Installation

Now that you have your custom framed artwork in hand, it is time to hang it properly to maximize enjoyment for the longest time possible. Properly hung artwork combines concern for the safety of the artwork with the aesthetic concerns of lighting, and visual balance within the room.

Safety

Art or mirrors that are wider than 36 inches or weigh more than 25 pounds should always be installed with 2 hangers. Any art larger than 8”x 10” or art hung next to doors should be hung with 2 hangers to keep them level. When installing the hangers use a carpenter’s level to ensure that the picture will hang straight. We supply 2 hangers with each piece of framed art of all sizes. The type hangers we supply are designed to support the weight in drywall, but I recommend putting them in a wall stud for added safety, also drywall anchor screws add extra security for heavy mirrors and oversized frames. Hangers should be placed at a distance equal to 1/3 the width of the frame. Most of our frames have D hangers and nylon coated stainless steel wire that is rated 2 times or more than the weight of the framed art. Each frame will have two bumpers on the two lower corners, this allows ventilation behind frame and helps hold frame level.  We now supply two extra bumpers with each frame package in the event they become dislodged.

Art Protection

Care should be taken to hang the artwork in an area where it will not become damaged by heat, ultra-violet light or humidity. Consider the light where the art will be hung. Light can be the most destructive enemy of framed art or photos, ultra-violet light from windows and fluorescent bulbs can be very damaging. Although our regular clear and non-glare glass has 45% protection, this is not enough protection for irreplaceable art or photos. Irreplaceable items or valuable art should be framed with glass or acrylic that has 99% protection. This type glass cost more, but is worth it over time. Never hang your valuable artwork over a heat source, or in an area that will be high in humidity (such as a steamy bathroom.) Heat and humidity can cause serious damage to your art.

Displaying your framed art or photos

When hanging your artwork, hang it at the eye-level of the “average” person in the room. Usually this is about 60” from the floor to the center of the art work. If you are hanging the art in a room where more time is spent seated than standing, “eye-level” can be lower. However, the 60-inch rule unifies the artwork through the house and gives the home a designer look. When hanging art over a mantel there is a rule that states there should be about 7” from the bottom of frame to mantel, however this rule may not apply to large artwork or art that is placed on the mantel. This rule also applies to hanging artwork over a sofa. Common mistakes are hanging art to high especially where there are high ceilings.

Hang smaller, more detailed pieces in small spaces such as hallways and corridors, where impact is less important than content, and the art can be enjoyed up close and personal. Larger “atmospheric” pieces require more room for the viewer to stand back and enjoy. Hang these pieces opposite of the entrance to a room or at the end of a corridor.

Lighting

There are two basic lighting techniques available for your home: ambient “room” lighting or “spot” lighting.  Domestic lighting is often preferable for the home, because it allows the work of art to blend in with the rest of the room.  Spotlights, on the other hand, make a piece “pop” – a nice touch for special pieces. Spot lighting can be dramatic (using can lighting or light strips that affix right to the wall or the frame itself) or subtle, (using room lamps strategically placed to give ample direct light to the piece). When using spot lights, be careful not to create shadows by using strong lights on a deep frame. Remember to keep your wiring as “invisible” as possible.

Groupings

Groupings should look as though they belong together. Select frame styles that are compatible, and matting styles that will work together and create a balanced, unified look to the group as a whole.

Spacing is an important element in a grouping. Each picture should be placed not to far from, nor too close to its neighbor. The most commonly recommended way to create balance in a grouping is to lay the entire layout on the floor.  This will allow you to get a sense of how the groupings will look on the wall, allow for adjustments and accurate measurements. Another tip is to align the tops or bottoms of various pictures in a group.

Picture size

We sometimes get asked what size art or mirror I should buy to hang over a piece of furniture. There is a rule to consider that states the art should be 2/3 the width of sofa. Typically, the picture should not be wider than the furniture it’s hanging over.

If you have any questions give us a call, we will be glade to assist you any way we can.