Your All-inclusive Guide to Displaying Art Prints on Walls - Image by Tailored Canvases

Your All-inclusive Guide to Displaying Art Prints on Walls

Art prints serve as an exciting platform to display the world of art in its diverse and versatile glory. They provide accessibility to various art forms and artists at an affordable price point. Whether it’s a fine art print, a vintage poster, or a treasured photograph, the visual impact of a well-placed print can transform a mundane space into a vibrant, personalized canvas.

Picture Perfect: Choosing the Right Art Prints

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When it comes to selecting the right art prints, the golden rule is to follow your heart. After all, art is deeply personal and subjective. The colors, subject, style, and size of the print should resonate with your aesthetic sensibilities and the decor of your space.

Contrasting or complementing colors, minimalistic or intricate designs, small or large formats—the choices are endless. Remember to balance the style of the print with the room's overall theme for a harmonious effect.

Rule of Thirds: Planning the Layout

Before you start hammering nails into the wall, plan your layout. This is especially important if you're creating a gallery wall with multiple prints.

The 'rule of thirds' is a fundamental principle in visual arts that suggests an image should be divided into nine equal segments. The points of interest in the artwork should intersect with these segments to create balance and interest.

You can use craft paper or painter's tape to mimic the frames on the wall before finalizing their positions. This allows you to experiment with various layouts without causing any damage to the wall.

The Eye-level Rule: Hanging Your Art Prints

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Hanging your art prints at the correct height is crucial. The center of the artwork should ideally be at eye-level, which is approximately 57 to 60 inches from the floor. However, this rule can be adjusted based on the ceiling height, furniture, and personal preference.

Ensure your print is levelled correctly. Use a level tool or a leveling app on your smartphone to verify this. The last thing you want is a beautiful print hanging askew!

Hanging Techniques: To Nail or Not to Nail

While nails are a common choice for hanging prints, there are other methods available that cause less damage to your walls.

Adhesive Strips: Suitable for lighter prints, adhesive strips are easy to install and remove without leaving any residue.

Picture Rail Systems: These systems involve installing a rail along the top of your wall from which wires and hooks can hang. This allows you to adjust the height and positioning of your prints easily.

Command Hooks: These hooks can hold a fair amount of weight and are easily removable without damaging the wall.

The Perfect Illumination: Lighting Your Art Prints

The way your art prints are illuminated can significantly impact how they are perceived and appreciated. Good lighting will accentuate the colors, details, and textures, bringing your prints to life.

Picture lights are a popular choice as they are designed to cast a direct, focused light on the artwork, drawing attention to it. They come in various styles and sizes and can be mounted on the wall or the frame itself.

Spotlights, recessed or track lighting can also be used, especially for larger prints or gallery walls. They provide a focused beam of light, highlighting the art without causing glare.

Ambient lighting, while not aimed directly at the art, can enhance the overall mood and aesthetic appeal. Consider wall sconces, table lamps, or floor lamps placed strategically to shed indirect light on your prints.

Remember to avoid direct sunlight or harsh, unfiltered lights as they can cause the colors in your art prints to fade over time. Ideally, go for lighting with UV filters.

Good lighting brings your art prints into focus, giving them the prominence they deserve. Experiment with different options and see how each transforms your art print and the room it adorns.

Keeping it Fresh: Maintaining Your Art Prints

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Maintaining the allure of your art prints is as crucial as their initial setup. Good care begins with regular dusting using a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using cleaning products directly on the prints, as harsh chemicals can damage the artwork. If your print is protected by glass or acrylic, use a gentle glass cleaner to remove smudges or dirt, but ensure the cleaner doesn't contact the artwork itself.

Always handle your prints with clean, dry hands, as oils and dirt from your skin can affect the print quality. Keep your prints out of direct sunlight, which can cause colors to fade over time. For the same reason, it's advisable to avoid fluorescent lighting as well.

Your art prints should ideally not be hung in areas with high humidity like bathrooms or kitchens, as moisture can cause the artwork to warp or the colors to run. Also, consider the room's temperature; extreme fluctuations may damage the print.

By following these maintenance tips, your art prints will continue to captivate and inspire, maintaining their vibrant colors and crisp details for years to come.

Conclusion

As we conclude this extensive guide on how to hang art prints on walls, it’s important to remember that art is an extension of your personality. Art prints, wall decor, and personalized signs like those available from Tailored Canvases allow you to express your unique style and preferences.

As you go about hanging your chosen prints, remember to enjoy the process. There's no right or wrong way—only your way. Transform your space into a personalized gallery, echoing the vibes of your aesthetic sensibilities. So, grab those prints, ready your tools, and let your walls do the talking.

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