12 Ways to Display Art

Updated June 08, 2015
Get the inside scoop to jazzing up your walls with creative art arrangements.
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A Gallery of Assorted Frames

To fill a wall with beautiful art, head to your local salvage store to find an assortment of old frames. Give them a quick makeover by painting them the same color, then hang them in a gallery on your wall.

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Strength of Symmetry

A symmetrical arrangement is created when each half of a display is the mirror image of the opposite side. For example, one mirror flanked by a pair of lamps or a trio of prints over a centered bowl are both examples of symmetry.

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All Lined Up

Four prints hung in a line over a table could be a recipe for boring, yet the objects displayed below the artwork make the difference with color repetition and interesting shapes.

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Art Ledges

Picture shelves are a great way to organize framed and matted photographs. Though black-and-white photos are a terrific look in a contemporary room, art shelves can also host prints, framed postcards, and a variety of other objects. Lean and overlap frames to avoid blanks; fill in with edited accessories in fluid shapes.

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Pop with Color

Contrasting artwork with a wall color is a good technique to highlight treasured objects. Here, red walls frame four Asian prints with saturated color.

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Odd Numbers

Learn the "rule of threes" to apply to your home decorating projects. In general, odd numbers of objects are more interesting to the eye. You can arrange odd numbers of objects symmetrically for an ordered approach, or go for a more creative, casual look with an asymmetrical arrangement. Hanging in odd numbers is also a good technique to use when hanging diverse items such as plates, platters, and other collectibles.

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Go Vertical

Work with the shape of the hanging surface. On a narrow wall for example, hang one tall picture. Or arrange a number of smaller items, such as these vintage plates, in vertical lines.

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Fit Art

Though you might be tempted to ignore the small patch of wall like the one above this chair, correctly sized artwork can be a great addition. The key is to hang art that is the correct size and scale for the available wall area.

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Stairstep It

Though this type of stairstep arrangement is more difficult to measure and hang, it has a huge impact on a stairwell area.

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Offset

Relax traditional art with innovative display. Here the two lower watercolor prints hang offset from the upper pair. This arrangement calls attention to the central sculpture and frames the table display below.

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Hang Artifacts

Expand your art selection to include items with visual appeal. Vintage iron pieces, decorative windows, china, plaques, baskets, and trays are just a few pieces that can hang on walls to personalize your home.

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Mix Shapes

Unify assorted prints, photographs, and frames with matching white mats and painted frames. Begin experimenting with the arrangement on the floor and start in the center. You may also trace shapes on kraft paper and tape to the wall before nailing.

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