How to arrange artwork

Not sure how to arrange artwork in your home?  The prospect can seem a bit daunting, but we’ve got a step by step how-to that’s easy to follow!

How to arrange artwork in five steps

If you want to do something different than a single focal point with a piece of art, you’re probably trying to figure out the best way to arrange your pieces.  Follow these steps and you’ll be feeling like a pro!

1.  Choose your pieces and collect them in one spot, preferably with a decent amount of floor space.  Whether two, three, or ten different works, you want to round them all up to start.

 

Best Philadelphia interior designer Glenna Stone how to arrange artwork photo Gold a la Mode
How to arrange artwork – photo: Goldalamode

 

2. Lay them out on the floor to see how they look best together.  A good tip is to anchor with larger pieces and fill in with smaller ones.  Mix and match, switch them around, and have fun with it!

 

3. Once you’re happy with your configuration, trace the frames on kraft or butchen paper. Cut out the paper and tape the different pieces to the wall (pro tip: use painter’s tape!) to edit the composition and ensure that everything is straight.  Keeping spacing consistent is a good rule of thumb and will make your grouping look cohesive.

 

Best Philadelphia interior designer Glenna Stone arrange artwork BHG gallery wall layout
Arrange artwork using paper templates – photo: BHG.com

 

4. Make sure wall art is at eye level, which is no higher than 5’8″.  The exception to the rule is creating a vertical arrangement to give the illusion of higher ceilings.  Ideally, it should be at least 8″ above furniture.

 

5. Determine the nail or anchor location, mark that on the paper, and nail it into wall for perfect placement.  Then all that’s left to do is remove the paper, toss it in recycling, and hang your beautiful gallery!

 

Best Philadelphia interior designer Glenna Stone arrange artwork Minted gallery wall arranging artwork 2
Completed gallery wall – photo: Minted
Header image: Center City Philadelphia home designed by Glenna Stone Interior Design; Photo by Rebecca McAlpin

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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior designer creating spaces that are a harmonious marriage of beauty, function, and lifestyle. Whether for a home, vacation retreat, or place of business, our goal is to design statement surroundings that express who you are. We encourage you to visit our website, view our work, and keep up with the latest interior design concepts on our blog

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