How to Hang and Arrange Framed Pictures in Your Home

When personalizing your home, certain decorative elements tend to take center stage, or at least get prioritized over others. A living room sofa, for example, is the foundation of any public space. Cabinets and countertops are keys to the kitchen. A bedroom is fittingly defined by its bed and dressing.

But too often do items on the wall get overlooked or thought of as a last-minute, ancillary details. Perhaps that’s how it was when a Reservoir Dogs poster hung over your dorm room bed, but now that you’re an adult it’s about time you stepped up your game.

As framing expert Keith Andrews explains in The Telegraph, how and where you present artwork and photographs can completely change the way a room comes off. The right setup and positioning can evoke the feeling that a bright new window has been opened into the space.

Andrews’ tips for framing are both stylish and pragmatic. The frame you choose should take cues from the colors and content of the artwork it supports. Somber subjects call for darker frames. A bright beach photo can be matched with a rough-looking wood with a speckled finish. At the same time, it’s nearly always acceptable to be safe and just keep things simple by opting for neutral frames so as not to dominate the room.

Where you can get creative is in the items themselves. Mementos and family artifacts can be matted and framed within lovely little boxes (Andrews mentions a friend who displays her childrens’ first baby shoes). For the more adventurous types, items like books or figurines can be similarly transformed into hanging installations.

Something vital to consider is the effect natural light will have on hanging items. You can invest in anti-glare glass if you want to prevent unwanted reflections, but you should also consider that too much exposure could damage a piece. Find dimly lit alcoves in your home and focus on warming them up with bright pieces of art.

Finally, Andrews recommends that those hoping to decorate smaller spaces try a “salon hang,” which describes an assortment of small pieces grouped close together. This way you can explore themes within the various items while also achieving an artsy, studio feeling.