Sofa Walls

Just because the art on your sofa wall stands alone, that doesn't make it a standout. If your art looks lonely, get a little help from some friends -- bring in other well-sized framed pieces to ensure safety in numbers. For smooth nailing, sketch a plan on paper first.

Make it asymmetrical.

1. An asymmetrical arrangement such as this makes the eye work harder -- and feel more rewarded as a result. Though not a perfect match, the grouping system strikes an appealing balance: the piece with the heaviest single visual weight on the left is countered by several smaller frames on the right.

Break up two prints.

2. Throw in some curve to break up a rigid twosome of prints. Although equidistant from the prints, the sconce is hung with unequal, but well-proportioned negative vertical space -- one-third at the top and two-thirds at the bottom -- for more eye appeal.

Create a radial arrangement.

3. Form a radial arrangement by focusing plates around a print as they radiate from a central point. For color balance, keep the more intensely patterned plates low and to the outside of the design.

Hang a print proportional to the sofa.

4. A large round-arm sofa deserves a proportionately sized painting. The ratio of negative (empty) space on either side of the painting is 2:3, which builds the rectangle comfortably within the sofa frame. Hang it just high enough above the sofa (4 to 6 inches) so you don't hit your head when sitting, but not so high that it seems uncomfortably detached.