Are you trying to come up with design ideas for your home? Maybe you’ve recently moved offices and want to add something special to the décor?
Whatever the reason for your search for interiors inspiration, you can make some simple updates by hanging art photography. This can be an easy, understated addition that has a real impact to the overall look and feel of a space.
Here, we look at what makes this type of décor decision worthwhile and how it can be done.
Why hang photography?
We’ve been hanging art for centuries. From vibrant prints to muted portraits, homes and offices, bars and cafés are all decorated with hung pieces. But when it comes to photographs on a wall, the lines are blurred between art and nostalgia.
This is because if you’re hanging portraits and snaps of family members around the home, this seems to be distinct from hanging artful shots on a wall in an office space. The reasons to hang these different types of photos vary, too.
If you’re thinking of hanging family photographs, it’s likely that you want to display some of the ones that reveal precious memories. Too often, we take pictures that languish on our smartphones, never to be seen by anyone. But it’s worth going through what you have in your different virtual albums and printing off the ones that are precious to you.
You might, on the other hand, want to hang less personal photography around the home or in a commercial space. In this case, you’re moving away from sentimental shots and towards building an aesthetic.
Here, you will need to decide on the colours and style that might suit the space. It may be that you’re updating a meeting room and want to use a shot of a sunrise, allowing its vibrant red and orange colours to promote imaginative and creative thought. Alternatively, you might be after some contemporary shots to hang in a bar. Here, anything from cool black and white snaps to a series of similarly toned pictures could be ideal.
How to hang photography
Whether you’re hanging photography for the home or elsewhere, here are some pointers to help you:
Where to go
Work out where you want to hang your photography. Deciding on the right space is the crucial first step. You’ll need to make sure the wall can take the art you’re hanging. Is the frame heavy, for example? If so, you might need to check that the wall can take the weight. Can you drill into the wall, too? Is it brick or tile? What if it’s a stud wall? Work this out before you do anything else.
Check your tools
Now you know the type of wall you’re working on, you’ll need the right tools for the task. As well as a measuring tape, pencil, hammer, and screws so that you can mark where you want the picture to go, you might need a drill or a circular saw and guide rail to help with tricky surfaces.
Lay it out
Next, decide where you want it to go. If you’re hanging more than one photograph, try playing around with the order on the ground in front of the wall so that you can see how it all fits together. When you’re happy, you can then move the layout to the wall.
Hang it up
Now you’re ready, you can hang your photograph. Make sure you stick to your markings on the wall and use a spirit level if you need to make sure they’re flush with the wall.
Enjoy!
Step back and admire your handiwork.
