Before the first nail is hammered in, consider the placement. Ensure the wall you’ve chosen is suitably sized; it will be the backdrop to your artistic narrative, and a well-proportioned wall is essential. Think over the lighting too – natural light can play a big role in how your pieces are viewed and may require an alternate layout solution. It’s also important to consider the flow of your space. The gallery wall should complement and enhance, not compete or overpower.

Small Artwork (e.g., 8 x 8 inches to 12 x 12 inches)

• Ideal Viewing Distance: 2 to 3 feet
• These pieces are perfect for intimate spaces where viewers can come close, like in hallways or small rooms. They're also great for creating gallery walls where multiple smaller pieces are grouped together.

Medium Artwork (e.g., 16 x 16 inches to 24 x 24 inches)

• Ideal Viewing Distance: 3 to 4 feet
• Medium-sized artworks work well in living rooms, dining areas, or bedrooms, where they can be viewed from a moderate distance. They should be hung at eye level to ensure comfortable viewing.

Large Artwork (e.g., 30 x 30 inches to 48 x 48 inches)

• Ideal Viewing Distance: 4 to 6 feet (or more)
• Large pieces demand attention and space. They are best placed in areas where there is enough room to step back and appreciate the work in its entirety, such as in living rooms, above sofas, or in spacious hallways.

The positioning of your artwork plays a crucial role in its visual impact. Take note of the following recommendations:

• Eye Level Principle: Position the center of the artwork at eye level, typically 57 to 60 inches above the floor.

• Above Furnishings: When placing artwork above furniture, maintain a distance of approximately 6-8 inches above the piece for a harmonious look.

• Gallery Wall Consistency: Ensure a uniform height for multiple pieces in a gallery wall to achieve a sophisticated aesthetic.

1. Consider the style and theme of your space: What is the overall look and feel of the room you are decorating? Choose art that complements the style and theme of your space.

2. Think about size and scale: The size of the art should be appropriate for the wall and the surrounding furniture. A large piece of art may be too overwhelming on a small wall, while a small piece may get lost on a large wall.

3. Use a visual aid: To get a better idea of how your wall art will look on your wall, you can use a visual aid such as masking tape to mark out the dimensions of the piece you're considering.

4. Pay attention to color: The colors in the art should coordinate with the colors in the room. Consider the color scheme of your space and choose art that enhances it.

5. Consider your personal style: Choose art that speaks to your personal taste and interests. It should be something that you love and will enjoy looking at every day.

6. Consider the lighting in the room: The lighting in a room can affect how the art is perceived. Make sure to view the art in the space it will be hung to see how it looks in the lighting conditions.

7. Don't be afraid to mix and match: It's okay to mix and match different styles and mediums of art. As long as the pieces are cohesive and complement each other, they can add interest and depth to your space.

1. Size and scale: The frame should be proportional to the size of the art and the wall. A large piece of art may need a larger frame to balance it out, while a small piece may look best with a smaller, more delicate frame.

2. Style: The frame should complement the style of the art and the room. For example, a traditional piece of art may look best in a classic, ornate frame, while a modern piece may look better in a simple, sleek frame.

3. Color: The frame should complement the colors in the art and the wall. If the art has a lot of neutral colors, you can choose a frame in a bold color to add some contrast. If the art has a lot of bold colors, you may want to choose a frame in a neutral color to tone it down.

4. Wall color: The frame should complement the wall color as well. A frame in a similar color to the wall will make the art less noticeable but not necessarily less beautiful. A frame that contrasts the wall color will stand out, making the art more prominent.

5. Room decor: The frame should fit in with the overall decor of the room. Think about the room style, furniture, and accessories when choosing a frame.

6. Personal taste: At the end, you should choose a frame that you like and that you feel comfortable with

Art Unframed

• Some art doesn’t need a frame – this can provide a contemporary, minimalist feel that resonates with some designs. Try unframed prints alongside conventional artwork. Just make sure their visual weight plays a part in your overall layout.