20 Creative Ways to Display Your Favorite Artwork

Brian Mc Weeney

Stumped on how to hang your favorite works of art? With ideas for gallery walls, symmetrical arrangements, and mixed media displays, our roundup of creative art arrangements has a solution for every blank space in your home.

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A Gallery of Assorted Frames

Kim Cornelison

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 or coordinating color scheme, then hang them in a gallery on your wall. Using a variety of sizes creates a gathered-over-time vibe. Wide white mats unify the colorful mix of prints.

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Prop Out Picture Ledges

Jay Wilde

Picture ledges are a stylish way to organize framed and matted photographs. Mix them into your gallery wall display to add dimension as well as function. Not only can the shallow shelves host artwork, but they’re also perfect for showcasing small mementos, sculptural objects, and even houseplants. Lean and overlap frames to avoid blank spaces; fill in with edited accessories in unique shapes.

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Odd Numbers

Adam Albright

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

Brittany Ambridge

Work with the shape of the hanging surface. On a narrow wall, for example, hang one tall picture or painting. Or arrange a number of smaller items, such as these vintage silhouettes, in a vertical pattern along a door frame.

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Stairstep It

Helen Norman

Although this type of stairstep arrangement can be more difficult to measure and hang, it has a huge impact on a stairwell area. Artwork in a variety of sizes helps fill the space without the arrangement feeling too angular. Black frames with white mats unify the design.

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Fit Art

Brie Williams

Although you might be tempted to ignore a 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. Partner it with a chair, bench, or small table for a polished look.

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Create a Grid

Brian Mc Weeney

Hanging a collection of art in a tight grid creates the feel of one singular piece of work. Here, colorful travel photography creates a central theme for the wall, yet each piece is its own stunning work of art. This art display idea is perfect for a large blank space, such as above a sofa, bed frame, or entryway.

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Hang Artifacts

Jeff Herr

Expand your art selection to include three-dimensional items with visual appeal. Vintage iron pieces, decorative windows, China dishware, plaques, baskets, and trays are just a few pieces that can hang on walls to personalize your home. Junk markets and antique shops are the perfect places to hunt for a one-of-a-kind piece for your wall.

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Strength of Symmetry

David Patterson

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. Here, the symmetry of the framed art pieces is echoed by the pair of chairs on either side of a side table.

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Shine a Light

Adam Albright

Sometimes less is more when it comes to displaying artwork. Create a high-end look with a single piece of artwork and a picture light that provides low-wattage lighting. This invites viewers to get a closer look and showcases a beloved photo or painting.

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Oversized Prints

Greg Scheidemann

Make a statement with a collection of extra-large prints. These simple botanicals are eye-catching on white canvases and a serene blue wall color. When displaying oversized artwork, steer clear of colors or patterns that could overpower the rest of the room.

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Kitchen Shelves

Adam Albright

Dress up open shelving in the kitchen with colorful prints that lean against the wall. Wood serving bowls and cutting boards add interest to the display. Pair with small stacks of simple white dishware to keep the area functional while maintaining a streamlined look with colorful artwork.

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Offset Artwork

Adam Albright

Relax traditional art rules with an innovative display. Instead of being perfectly centered over the bench, this arrangement of black and white photography leans to the left. This arrangement is welcoming and friendly, a wonderful way to greet guests in your home.

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All Lined Up

Jessica Klewicki Glynn

Six prints hung in a line over a table could be a recipe for boring, yet the throw pillows below the artwork make the difference with interesting texture and patterns. Silhouettes are a clever way to personalize art without relying solely on photography. When hanging art above a dining area, be mindful of where the bottom of the frames rest so that no one bumps their heads on the artwork.

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Mix Shapes

James Nathan Schroder

Unify assorted prints, photographs, and sculptural pieces with a neutral color scheme. Begin experimenting with the arrangement on the floor and start in the center. Trace shapes on kraft paper and tape to the wall before nailing your art display in place.

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Skip the Frames

Adam Albright

If you’re constantly inspired by new things, opt for a flexible wall art solution. Hang a series of clipboards to the wall, then print and cut phrases or graphics to fit the boards. Easily swap prints and graphic quotes to match the season—or your mood.

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Floor-to-Ceiling Installation

Michael Garland

Bedroom walls are the perfect destination for a collage of artwork that speaks to you and your interests. Pair souvenir art from a beloved vacation with stylish prints and inspirational graphic art. For a high-impact look, install the personalized pictures from the floor to the ceiling.

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Utilize a Bookshelf

Kritsada Panichgul

Go beyond walls for your art display. Add interest to a bookshelf with framed prints, small plants, and sculptural pieces. Keep the mats and frames consistent to keep eyes on the artwork. This casual look is easy to update at any time.

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Emphasize a Mantel

Annie Schlechter

Your fireplace is a natural focal point, so dress up the area with a large print or a series of framed artwork. Carry color from the display throughout the room in accessories and fabrics. Here, a bold floral print immediately draws attention over a traditional white mantel and soft pink walls.

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Pop with Color

Nicolas Gourguechon

Contrast artwork with a bold wall color to highlight treasured objects. Here, saturated aubergine walls frame the contemporary look of abstract watercolor prints. Sepia-tone photography and gold accents pull this warm yet sophisticated look together.

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20 Creative Ways to Display Art

1 of 20

A Gallery of Assorted Frames

1 of 20

2 of 20

Prop Out Picture Ledges

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3 of 20

Odd Numbers

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Go Vertical

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Stairstep It

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Fit Art

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Create a Grid

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Hang Artifacts

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Strength of Symmetry

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Shine a Light

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Oversized Prints

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Kitchen Shelves

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Offset Artwork

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All Lined Up

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Mix Shapes

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Skip the Frames

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Floor-to-Ceiling Installation

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Utilize a Bookshelf

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Emphasize a Mantel

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Pop with Color

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