7 Ideas For Hanging Art In A Grouping

One of the best ways to finish a room is with art. A small wall is the perfect place to hang a single frame. But what about a larger space? Hanging art in a grouping can be tough to visualize before you’ve put a lot of holes in the wall.

Here are some inspirational ideas to get your creative juices flowing, along with some of my design tips along the way.

1. Don’t be afraid to mix one large and small artwork

Wow! That mirror is huge. I love it. The designer was courageous in hanging a large piece that runs outside the lines. It works because of its rather organic lines. A framed piece would fight with the trim. The mirror looks great on its own. She gave the room more depth by hanging four smaller pieces in a line that matches the size of the mirror.

2. Get rectilinear

This collection of team photos look great hung together. Notice that the rectangles are hung to make a larger square. The wide shapes emphasize the wide table below. The art works with the furniture to create a beautiful focal point to an entrance hall.

3. Squares aren’t bad either

Hanging a group in a simple square is one the easiest ways to create a great look. Measure carefully so they line up perfectly. Pay attention to the colors in your art so they work together as a whole.

4. Symmetry that works

On the easiest ways to hang art in a grouping is to keep things symmetrical. This collection of mirrors emphasizes the formality of the room and adds to the bed’s focal point.

5. Use color to make your grouping pop

Here’s an example of a great way to use color to show off a large collection. Purple and yellow are complements. The yellow in the art really pops. Also, notice how the designer used the entire wall to create a wallpaper effect. This room has real impact.

6. A never-ending grouping

This organic look is a wonderful way to create a wall of art that can keep on growing. Don’t worry about the frames not matching. Lots of small frames can be hung in just about any way you like. You can’t go wrong. The key here is to start with at least five pieces. Hang one in the center and the others around it in an asymmetrical sort of circle. Move out from there.

7. Change it up

Afraid of commitment? Hanging a couple (or three!) picture rails allows for constant change. That’s another way to change the look of a room easily.

Jennifer’s tips on organizing a grouping

• To make sure your art looks just so cut out newspaper or craft paper in the size of each piece and tape them on the walls until you find a design you like.
• DO NOT use scotch tape – it could ruin the wall. Instead, use masking tape. But first, blot the tape on your jeans to remove some of its stick.
• If you’re going for an asymmetrical look, start with the largest piece and move or out from there.
• Nail right through the newspaper and tear it off afterwards.
• Measure, measure, measure. But if you goof, try making the hanging wire shorter or longer instead of making another hole.

Do you have a tip for hanging art in a grouping? How about a tip for hanging art with perfection?

photos: Kim Bee, Pieter Estersohn, Roger Davies, William Waldron,