How to hang art in a grouping

Abstract, rambling art groupings are all the rage. Everyone who’s anyone has one! Except me, so I’d better get started. How do you create one of your own? Here is some inspiration followed by some tips to get you started.

Large in the middle, getting smaller at the ends. This is a nice mix of frame colors, art and photos.

A more formal grouping, yet still a-ramble is created by using the same color frame with white mats. Love that wall color. The grouping starts with one large piece in the center.

I like how the white mats play off the white wall across from the hall. The wide, rectangular shape accentuates the length of the hall.

This is a very well done mash-up. The two white rectangles balance the grouping.

Here I’ve created my own grouping. It’s one that’s easy to create if you’re feeling a bit intimidated. I have to admit that I was not born with this skill and I envy those who know just how to throw things on the wall and make it look great.

How to create an art grouping the easy Design Hole way

1. Start with your largest piece and place it at the center of the wall.

2. Work around the first piece in a circular fashion with smaller elements to create a rectangle or square.

3. It’s okay to work outside the lines of the rectangle. This makes it easier to add to your grouping as you find new things.

4. Consider mixing objects with art. Suggestions: letters, mirrors, a corbel with an interesting object resting on top.

5. Don’t get obsessed with frame color. You can mix it all up. Try to aim for some balance so that one frame color isn’t all lumped together.

6. Test your grouping on the floor and take photos as you move things around. This way you can return to a previous arrangement without having to rely on your memory.

7. If you’re like me and feel skittish when it comes to this sort of thing, you can cut out newspaper the size of your art and hang those on the wall first.