How to Best Hang Wall Art: Tips for a Perfect Finish

Wall art is a great way to add personality and style to your interior. Whether it’s paintings, photos, posters or tapestries, the right way to hang them can make the difference between a room that comes to life and one that looks a bit flat. In this blog post, I’ll give you some handy tips on how to hang wall art to give your home a stylish and personal touch.

1. Choose the right place

Before you start hanging, it is important to think about the space and the place where you want to place your wall decoration.

Center of the room: If you want to place a painting or photo in the center of a wall, it is important to estimate the height well. The ideal height is usually at eye level, about 145 cm to 150 cm from the floor to the center of the decoration.

Above furniture: When hanging a decoration above a sofa, chair or dining table, make sure you keep the distance well in mind. The art should not hang too low, but also not too high, so that the proportions remain nice. A distance of 20 to 30 cm above furniture is often ideal.

Group installations: If you are hanging multiple pieces on the wall, such as a gallery wall, make a design on the floor before you start drilling. This will give you a good overview of the composition and will create balance in the installation.

2. Measure and mark

One of the biggest mistakes people make when hanging wall art is not measuring properly. It is essential to estimate the space correctly to avoid making multiple holes in the wall.

Measure the distance between the hanging points: If you are using art or a picture with hanging wires, measure the distance between the wires or hooks. This will help you know exactly where to place the hooks or screws.

Use a level: A level is your best friend when hanging wall art. It ensures that your art hangs straight, which is essential for a neat look.

Use a pencil for markings: Make light marks on the wall with a pencil where you will place the screws or nails. This will prevent you from damaging the wall by drilling too much.

3. Choose the right hanging method

Depending on the type of wall decoration, there are different ways to hang it:

Screws or nails: For heavy pieces, such as large paintings or wood panels, it is advisable to use screws or nails. Use wall anchors if you are working in a soft wall, such as plasterboard.

Hanging Hooks or D-Rings: These hooks are ideal for smaller, lighter pieces. They ensure that the wall art stays firmly in place.

Hanging Wires: If you have paintings with a hanging wire on the back, you can hang this wire over a hook. This gives you some flexibility in positioning the painting.

Sticky strips or adhesive hooks: For lighter decorations or temporary solutions, sticky strips or adhesive hooks are a handy alternative. They leave no marks and are ideal for rental properties where you are not allowed to make holes in the wall.

4. Pay attention to the correct proportions

A common mistake is that the wall decoration is not in proportion to the rest of the room. Pieces that are too large in a small space or pieces that are too small in a large room can disrupt the look.

Try to balance: If you hang a large piece of art, make sure it doesn’t dominate the entire wall, unless that’s the intention. For smaller rooms, several smaller pieces together can create a visually interesting composition.

Proportion to furniture: Make sure the decoration is in proportion to the furniture and other elements in the room. A well-proportioned wall decoration draws attention, but also creates a harmonious space.

5. Experiment with different styles

Your wall art doesn't always have to be formal or symmetrical. It's perfectly okay to be creative with your hanging style!

Gallery Wall: A gallery wall is a popular trend where you hang multiple small pieces of art, photos, or mirrors in a coherent manner. This can add a playful, dynamic feel to a space. Make sure to keep the distances between the pieces even and that they create some sort of visual flow.

Lines and patterns: You can also experiment with a pattern, such as vertical or horizontal lines, to create an interesting, modern look.

Tapestries and textiles: For a softer look, consider using tapestries, rugs, or macrame. These can give a room a bohemian or rustic feel. Make sure that the hanging methods for textiles are secure so that they don’t come loose easily.

6. Lighting completes it

To really make your wall art pop, it’s important not to forget about lighting. Good lighting can enhance the colors and details of your artwork and bring it to life.

Spotlights: Spotlights focused on your artwork can have a dramatic effect.

Artificial lighting: There are special artificial lights that you can install above your paintings or photos to accentuate them even more.

Conclusion

Hanging wall art is an art in itself. With the right preparation, choosing the right hanging method and paying attention to proportions, you can create a beautiful and harmonious space. Don't forget that it is also an opportunity to express your personal style and creativity. So measure, mark, hang and enjoy the result!