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Design Do’s and Don’ts: Hanging and Selecting Art

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February 25, 2014 By Desi Creswell

Editor’s Note: You have to do it…hanging and selecting art.  Because, bare walls are no way to live.  Desi, from Desi Interior Design, is here to show us the right way to do it.  I love these tips, and you certainly don’t want to miss some of the great resources she links to below.

Art is an important part of an interior design scheme. The right piece can inspire a color palette or bring a room together in its final stages. I hear from so many clients that hanging and selecting art for your interior is a daunting task. There are so many choices and so many nail holes that could result! Below I share my top do’s and don’ts for using art in an interior space.

Do's and Don'ts: Art Hanging and Selection by Desi Interior Design for tealandlime.com


Do Hang at Eye Level

Typically art looks best when the center of the piece is 5′-6″ (66″) above the finished floor. Use this as a starting point and adjust higher or lower to suit your personal preference.  When hanging multiple pieces together, the center of the arrangement should be 5′-6″ above the finished floor.

Don’t Forget About Framing
A well-chosen frame can take an inexpensive piece from so-so to stunning. User friendly site, Framed & Matted, is a great way to create a semi-custom, affordable frame. Use double mats for an extra luxe look.

Do Embrace Gallery Style
Several small pieces can create one beautiful cluster. When hanging art gallery style use frames with similar shapes and finishes to create a sense of unity among the various pieces. Have a bunch of miscellaneous frames lying around? Use spray paint to make them all the same color for a quick DIY fix.

Don’t Think You Have to Spend a Lot of Money
Great art is art that you love. Look for affordable pieces at local stores.  If you are in the Twin Cities start with Corazon, gallery 360, or Paper Hat. And, every November check out the ever popular MCAD Art Sale where recent graduates sell their art for less than $1,000.

Do Consider Where You Want a Focal Point
Hanging a striking work of art is a perfect way to create a focal point in your space. Center your seating grouping on a piece of art or draw guests into your home by displaying an interesting piece in the foyer.

Desi Creswell is a Certified Interior Designer who specializes in designing signature spaces for distinguished executives and professionals. Desi loves to share her creative spirit and inspiration on her blog, which reflects the unique ways in which her readers live, work, and play.

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Comments

  1. Sarah @ 702 Park Project says

    February 25, 2014 at 11:21 am

    Hi ladies! Do either of you have any good sources for finding affordable art online? Thanks!

    • Desi Creswell says

      February 25, 2014 at 3:19 pm

      Here are a few suggestions:
      http://www.art.com

      http://www.gallerydirect.com/

      http://www.etsy.com

      You could also create your own canvas art using a photograph!
      http://www.canvasondemand.com/options/canvas-gallery-wrap/

    • Jackie says

      February 25, 2014 at 9:03 pm

      Sarah, I love all of Desi’s suggestions. But, it really depends what you consider affordable. For my clients I always have good luck finding affordable canvas art at Z Gallerie, World Market, Ballard Designs, Home Decorators, and Pier 1.

      • Sarah @ 702 Park Project says

        February 26, 2014 at 3:20 pm

        Thanks ladies!! :)

  2. Desi Creswell says

    March 15, 2014 at 9:00 am

    Sarah,
    Apartment Therapy recently posted their round-up of affordable online art sources – thought you would enjoy!
    http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-find-affordable-art-the-ultimate-online-source-list-200712

  3. Susan says

    April 5, 2014 at 4:06 pm

    For those who have an Apple-based gadget (iPad, iPhone), you can get the “Waterlogue” app for only $2.99 at

    It converts photos to watercolor images which you can then print out (or take to a photo place for professional printing) and frame as art. I love this idea because you can use your own images and then your art has that much more meaning.

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