idElements.com

In my 26 years as a professional interior designer, I am often asked for advice on the best way to display artwork. The following points are a few of my favorite tips to display art to its best advantage.

Tip #1: Use the appropriate size piece of art for the space.

The single most common problem I see in interiors is the use of a piece of artwork that is too small for the space. When in doubt, err on the large side, so it does not appear "skimpy". For drama, there is nothing with more impact than one single large piece of art used confidently and prominently.

In Example "A", the homeowner built their entire color scheme around the vertical piece of art at the end of the hallway, creating drama and focus in this narrow, featureless space.

In Example "B", the large colorful abstract painting is the proper size and has the proper impact to be the focal point for this large, neutral kitchen.

In today's larger homes, it can be difficult to find over-sized pieces of art that are appropriately scaled to the rooms. One of the best sources affordable, large scale art is www.idelements.com.

Tip #2: Use a series of art for greater impact.

A series of art can also have the same impact and drama as one large piece.

In Example "C", the series of contemporary art fills this vertical wall space in the large kitchen and family room.

In Example "D", these small pieces of art gain importance when treated as a collection hung above the built-in media and display unit. When treated as a series and hung horizontally, they emphasize the expanse of this modern interior.

The appropriate shaped art for the tall wall space in the large, traditional living room of Example "E" would have actually been a vertical piece. However, instead of one single vertical format piece of art, this homeowner choose a series of three horizontal pieces which the eye reads as one large piece. Notice the contrast of the dark art against the light interior.

The same website I referenced previously, www.idelements.com, is a great source for large pieces of art and also has an extensive offering of art which are available as a series.

Tip #3: Hang artwork as a composition.

In the Dining Room in Example "F", the artwork is not a series, but they are related and hung together to work as a composition. The elements that tie these unrelated pieces of art together are the high contrast black and white tones, with intense accent colors, simple black or silver frames, and consistent internal margins between each piece. Notice how this dramatic display of art gains even greater importance when spotlighted by the adjustable track lighting.

Tip #4: Think about how the adjacent furniture integrates into the composition.

In Example "G", notice how the baby grand piano relates to the series of portraits. The placement and dramatic tones of both the piano and the art unify the elements so they are viewed as one cohesive composition.

A common mistake is to hang the art then place the adjacent furniture around it. Instead, I recommend looking at the wall space as it will be actually viewed when fully furnished and accessorized. In Example "H", the homeowner placed the lamp so that it reads as a part of the composition. Instead of blocking the middle piece of art, the lamp makes this stacked layout rational and pleasing.

Tip #5: Art should enhance the architectural shapes.

The colorful pieces of artwork that flank the openings into the operatories in the dental office in Example "I" create a sense of entry. In much the same way a pair of columns would work in tandem, these two pieces of art balance the entry.

Instead of ignoring this difficult wall space, the homeowner used the shape to their advantage in Example "J". The series of art fills the wall surface capitalizing on the angled ceiling line to create a dramatic display.