DESIGNER ARTWORK - the hang of it

The art of selecting and hanging artwork is about defining style of a room, and pulling the scheme together through colour. At home, you are the curator, therefor you need to carefully consider what you hang on your walls, and the effect it will have on the overall space.

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The most common mistake people make is overcrowding the wall. If you have an original artwork, it is respectful to the artist to give it space to breathe. Hang just a few pieces of the best art you can afford. The more time you spend with it, the richer it grows.

There are times, however, when crowding or grouping can create a gestalt effect, but be careful it doesn't look like a flea market. It should either have a common colour theme or a similar subject matter, like horses or flowers.

This styling effect can also work with sculptural glass or family photos, provided the photos are either all colour, or all black and white, and the framing and mounting is similar. Make sure the multiple frames are arranged in a rectangular, square or diamond formation, set in a tight group and consistently spaced. It is best to arrange everything on the floor first, before you start putting holes in the wall.

While much of the process of hanging and placing art comes down to what looks good, home curators should consider some basic design rules for public and private areas of the home.

The entrance is a strong energy area, so hang something with a strong colour, but make sure it is an inviting subject matter. Also be careful putting art in high movement areas, where they may be damaged by children or pets.

Well-placed art defines direction flow; a beautiful work of art at the end of a hall will draw people down the hall, and into that space.

Bedrooms are much more tranquil, so tranquil pieces work best in this space such as nudes. One thing in common most bedrooms have is that most people put their best artwork above their bed. And yet it is the room where the least visitors go, and it is a room most don't spend a lot of time in. If it is a piece you have assigned to the bedroom, it should at least hang near the end of the bed.

Family photographs work best in private areas of the home, often stairwells are popular for photographs as you walk up to the more intimate spaces of the home.

The position of the viewer is also important. Smaller or detailed works often work well in areas such as hallways, where they will be seen at short range. While art hung in the dining room is usually viewed from a sitting rather than a standing position.

Preserving works should also be taken into consideration. Other than bronze sculptures, art should be hung away from direct sunlight, and or strong spotlight. The same principle applies to photographs, and works on paper.