Hanging your house portrait in your home

Look at these creative places to hang an original house portrait!

My clients often ask for suggestions as to the best place to hang the portrait of their home.  The answer is practically any place in your home where  the painting can be seen and enjoyed.  Most portraits I create are smaller in size, as this is the most popular.  Many of my clients have lived in their homes for many years and  lack wall space, however I contest that there is always room for another original work of art if you are creative about where to hang your painting.

Here are some great examples that show spaces in your home you can utilize for our orignal house portrait. Iin my opinion, t’s better to group your art than have a small painting swimming in a large empty space.  I hope you get some inspiration for places that my clients have hung their paintings.

House portraits are Perfect in the Entrance:

One of the favorite places to hang portraits is by the entrance, i.e. in the foyer. Whether its by the front door, in the foyer space or in the front hall. It’s a welcoming gesture and also a conversation piece.   Here are some examples.

This house portrait painting of a Victorian home greets visitors as they enter the house.
This house portrait painting of a Victorian home greets visitors as they enter the house.

 

This home portrait subject is in Chicago IL
This home portrait subject is in Chicago IL
My Chevy Chase MD client hangs her house portrait by the front door.
My Chevy Chase MD client hangs her house portrait by the front door.
Another example of a house portrit hanging by a front door.
Another example of a house portrit hanging by a front door.

House portraits Displayed in the Living Room:

Usually the house portaits I create are smaller in size, but I also do specail custom portraits to fit larger spaces, as in this case. This pen and watercolor painting depicts my client’s renovated Mid-Centure Modern home in Arlington, VA.  He decdied he wanted to make the portait a feature of his livng space for all to enjoy.  His choice of framing makes it stand out as well.

My larger size custom house portrait sits above this fire place in a beautiful Mid-Century Modern home in Arlington VA
My larger size custom house portrait sits above this fire place in a beautiful Mid-Century Modern home in Arlington VA
House painting of this lovely cottage in Portland OR. Love the way my client adds the beautiful roses.
My client sent me this pic of her house portrait, a classic Colonial home in Portland.  The pink roses at a nice touch.
My client Erin sent me this photo. The original portrait of her cute Portland bungalow sits artfully above the fire place.
My client Erin sent me this photo. The portrait of her cute Portland bungalow sits artfully above the fire place.
The portrait of this charming historic tiny home hangs above the one door inside the house.
Our friends and neighbors Cindy and Larry in Benton Park St. Louis MO, have creatively hung the portrait of their charming historic tiny home above the one door inside the house.
Another creative hanging place for this house portrait, in the living room.
Another creative hanging place for this house portrait, in the living room.
This waercolor portrait sits about the couch in this homely cottage.
This waercolor portrait sits about the couch in this homely cottage.

 

Home Portraits hanging in the Dining Room

Let’s face it, we spend a lot of time dining, so why not enjoy your house portrait and all its special memories at the same time?  That’s what these homeowners decides to do.

A pair of house potraits grace this dining room setting.
A pair of house potraits grace this dining room setting.
This portrait from a client in Chicago to the side of the entrance from the dining room to the living room
This portrait from a client in Chicago can be seen from the dining room, before entering the living room
The dining serves as the perfect place for this house portrait.
The dining area serves as the perfect place for this house portrait.
Painting of home hangng in small eating area, to be enjoyed by the owners.
Painting of home hangng in small eating area, to be enjoyed by the owners.

House Portrait Displayed on Shelves and other Nooks and Crannies

Your pen and watercolor house portrait needs to have glass with it’s frame to protect it from dirt and dust, however, you can frame it without a mat, and simply fit it into a frame.  This makes it a little smaller and you are more able to slip it into a delightful bookcase setting or other small nooks and crannies, as you can see from these examples.

Create a point of interest with your House Portrait on shelves
Create a point of interest with your House Portrait on book shelves
My client Gail in Omaha NE sent this photo of her beautifully framed painting of her home.
My client Gail in Omaha NE sent this photo of her beautifully framed painting of her home which sits above a dried arrangement.
This custom home painting is displayed on an interesting book shelf.
Beth in Birmingham MI chose a lovely wooden frame to match the portrait of her historic home, that sits with another imporant artifact in the house.
Beth in Birmingham MI chose a lovely wooden frame to match the portrait of her historic home, that sits with another imporant artifact in the house.

Hanging House Portrait Paintings in a Hall Way

The majority of homes have some form of hallways and it can be a great place to show off your portrait. I am giving this example below so you can see that you don’t have to have your portrait sitting by itself. In this case the homeowner combined it with other favorite art, and threw in the cat for good measure. Grouping paintings together it a fun way to fill your home with art you love, while giving your home and your house portriat an electic happy feel.

