Hanging art is an art itself

KAREN WIGHT

At times, I have felt overwhelmed by the endless possibilities. Does

the art hang solo? Would it be enhanced in a group setting? Does it

look better flanked by plates or sconces?

There have been times that I lacked the decision-making skills --

I’ve left pieces unhung for months at a time. Sometimes unhung is

good. A large picture may look better propped on a mantle than

actually fastened to the wall. Smaller art pieces may be better

suited to tabletops or bookshelves.

The best way to tackle the task is to make a plan. Tune up the

math skills, get a measuring tape, grab a pencil and, if you don’t

own a small level, make a trip to the hardware store.

Planning saves the walls from a variety of empty nail holes. Take

into consideration the size of the room, the size of the wall and the

scale of furniture you are working with. If you have a series of

pictures, think of them in their entirety instead of separately.

Arrange them on the floor first. Don’t be afraid to try different

patterns -- mix it up a little.

Try grouping pictures vertically and horizontally. Place them in

neat, structured rows; try it again with a running bond pattern. If

the grouping needs a little something more, try adding three small

plates on both sides.

Once you are satisfied with your art on the floor, get ready to do

the hard part. Work from the focal point outward. If you are hanging

a series of prints over a sofa, measure to make sure you begin in the

center. Your eyeballs and reality might not be in sync.

Art is best viewed at eye level, approximately five and half feet

from the floor. If there’s a question whether to hang higher or

lower, choose lower. Mark the center/top of the frame on the wall.

Next, measure the distance from the top of the wire to the top of

the frame. Get your picture exactly where you want it -- position the

nails (use two next to each other) at the top of the wire. Measure

twice, hammer once. If you are hanging a grouping of art or objects

above (or around) a piece of furniture, follow the lines of the

furniture rather than hanging it in a straight line.

Once you’ve taken care of the focal point, look for other

opportunities: over a doorway or archway; in a display cabinet

propped on a stack of books; or on a bedside table supported by a

plate holder.

And if you absolutely can’t make up your mind, go ahead and lean

the piece on the mantel, in a corner, on the hearth or in a

decorative chair in the corner.

Art must be seen to be appreciated.

* KAREN WIGHT is a Newport Beach resident. Her column runs

Thursdays.