Expert advice: How to choose, frame and hang art for your home

My obsession with art has been a long-lived one. My mother recalls me dragging her into shops from the age of 4, and pointing out all of the “pretty pictures”.  And then when I turned 18, I was offered a birthday bash or cash, and I chose the latter – swiftly buying my first “real” piece of art. (A Charles Blackman limited-edition print.)  And I am proud to say that I had no idea who Charles Blackman was at the time, it was simply a case of love at first sight and I knew had to have that piece of art in my life.  It remains a treasured gift today.

Which leads me to the crux of the argument. Art, like anything else style related, is a completely subjective matter of the heart. As long as you love it, and enjoy staring at it, nothing else should really matter, such as who painted it or how much it cost. If fact, one of my other all-time favourite pieces in my personal collection was unearthed at a flea market for $5, proving that price can be secondary to style.

However, before you take the plunge with your heart or your wallet, there are a few tips that may help you get the most out of your own home’s art installation – size and placement (amongst other factors) can play a big part in the success of showcasing your masterpiece!

1. SELECTING IT

Firstly, let it be said that art does not have to be pressed behind glass nor framed. It can take the form of a sculpture, canvas, macrame, or even a child’s drawing taped to the wall amongst many other formations.

But when it comes to selecting it, and looking for the most effective place to hang it, take into consideration the room’s colour palette. Colour is a very emotive force and can set the mood for the room.

I often use art as a focal point for other decorative decisions in a room, such as choosing one colour from within the body of the artwork itself, and referencing it back with soft furnishings or other decorative objects for maximum impact. This will make the room and the space feel connected and considered.

The art world has exploded with choice of late, and aside from galleries, try Etsy, flea markets, vintage poster stores, and even gift stores to purchase. If it hits you between the eyes, or speaks to you in a language too hard to ignore, it is meant to be on your wall.

Armelle Habib – Styling: Julia Green, Photography: Armelle Habib

2. FRAMING IT

Framing your art is an important consideration that can make or break the overall look you are trying to achieve, not to mention keep the work protected from an archival perspective.

For limited-edition prints,  “float” framing is one of my favourite methods – the works are adhered with tape to the back of the frame, hence the appearance of “floating” within the frame itself. Simple birchwood frames are an effective way to set off the work without taking away from it, but again this is a case of personal taste. Sometimes a white or black frame may suit the wall better.

Canvas works with a shadow-box frame also look “finished” and considered.

Prudence Caroline – Styling: Julia Green, Photography: Annette O’Brien

3. HANGING IT

Hanging art can be quite a science, particularly if clustering a gallery wall.  Before you take hammer and nail to the wall, measure up the art and use masking tape to mimic the shape and size of the pieces on the wall in position.  Then take a step back to ensure it feels spatially right and at eye level. Guessing doesn’t cut it, and you don’t want to be banging more holes in walls than necessary. 

If you rent and are unable to hammer nails, try the 3M hooks from hardware stores – they are fabulous, come in a variety of weight-bearing capacities, and don’t mark the walls.

Lumiere Art and Co – Styling: Julia Green, Photography: Annette O’Brien

Julia Green is one of Australia’s leading interior stylists and the founder of Greenhouse Interiors.