| Choosing art can be a difficult process. Not only | | | | When hanging above a desk, try to get the |
| are there millions of pieces out there for you to | | | | frame about five to ten inches above the |
| sift through, look at, dismiss and decide upon, you | | | | desktop. Also, when hanging wall art over |
| must also have a good understanding of what it is | | | | furniture, it should, generally, not be longer than |
| you are trying to accomplish when decorating | | | | the piece of furniture. |
| with art. Below are five simple tips that can make | | | | Hang art so that the center point of the piece is |
| selecting artwork easier and ultimately more | | | | at eye level for the average person. However, |
| enjoyable. | | | | with high ceilings, it is often times good to go up a |
| Connect with it: You have to find art you like! Of | | | | bit, if you are trying to emphasize the height. |
| course, this might seem obvious, but it can often | | | | Bring the print lower if you want to create the |
| be left out of the equation when selecting art. | | | | feeling of a smaller space. |
| Don't be so willing to take other people's opinion | | | | Mat it: A white or subtle cream mat is what you |
| of what is "good" and neglect to understand your | | | | may often see in stock or default fine art prints |
| own. Art is many things to many people, but | | | | because it brings the most amount of focus to |
| when choosing how to decorate with it, it needs | | | | the artwork itself. However, when actually |
| to be yours and yours alone. Whether the piece | | | | decorating with art, you might choose something |
| inspires you, calms you, excites you or just | | | | that gives the artwork a complete and whole |
| generally makes you happy, that is where you | | | | look, emphasizing colors and surroundings. To |
| need to start. | | | | create maximum impact with your prints, consider |
| Blend it: Not only should the artwork affect you | | | | choosing a mat that contrasts your wall color: light |
| internally and emotionally, it must help create a | | | | mat with a dark wall and dark mat for wall |
| space that surrounds you externally. Aside from | | | | painted with a light color. |
| within the walls of a museum, art is rarely viewed | | | | Frame it: Usually, when selecting a frame, you |
| independently. Meaning, there are usually other | | | | want to avoid choosing a color that is too similar |
| elements that will affect your perception of the | | | | to the color of the mat you chose. Again, like mat |
| piece. Whether it is furnishings, accessories or the | | | | and wall colors, it is a good idea to find a mat and |
| people who occupy the space, the art you | | | | frame option easily distinguished by the eye. A |
| choose should be a reflection of that and be able | | | | dark mat and a dark frame can leave the eye |
| to pull it all together. | | | | confused as to where one starts, and the other |
| Hang it: What good is wall art if is not on the wall? | | | | begins. Blending and selecting mat and frame |
| Here are a few tips for hanging your artwork: | | | | colors that are evident within the painting itself, |
| Bigger is often better by creating more of a | | | | can provide a cohesive and complete look. Like a |
| statement. Go with small prints on narrow walls | | | | well-dressed suit, you can think of the mat and |
| large works for large surface areas. | | | | frame like a sharp shirt and tie combination. |