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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Home Painting in Stairwell of an Elegant Historic Home
Don’t forget the Bathroom is a House Portrait Hanging Option
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
