14 Creative Ways to Hang Art

Art wall feeling a little ho-hum? Try one of these 14 fresh, creative ideas and give your walls a new lease on life. From art that creeps around the corners to unique matting ideas, backdrops and even a pulley system, perhaps one of these art arrangements from around Houzz will inspire a change in your own home. One tip for all: Lay out your arrangement on the floor and snap a picture of it before committing — it will save you a lot of nail holes!

1. Around the corner. Hang pieces with frames touching horizontally. Start out on a longer wall and continue hanging small artwork right around the corner of your room, continuing onto the next wall for one or two feet. Keep in mind that very small pieces may be easier to hang in the corner.


2. With a dramatic backdrop. Marbled wrapping paper was used in the room in the foreground here, and black paint was applied to the wall in the room visible through the doorway — a rich and luxurious look that cost next to nothing. A mix of vintage artwork makes this eclectic look come to life.

Wallpaper, grass cloth, fabric or a rich paint color would also make fabulous backdrops for an art display — for even more impact, be sure to consider the view from one room to the next, choose wall treatments that complement each other and layer on the art.



3. Cooler by association. Bring an art wall that feels a bit too empty to the next level by adding a large three-dimensional piece, like antlers, a mask, mounted staghorn ferns or a wall sculpture beside or above it. If you love the artwork itself but the frames aren't doing it justice, consider swapping out plain white mats for black or textured linen, or switch to a much larger frame.


4. Two rows of art shelves. This supereasy and flexible arrangement is based on two slim shelves that hold a collection of related artwork or photography. To determine how high to hang the top shelf, place your largest piece on the lower shelf and measure one to two inches above it. Really fill both shelves for the most interesting, rich look — don't be afraid to let the frames overlap.



5. Small and close. Steal this decorator trick — finish off a vignette, like a bar tray or bedside table, with a small painting hung very low and close to the arrangement. It reads as part of the tabletop display, adding a welcome layer of depth and color.



6. Same artist, in a grid. This is such an easy, fun way to build an art wall — just purchase a grouping of artwork from one artist you love and hang everything together. Many artists create works that are related in theme or color, and the pieces can look even more striking hung in multiples.



7. On a pulley. Old marine rope and vintage hardware were used as a unique display treatment for this large oil painting. Create your own twist on this idea using whatever you can find at your local flea market or salvage yard. Try hanging a painting from rope, leather or even an old guitar strap, and suspend it from a vintage hook or architectural element.


8. Propped. The perfect finishing touch for an eclectic, well-traveled room: Simply prop up a painting or framed print against a bookcase or wall. The key to making this look intentional (instead of its just looking like a painting you forgot to hang) is in the details — set a stack of books in front of the painting and place a large vase filled with branches on the floor beside it. It's best if the arrangement can relate to something else in the room, so place it close to a chair, bookcase or desk.



9. With frames touching. A row of frames hung so the edges are flush is a fresh, modern way to display your favorite art. Same-size frames look a bit more tailored; mixed-size artwork hung this way will have a more free-flowing, eclectic look.


10. Mixed media. Why stick with prints and paintings when 3-D objects make things so much more fun? Add depth and texture to your gallery wall by propping small objects atop frames; choose art on canvas, wood and paper; or use pins and strings to create interesting shapes.


11. In long rows. Not a grid but not a gallery wall, this arrangement is based on similar-size art hung in long, horizontal rows. Use either same-color frames or same-color art (for example, all black and white) for a unified look.


12. Large and low. Draw attention away from your TV by echoing its size and shape with artwork. Hang artwork above, to each side and slightly behind the TV. This display idea would work equally well opposite a low seating area, with or without the media center.


13. Fill a vertical space. Have a narrow slice of wall to fill? Hang art in the space all the way from the floor to the ceiling. You could do this on a large wall, but this is a great way to try out a dramatic gallery-style wall without making such a big commitment.


14. Mix posters, paintings and objects. Want an easy formula to follow when creating an art wall? Start with one or two large pieces and hang them near the center of your wall — posters work well for this. Next, add medium- and small-size framed works (including an original painting adds texture) around the larger ones. Finally, fill in blank spots or corners with interesting carved masks or another 3-D object.

Tell us: Would you try any of these ideas at home?

More: How to hang a gallery wall

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