Before you grab that hammer and start hammering nails into your wall, have a plan for how you will display your picture frame grouping. There are simple ways to master the art of hanging a group of pictures, and this article provides some of the rules and ideas you need to think about to achieve the artistic look you want.

Rule of Thirds

As with all forms of decorating, working with odd numbers gives the most eye appealing and harmonious look. The rule of thirds helps you achieve a visually appealing display. Start by selecting the most eye-catching or interesting art piece and hang it at eye level. Eye level is usually when standing, but if the piece is hung in a dining room, eye level will be when seated. Hang your other art pieces in a complementary display around your main piece. Larger pictures should be placed at the bottom of the group for a more balanced look.

The Formal Arrangement

If you prefer a structured, geometric display, the formal arrangement is for you. In a formal, geometric picture frame grouping you will see the pictures hung in a straight line or arranged as a square or rectangular display. A formal display calls for picture frames to match in color, shape and size. You have many options in picture frames to match your decor. A formal grouping is great in a modern or contemporary decor. You can display matching color prints or black and white photos in simple black picture frames for a striking appearance.

If you have high ceilings you want to downplay, hang your picture grouping in a straight, horizontal line. If you want a low ceiling to appear higher, hang your picture frames in a vertical column that will draw the eye upward.

The Informal Arrangement

The informal arrangement is usually a fun mix of shapes, colors and styles. Here again you will need to experiment to get the correct mix for the look you want. You can start with a basic formal arrangement of straight lines or a square shape and rearrange your art from there for a less structured look. It may take more than one time of rearranging to get the look right. The important concept of an informal arrangement is to make it comfortable and inviting.

One thing to remember when hanging a picture frame, large frames usually present better with wide gaps between each frame, while smaller frames look better hung closer together.

Artwork Lighting

Not all artwork looks its best under accent lighting. Instead of focusing light on the entire grouping, consider highlighting the center piece in the group or several of the smaller pieces. There are two ways to light your artwork; one is to aim a light in the room toward your grouping and the other is to attach a light onto the picture frame or near the frame to shine only on the one picture. Once again, experimenting will help you determine which type of lighting works best for your picture grouping and for the effect you want. There are several options to consider when it comes to picture lighting.

– Up-lights: Up-lights produce a more diffused and even light. They can work very well when properly positioned. You can place an up-light on a table or on the floor directly below your picture grouping. Hiding the up-light behind a piece of furniture or within the foliage of a large plant works very well.

– Spotlights: Spotlights are versatile. You can use them to shine directly on your picture grouping or position them to reflect light onto your grouping. Individual spotlights can be mounted to the wall or ceiling on a strip track.

– Fluorescent lights: A strip of fluorescent lighting can illuminate an entire group of picture frames. This type of lighting works very well in a large room where you can use a diffuser and angle the light onto your picture grouping. Be sure the bulb is “daylight” colored for a more natural lighting effect.

– Picture lights: Picture lights are perfect for illuminating one picture. These individual lighting units can attach to an individual frame or onto the wall above the picture frame. There are many styles available to match your decor, but be sure the unit you use will illuminate the entire picture. A good rule of thumb is to use a light unit that is about two-thirds the width of your picture.

Author Bio: Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Display your favorite pictures in one of our beautiful round picture frames or metal hinged picture frames. Shop online and see our wood picture frames online now or call 800-780-0699.

Category: Arts and Crafts
Keywords: picture groupings, display pictures, display photos,