Art Decoration: The Do’s and Don’ts

The artwork hung above the beautiful Console table is hard to ignore. Also featured are the Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sanctuary Spindle Back Side Chairs.

Have you ever tried to define art? The reference-book definition of this simple term is far from simple. Merriam and Webster defines this as the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects. Now that you know the meaning of the word, how then would you use this in the context of interior design?

Art is diverse, hence, there are various ways to interpret it. Scholars define it differently as do mathematicians. Leo Tolstoy, a famous author, defined this as an activity by which emotion is experienced and the person would willfully transmit it to other people.

Meanings of Art

The above definitions are common notions about art yet there is so much more to this term that a lot of people fail to see.

Art – or artworks – can elicit the most powerful sentiments, hence, it is used in music, film, theatre and even pop culture. All these are supposed to entertain people but when art is used for a specific purpose other than entertainment, then it takes on a diversified meaning.

Films, for instance, can be a powerful tool in spreading cultural awareness. Songs can be used to inspire others to action.

Art has linked human experiences to the media used in its creation. Both ancient and modern peoples have mixed art with their artifacts and lifestyles.

Do’s and Don’ts of Art Selection

Do not think that art always has to be expensive. An art gallery could be as simple as a wall full of your family’s most memorable photographs. Even a beautiful wallpaper could serve as an interesting wall design, again, this is considered art.

Do not hang artworks (paintings, photographs, or sculptures) too high. Make sure that all artworks are at eye level. The center point – whether this is a single photo or a group of paintings – must always be at eye level.

Do not hang a small piece of art on a huge wall. If you really have to display a small piece of art, then at least have it framed on a large mat.

Do not hang any artwork on your own. It would be best to have someone else do this project with you. You can hold the artwork in place while your companion sees to it that your art placement is correct. The agreement of both should be the sign for the artwork’s perfect installation.

Never hang art pieces too far apart. About two inches should be left between each piece, on either side as well as below.

Now here are the do’s; first, do showcase your family’s photographs – especially the beautifully framed ones – on the walls. Have these photos blown up then hang them on foam cores. These should also serve as interesting conversation pieces when you invite some friends over.

Do hang or display art in every room inside your home. Do not forget the bathroom, the dining room, even the sunroom. Every room is a wonderful place to display your artwork.

Be sure to use picture frame hooks instead of the usual screws or nails. These can take a heavier amount of weight (about up to a hundred pounds). For every piece of artwork, be sure to use two hooks so that it remains secure and at level.

Do plan your photo wall from the outset. Place the artworks right on the ground in front of the very wall where the arrangement will be made.

Do think of balance (whether formal or informal) but never group the large ones altogether (this is also applicable with the smaller art pieces). Even similar frames must also be visually balanced.

Lastly, do lean a painting against a wall. This can be stylish as would an art piece that is sitting on a mantel or a console table.

Tags: art in interior design, designing with art, displaying artwork, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 13th, 2017 at 9:27 am and is filed under Accents, Interior Design 101. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.