Highlighting Your Architecture Through Decorating

Your Stairway

Sometimes, the architecture of your house will help you determine where and how to hang your artwork. For instance, hang a long vertical grouping of photograph frames on the wall going from one floor to another within a narrow, winding staircase. Six framed botanicals hung in pairs might be appropriate for this sort of space, as would three vertical black and white photographs framed in gorgeous black picture frames and hung one above the other.

Elegant Groupings

Grouping together six pieces of art in matching frames is just about the most dramatic - and stylish - ways to display artwork. The framed artwork does not have to be costly; botanical prints or illustrations from gardening magazines are elegant when framed properly. You may even frame pressed flowers or dried leaves. Inexpensive natural or black wood picture frames can be hung within a horizontal grouping of two rows of three, as well as a vertical grouping of three rows of two for a pleasing look.

Using Shape

If you have a substantial wall which you feel would be just perfect for a tall, large piece of art and you just have horizontal pieces, here's a solution to suit your needs. Should you have three horizontal pieces that are the same size, or almost the same size, then simply hang them on your wall, one on top of another with approximately three inches of space between each frame. This has the most pleasing effect if your frames have a similar finish, however they don't need to be identical.

Windows as Living Art

Most designers consider windows as being "living art". Living art includes not only windows, but French doors and sliding glass doors. Sliding glass doors, rows of large windows, a large picture window, or French doors often get to be the focus within your room. Because the glass makes for a great point of interest, it's very important to leave one large wall art-free so that your eye does not become overwhelmed. When you do this it'll bring tranquility to your room. When you have an area which has plenty of windows and doorways, it becomes a great idea to hang only one large painting or perhaps a grouping of frames on just one wall and then leave the rest of the walls bare.

Emphasizing Windows as Art

As mentioned above, you ought to avoid hanging artwork right alongside a window, but most importantly this is the rule when you have a stained glass window. Artwork together with a stained glass window will compete for ones focus, so you wish to avoid this.

Maintaining Perspective

When you hang artwork or even a mirror above a dresser or perhaps a table which is sitting near to a bigger piece of furniture, your item of artwork should be almost as tall as the dresser or table. This will guarantee that your furniture arrangement appears balanced and any smaller furniture pieces won't feel dwarfed by your larger piece.