Simple tips and tricks for getting artwork onto your walls

Getting Art on your walls

Today, I share a few simple ideas (tips and tricks, if you will) for getting art up on your walls. Wall art seems to overwhelm a lot of people when it comes to their homes. What kind of art should I buy? How high should it hang? All these decisions can cause you to leave the walls blank or hanging something you aren’t thrilled with but do not know why. I spent over 10 years working for a Wall Decor company, so I will share a few things learned along the way and what I personally love in my own home.

#1- Use an Art Ledge

Art Ledge

Art Ledge with prints

An Art Ledge offers a great deal of flexibility in what you display. You can change the art up whenever the whim strikes without putting holes in your walls! And bonus…it’s a quick and easy DIY. We made ours based on these instructions from Chris Loves Julia. It took a few hours and was less than $20.00. This view of our Art Ledge also shows an example of my next tip.

#2- Art doesn’t have to be a framed print.

 

 


Mini gallery wall for babies room,

Mini gallery wall for babies room,

 

On my Art Ledge I use a vintage printers tray with air plants mixed with prints and in my grandson’s nursery above we mixed in a stuffed animal and a felt hanging to add some texture to the walls.

 

 


Vintage printers tray on picture ledge

Vintage printers tray on picture ledge

#3-Buy matching frames

This is a great idea for beginners. The beauty of this is that It will work for both photos and art. The appeal is that the symmetry of the frames will pull whatever art or photos you add to the frames together.

 

 


Framed Travel Photos

Framed Travel Photos

 

 


Oversized matted photo frames

You can see in this example below that the matching frames tie together the mix of art prints.

 

 


Framed prints in home office

Framed prints in home office

#3-Off the Wall

Artwork doesn’t have to be hung on walls all the time. Try leaning prints on shelves, cabinets or even the floor!

 

 


You don’t have to hang everything. Lean a print.

You don’t have to hang everything. Lean a print.

Leaning prints in multiples of various sizes gives a nice depth to a space.

 

 


Framed album cover leaning on cart

Framed album cover leaning on cart

 

 


Corner of bathroom

Corner of bathroom

Leaning this print on the floor works because of its large 28 x 40 size.

 

 


Be Kind Print

#4- Embrace the shelfie!

Hang some art on the inside of your bookshelves.

 

 


Art hung on inside of bookshelves.

Art hung on inside of bookshelves.

Hanging art in a bookcase shelf and placing decor items in front of the art adds depth to the shelf.

 

 


Art on bookcase with Fall decor

Art on bookcase with Fall decor

#5- Lay it out first

There are many ways to do this. You could trace your frames on paper and hang the paper on the wall to find the placement you like. I like to eyeball my art before starting to hang it by laying it on the floor in front of the wall I want it to go on. A good rule of thumb is to hang art at eye level.

 

 


Lay it out before you hang it.

Lay it out before you hang it.

 

 


How to hang wall art

#6- Something unexpected.

I love placing art where you wouldn’t normally expect it. Here I hung a piece of art on the inside of a staircase instead of going up the stairs.

 

 


Floral print going down the steps instead of up.

Floral print going down the steps instead of up.

#7- Have Fun!

Art is the easiest way to personalize your home, so have fun with it! Buy what you love, and you will never go wrong. Below is the entry to our Airbnb. I love that the art here sets the tone for the rest of the home.

 

 


Airbnb Entyway Art

* The links below are affiliates, and I may make a small commission on the items.

A few of my favorite art sources:

Society 6

Minted

Artfully Yours

I use this kit for hanging wall art in my home:

Wall Art Hanging kit

 

 

Related Posts you may enjoy:

Choosing an accent wall

Painting a graphic wall

 

Thanks for stopping by today!

Until next time,

-Libbie

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  1. Been meaning to get my photographs printed and framed for ages, this has inspired me to get it done! Thank you

  2. Pamela says:

    Thanks for the tips. I love the art ledge. Going to make that for sure.

  3. Julie Briones says:

    Love your wall hanging ideas, Libbie! I’ve been thinking about adding some ledges, but just haven’t gotten around to it! Hope to see your post at Tuesday Turn About this week!

  4. Maria says:

    You have beautiful artwork I love this post

  5. meegan says:

    Beautiful ideas, Libbie. I have so many pieces that I needed your ideas to get me going. I love the artwork in your home.

  6. Such great ideas! I love the long shelf for art. I actually just bought 2 small shelves for my hallway that I plan on using for just this purpose

  7. Michelle says:

    So many incredible ideas but I’m besotted with that picture ledge and the way you’ve turned nature into art with your Tilli collection. So stunning

  8. Rachel says:

    Libby,
    I love all these tips. So many creative ideas. Thanks for sharing and look for your feature on Wednesdays Charming Homes & Gardens Link Party.
    Rachel

  9. Melynda says:

    Hello, this is one of my favorites for Encouraging Hearts and Home, this week! I hope you stop by and say hello, this post has been pinned! Thank you for being a part of Encouraging Hearts and Home, we appreciate all that you share. Have a great week ahead!

  10. Kristin says:

    I love all these ideas! I’m excited to feature you this week at Charming Homes & Gardens!

  11. Debbee says:

    Lots of great ideas here with inspirational photos. Gonna share with one of my adult sons who has a “new” 100 year old row house in Philly and lots of exposed brick.

  12. Kimberly says:

    Thank you for sharing this on Traffic Jam Weekend, Libbie! It has been chosen as my fave feature for this week’s party that goes live on Thursday at 5:00 pm CST.

  13. Pam says:

    These are such helpful tips, I always struggle with displaying artwork. I’ve featured this post at the Thursday Favorite Things link party. 🙂

  14. Nancy Weiss says:

    Libby,

    This blog post is one of my favorites. You have shown how to really personalize your home with artwork. I love your décor including how you accessorized your shelves. Thank you for sharing.

    My Best,
    Nancy Weiss
    atwodrinkminimum

  15. […] Simple tips and tricks for getting artwork onto your walls. […]

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