How to hang an Artwork
Your easy guide for installing your new piece at home Hanging your new artwork can seem daunting, but with these simple tips you’ll be creating gallery- worthy displays in no time. Whether it’s an original painting or a limited edition print, how you hang your art can often be as important as the art itself. Adding the pièce de résistance to your living space will require a little patience, some insider advice and a few tools. So, without further ado, here’s how to hang your art like a pro.
two (spaced 20-30cm apart, depending on size).
If you’re concerned about marks on your walls, a picture rail - a rail or Décorative moulding running horizontally around the room below the ceiling - is an excellent alternative, especially for rooms with plaster walls. Often seen in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian homes, this option allows you to customise your display using chains, wire or S-shaped hooks. We do not
recommend using Velcro picture strips or adhesive hooks as they can loosen over time.
It is advised that you always seek professional help for hanging heavier artworks, but if you’d prefer to do it yourself, you will also need large nails, wall-plug anchors, screws and a screwdriver or electric drill. If you are hanging on a brick wall, it is advised to use brackets.
PLAN YOUR DESIGN
Take the time to visualise how you would like to display your artwork: do you want one piece to take centre stage, or are you planning to mix and match? You can outline your chosen design on your wall in pencil, post-it notes or masking tape, or carefully lay them out on the floor to see what works. For medium and large-scale pieces, it is recommended that you leave 5-6 inches between each artwork, and for smaller works around 3-5 inches; however, this will depend on personal preference and how many artworks you are hanging. Your artworks should also work with the existing features of your home décor, including lighting, furniture, radiators and soft furnishings. It is advisable to avoid natural light where possible to help protect the vivid colours; consider ceiling lights and spotlights instead.
MEASURE YOUR WALL AND ART
PREPARE YOUR SPACE
of the width of a fireplace or sofa. However, you may prefer to select your height by eye, particularly in a room where eye-level is not applicable. For instance, you might like guests to enjoy your art while seated at your dining table, or relaxing in an armchair.
Experts at museums and art galleries recommend hanging artworks at eye-level, which is generally 57-60 inches from the ground to the centre of the piece. For the best visual impact, your artwork(s) should measure approximately 0.57 x the width of your wall. Your piece should also be at least two-thirds
Before you to start to hang your art, make sure your chosen spot is clean and a safe distance from pipes and electrical wiring. Then assemble your tools: a tape measure, hammer, nails, spirit level and picture hooks. While most small artworks can be hung using one picture hook, larger artworks will require
70 FINE ART COLLECTOR AUTUMN / WINTER 2021
FINE ART COLLECTOR AUTUMN / WINTER 2021 71
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