We all love paintings, if they are top-quality reproductions of world-known masterpieces, it is better. However, have you ever noticed how the same painting might look in a different environment? How much your impression from an oil painting depends on where it is located, at which height it is placed, the light that falls, or doesn’t fall on it, and so on?
We will check here what factors influence the perception of any oil painting and how to arrange your available pictures in the most impressive way based on your interior design.
Height Matters
Do you prefer hanging your paintings high or low? Many people prefer placing paintings high, above the heads. Sometimes, when you enter somebody’s home, you might even not realize there are custom paintings until you look up. Can you observe the paintings even if they are real masterpieces? A part of the painting you will not see, and at the very end, you will get tired of looking up and just give up.
What is the optimal height to place your painting then?
There is a so-called “center rule”. It means that the height shall be determined not from the hook used to hang the painting but from the center of the piece. Thus, you put your art at the optimal height if the distance from the floor to the painting center is 57 inches. Yes, the bigger the reproduction is, the lower it will seem to be placed.
Are the exceptions from the rule? Well, of course, there are always exceptions. For example, in some homes, the ceilings are incredibly low. If this is your case, divide the distance between the floor and the ceiling into quarters and hang the painting into the 3rd quarter from the top.
If you want to hang up the painting above your favorite sofa, the lower part of the piece shall be 8-10 inches above the sofa back. What if it breaks the rule of 57 inches? No problem, just do it to enjoy the proper view.
If You Need to Hang a Collection
If you have several arts to hang, consider them as one collection. While some people put random paintings on the same wall, this is a mistake you shall not make if you want to achieve a harmonic look.
Here, there are several rules to follow:
- If you are going to hang images above an object: a desk, a sofa, a fireplace, and so on, make sure the entire collection takes around 2/3 of the object size.
- Heavier and bigger pieces go on the left bottom corner, lighter pieces are placed above them.
- If there is one big custom art piece and several smaller ones, place the bigger art in the middle. It will create a focal point for your collection. Smaller pictures will surround it.
- Finally, try to keep the distance between the picture frames consistent. For that, you can use a ruler and adhesive tape.
Don’t Limit Yourself to Walls Only
We understand that there are different situations. You might have not sufficient space on your walls to place your oil on canvas. Or you might have no wish to make in the walls all those holes, and it might be a reason if you rent your accommodation.
In such a case, you can arrange your canvas wall art just anywhere. Use the power of your imagination. You can place the pieces:
- On shelves – this is the most standard option;
- On the fireplace – just make sure they are protected from temperature changes;
- You can make an automated stand and hide your paintings behind a TV set, for example, and make them appear when you want to change the interior.
Consider Shapes and Spaces
We understand that not everybody can get a big painting. But canvas wall art that is too small for the space doesn’t look properly. Try to find the best place for each of your paintings. A bigger space shall be filled with a bigger art, while smaller spaces shall be left for smaller paintings. Then, your wall art décor will look beautifully.
Frame Is an Important Part of the Painting
Don’t neglect frames. They, along with the paintings, will form the central point of your wall. Thus, select them carefully.
Consider that your custom art pieces shall be complemented by a frame. A good frame highlights the character of the painting and focuses the attention on it.
There are no particular rules on how to arrange frames on the wall. You might experiment with vintage frames or you might want to make all in the tech-style – the choice is yours. Just make sure it all looks properly and to place. If you doubt, it is recommended to ask a specialist for assistance.
Final Thoughts
Even if you have amazing pieces of art, they might not impress as much as they can if you place them improperly. Use the above-mentioned rules, add your creativity, and your paintings will always attract the deserved attention.