Creative Ways to Hang Your Wall Art

Is your art wall looking a bit plain? 

Here are 14 creative ideas to bring some new life to your walls. 

Beink.org offers various art arrangements, including pieces that wrap around corners, unique matting options, interesting backdrops, and even a pulley system. These ideas might inspire you to freshen up your space. 

Before you start hanging anything, it's a good idea to lay out your arrangement on the floor first. This can help you visualize how it will look and prevent unnecessary nail holes.

1. Around the corner

Arrange your framed artwork with the frames touching each other horizontally. Start on a longer wall and continue the arrangement around the corner onto the next wall for a short distance. If you have very small pieces, placing them in the corner might be easier to handle.

2. With a dramatic backdrop

One of the most dramatic ways to showcase your wall art is to place it against a striking backdrop. As seen in this image, a vibrant color wheel poster is set against a textured, white brick wall. 

The contrast between the smooth, colorful wheel and the rugged, earthy brick creates a visually arresting composition. This technique adds depth and dimension to the piece, drawing the eye and making it a focal point of the room.

3. Cooler by association

Another clever way to enhance your wall art is to "cool it" by association. In this image, a vibrant abstract painting is paired with a sleek, mid-century modern console table and a collection of minimalist vases. 

The cool tones of the table and vases provide a refreshing counterpoint to the bold colors of the artwork. This contrast creates a sense of balance and visual interest, making the painting even more striking.

4. Two rows of art shelves

For a more unconventional approach to displaying your wall art, consider installing two rows of shelves. This arrangement allows you to showcase a variety of pieces at different heights, creating a dynamic and visually interesting composition. 

You can mix and match different sizes, shapes, and styles of art, or curate a cohesive theme. The shelves can be mounted directly to the wall or supported by a freestanding unit. This option is particularly effective for small spaces, as it maximizes vertical space without overwhelming the room.

5. Small and close

If you have a collection of smaller pieces of art, consider hanging them closely together in a cluster. This creates a visually impactful and cohesive display that can be a focal point of the room. Experiment with different arrangements, such as a grid pattern, a staggered layout, or a free-form grouping. 

This technique works well for a variety of art styles, from minimalist prints to colorful paintings. The close proximity of the pieces can create a sense of intimacy and encourage viewers to appreciate the details of each piece.

6. Same artist, in a grid

For a cohesive and visually appealing display, consider hanging a collection of works by the same artist in a grid pattern. This arrangement creates a sense of unity and showcases the artist's style and evolution over time. Choose pieces that complement each other in terms of size, color, and subject matter. A grid can be a simple, rectangular arrangement or a more complex, asymmetrical pattern

7. On a pulley

For a truly unique and interactive way to display your wall art, consider hanging it on a pulley system. This allows you to easily raise and lower the artwork, changing the overall look of the room and drawing attention to different pieces. A pulley system can be a simple, DIY project or a more elaborate installation. 

8. Propped

For an eclectic, well-traveled room, the ideal finishing touch is to lean a painting or framed print against a bookcase or wall. To ensure it looks intentional rather than like an overlooked piece, focus on the details: stack some books in front of the painting and place a large vase with branches next to it on the floor. Try to position it near a chair, bookcase, or desk so that it connects with other elements in the room.

9. With Frames Touching

Whether you're using a gallery wall of similar frames or a mix of different styles, the touching frames can add a sense of unity and sophistication to your space. Just be sure to choose art pieces that complement each other in terms of color, style, and subject matter to ensure a harmonious overall effect.

10. Mixed media

One of the most creative ways to hang your wall art is to mix media. This technique involves combining different materials and textures to create a visually interesting and dynamic composition. For example, you could pair a traditional framed painting with a sculptural piece made from metal or wood. Or, try layering a tapestry over a piece of abstract art. The possibilities are endless, and the results can be truly stunning.

11. In long rows

For a clean and modern look, consider hanging your wall art in long rows. This arrangement can be particularly effective in hallways or along a long wall. Choose pieces with similar themes, styles, or color palettes to create a cohesive and visually striking display. Experiment with different heights and spacing between frames to add interest and break up the monotony.

12. Large and low

If you want to create a dramatic and eye-catching focal point in your room, consider hanging a large piece of art low on the wall. This unexpected placement can make a statement and draw attention to the artwork. Choose a piece that is large enough to fill the space without overwhelming it, and make sure it's hung at a height that allows for easy viewing.

13. Fill a vertical space

One of the most versatile and visually appealing ways to hang wall art is to create a gallery wall. This technique involves arranging multiple pieces of art in a cohesive and visually pleasing composition. To fill a vertical space, consider creating a tall, narrow gallery wall. Experiment with different layouts, spacing, and framing options to create a unique and personalized display.

14. Mix posters, paintings and objects

For a truly one-of-a-kind gallery wall, consider mixing posters, paintings, and other objects. This eclectic approach can add personality and visual interest to your space. Combine vintage posters with modern paintings, or pair framed prints with sculptural elements. The key is to choose pieces that complement each other in terms of color, style, or theme. Experiment with different layouts and arrangements to create a unique and personalized display.