Your House portrait can be grouped with other paintings in a hall or other area
Your House portrait can be grouped with other paintings in a hall or other area

 

My client Linda's house portrait hangs in a small hall way that leads to the dining room. Linda lives in Grandview Heights Ohio.
My client Linda’s house portrait hangs in a small hall way that leads to the dining room. Linda lives in Grandview Heights Ohio.

Enjoy your House potrait in the Kitchen

The kitchen is probably the most frequented area in the house.  I know when I throw a dinner party, that guests inevitably congregate in the kitchen at some point of the evening, attracted by the aroma of oven dishes and checking to see if they can help carrying out dishes etc. As you can see from the house portrait below, having a mat and frame that fits with the space, makes the painting look like it really belongs there.

A house portrait placed by the fridge is sure to be seen. The matching frame sets it off.
A house portrait placed by the fridge is sure to be seen. The matching frame sets it off.

 

My client Steve in Royal Oak MI displays his house portrait at the entrance to the kitchen
My client Steve in Royal Oak MI displays his house portrait at the entrance to the kitchen

Architectural Portraits Displayed in the Conference Room or Office

If you are like me and work from home, you probably spend a lot of time working in your office area.  I spend a lot of my time at my desk in my art studio — almost as much time as I spending doing the art. The joys of being a small art business owner!

A great place to show off your house potrait and enjoy it is where is sit to work.
A great place to show off your house potrait and enjoy it, is the place where you sit and work.

 

These three commissioned archiectural painting are displyed in a conference room of the Omaha Medical Institute in Nebras
These three commissioned archiectural paintings are displayed in a conference room of the Omaha Medical Institute in Nebraska. My client is an executive at the Institute.
The architectural paintings are off the Omaha Medical Institute in Nebraska
These architectural paintings are three different views off the sprawling Omaha Medical Institute in Nebraska

Home Painting in Stairwell of an Elegant Historic Home

My client Gerry in St. Louis MO added class and elegance with this framing and placement of his house portrait painting.
My client Gerry in St. Louis MO added class and elegance with this framing and placement of his house portrait painting.
St. Louis MO House Portrait hanging in the stairwell of Gerri’s elegant home

Don’t forget the Bathroom is a House Portrait Hanging Option

This nicely framed portrait adds a pop of color to the bathroom of this historic home
This nicely framed portrait adds a pop of color to the bathroom of this historic home

 

Other General Tips Re Hanging Painting

Many people cringe when it comes to hanging paintings in their home. They either don’t know where they should put it, or how best to hang it when they do know.  However, hanging paintings can be a creative and enjoyable task. Here are some tips to help you hang paintings effectively:

Eye Level Rule:

Hang the center of the artwork at eye level for the average person (around 57-60 inches from the floor). This ensures that the artwork is easily visible and can be appreciated without straining the neck.

Grouping Artwork:

When hanging multiple pieces together, treat them as one large piece. Arrange them on the floor first to find a layout that is visually appealing before transferring it to the wall.

Balance and Symmetry:

Achieve balance by distributing the visual weight of the artwork evenly. If you have a large piece on one side, balance it with smaller pieces or a similar visual weight on the other side.

Spacing Between Frames:

Maintain consistent spacing between frames for a cohesive look. You can use a ruler or a piece of cardboard as a spacer to ensure equal distance between frames.

Consider the Room’s Layout:

Take into account the furniture and the layout of the room when deciding where to hang your artwork. Aim to complement the existing design elements.

Lighting:

Ensure that there is adequate lighting on the artwork. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause fading. Consider using art lights or adjustable spotlights for highlighting specific pieces.

Use Proper Hanging Hardware:

Invest in quality hanging hardware that can support the weight of your artwork. D-rings, sawtooth hangers, and picture wire are common options.

Wall Anchors:

Use wall anchors if you’re hanging artwork on drywall. They provide additional support and prevent damage to the wall.

Check for Level:

Use a level to ensure that your artwork is straight. Crooked or unevenly hung pieces can be distracting.

Experiment Before Nailing:

Before putting holes in the wall, use painter’s tape to outline where the artwork will be. This allows you to make adjustments without damaging the wall.

Consider the Artwork’s Size:

Larger pieces often work well as standalone focal points, while smaller pieces may be more suitable for gallery walls or grouped arrangements.

Personal Style:

Trust your instincts and hang artwork in a way that reflects your personal style and taste. There are no strict rules – it’s about creating a space that feels right for you.

Remember that these are guidelines, and personal preferences play a significant role in art placement. Feel free to experiment and adjust until you achieve the desired look for your space.

And please don’t be shy about sending pics of where you have hung your portrait. I always love to see these.

If you would like my advise or tips just get in touch.

Happy house portrait hanging!

Leisa

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