling. And treat each painting separately. M.A.K.
