Arranging a group of pictures does not need to be intimidating

The problem of blank walls in a new home can be overwhelming. For large empty spaces we usually recommend a wall grouping of several pieces rather than a single large picture.

This eliminates the common problem of a small picture on a large wall which can look like a single player on an empty football field. Conversely a large picture on a small wall can make you feel as crowded as an elephant in a phone booth. Many people avoid grouping pictures because they don't know how to go about it.

 Look for sketches, cards or other items that appeal to you but have a common element

Keeping in mind your style of decor, find works with similar subject matter or some unity in color. Wall groupings can express family interests, hobbies, places visited, family photographs, a drawer full of old treasures, baseball cards or other memorabilia as well as grouping of artwork. This type of arrangement can start small and continue to grow and change with your home.

 If you can , use a computer graphic program to help you consider your arrangement.

Set out a few pieces at a time and try several options to find the best arrangement

Find the dominant work and place this piece in the middle of the center line. The center line should bisect the artwork at its center, the horizon on a landscape, mid section on a portrait.

Now select two or more major pieces larger or smaller than the middle work. Place these two works on either side to the middle piece on the reference line. If the outer works are small and horizontal make the center dominant piece a tall vertical. The central tall vertical may also be two horizontal pieces hung one above the other. Then choose other works of various shapes and sizes to fill in, remembering the basic rules of design.

Cover no more than two thirds of the blank wall space. Use larger pictures on longer walls and smaller pictures on short walls. The bottom pieces in a group should be four to 12 inches above a sofa back. Dark pieces should be placed farther away than lighter ones.

Keep directional composition facing center. Portraits should face each other. Stair-step pieces only on stairway walls.

Make sure the arrangement has at least one horizontal line and one vertical but avoid continuous lines from one of the grouping to the other. Vary the spacing but limit it to a hand-span. Add interest by varying shapes and sizes. Vary the mat sizes and frames. You may also vary the impact by mixing the media or dramatic pieces with plainer ones. Check for visual weight. Keep heavy pieces toward the center (mirrors, dark toned works or those with large ornate frames).

 Remember to consider lamps, plants and other things that are seen against the wall where art will hang.

Common mistakes to avoid are:
- The picture in the center has no relation to the furniture.
- Hanging the pictures too high. This is usually referred to as tall-husband syndrome.
- Too much of one type of art
- Colors match the room but not the artwork. Framing should always accent the artwork.
- Not enough contrast among the pieces. An example of this: flowers hanging above a floral covered sofa. A landscape with flowers in it would be more appropriate.
- All framing and matting match. Don't fence yourself in. Leave yourself room to grow. A wall grouping can be changed over a period of time and it may be impossible to match the framing several years later. Frames used in a grouping should compliment each other, not match.

To keep art level use two hangers or nails (separated by a few inches) for each picture

To hang your arrangement you may want to place a large piece of paper on the floor and refer to your cut out diagram, lay out the actual artwork on the paper. Check your design from all angles, make any adjustments necessary and then trace around the pieces mark the points where nails should be placed.

Position the paper on the wall and secure with push pins into the nail points. Check with a level for alignment. Then install the nails through the paper and into the wall. Tear away the paper and hang our art according to your diagram 

The art and other decor on the walls in your home become part of your daily view. Choose things you love and arrange them well.