Tips on hanging art

There are two fundamental points to remember when hanging art:

     1. a large picture should not be any bigger than the furniture (either a single piece or          grouping beneath it); and

     2. a small picture should not be hung in isolation on a large wall.

The basic rule for hanging art: Hang it so that the eye of the viewer looks into the main area of interest. In living and dining areas, remember that the viewer is usually seated, while in hallways and foyers, the viewer is standing.

Pictures need not be hung singly. Cluster several pictures of various sizes (use the same frame type) or, design an arrangement made up solely of similar size frames. Vertical arrangements of pictures will make a room seem higher, just as horizontal ones will make an area appear wider.

A random assortment of pictures will work well together if they share a predominant color: all sepia tints or black and white photographs. Another way to unify them is to use identical mats and frames.

To bring some light into a dark and dreary room place a mirror on the opposite wall of an outside view to reflect the light outside and to bring some glimpses of outdoors inside.

Hardware stores and framing stores sell picture hooks in packages that indicate the maximum weight that each hook will hold; so before hanging a picture or mirror, find out its weight. We recommend using OOKS hardware ( www.OOKS.com ) used by many museums and galleries. They are quality hardware and won't ruin your walls.