Wall Art & Mirrors 101

How to select and place artwork and mirrors is one of the most common questions interior designers get asked.  It is usually easy for a homeowner to pick out art and mirrors that he/she likes.  Although, when it comes to deciding where and how to hang a piece, the task does not seem so simple.  Never fear! Along with my fellow designers at Classic Touch Interiors, I have the top 5 tips for helping you along the way.

1. The most common mistake is hanging art or photographs too high.  Hang objects with the center of the piece at eye level.  An average eye level height is 60”.  Full-length mirrors can be hung lower, so that more of a person’s body can be seen.  Remember to look at yourself in the mirror when you’re deciding on placement!

2. Bigger is usually better.  Select a piece that fills the space, otherwise the piece will look wimpy on a large wall.  Put a group of smaller pieces together if you don’t have one large piece, or if you want to display a collection of plates, prints, etc.

3. Select what you love!  Many designers, including myself, find working from a central piece of art or a photograph very inspiring.  We can design a whole room based on something you love, using textures, colors, and style from the piece.  Large paintings, colorful photographs, and tapestries are all great examples.

4. Matte and Frame smaller pieces in an oversized way to add drama and interest.

Scott Davis, Senior Designer at Classic Touch, says “I’ve even used placemats on a client’s wall before!”  He used inexpensive round placemats, that had a beautiful trim, behind each plate to be displayed as a collection.  “It added so much drama to the plates and helped fill up the space”, Scott says.

5. Think outside of the box walls.  If it’s flat and it’s something you love looking at, put it on an easel anywhere.  Tabletop easels are great for layering smaller artwork, mirrors, or plates.  Or use a standing easel to add interest behind a floating seating group.

Of course, not all of these tips will apply to every situation.  When in doubt, ask the experts.  For more information on any of the items seen above, and for design inspiration, visit our Winchester showroom at 3038 Valley Avenue or call us at 540-722-2488.  Our annual Sidewalk Sale is going on this week, so stop in to take advantage of some of our best prices of the year!

Story & Photos by Libby Hoffmann