Planning your picture hanging

Wall types	Grouping	Group Hanging Styles
Large and bare Plain, light colours Plain, dark colours Wallpapers	Coordinating Frames	In Line In a Frame Same Size Large and Small On A Cross

Selecting an artwork isn't always as simple as choosing something you like. You need to consider where you will hang your new prize.

Large, bare walls
These look best with one very large, or several large pieces. Don't put small pieces alone on these walls as they will look lost.

Plain, light walls
If you have these, you're in luck. You can show delicately toned pictures such as pastels and watercolours well. Select a medium or light coloured frame to blend with the wall.

Plain, dark walls
Bold oils and acrylics look good here. Striking and ornate gilt frames work well.

Walls with patterned wallpapers
Choosing the right piece here can be awkward, especially if the wallpaper has bold patterns. Select a frame matching one of the dominant wallpaper colours and the artwork mount to blend with the background wallpaper colour. This will help your chosen artwork stand out from its surroundings.

Grouping Pictures

Start by laying out multiple artworks on the floor near the wall you intend to hang them, moving them around until you find the ideal layout. See the section below to help you decide the right way to display your chosen artworks.

Coordinating
Try to have a connecting theme, such as subject or colour (for example, seascapes or florals). If the works aren't in similar colours, use similar frames to provide the link.

Framing
Very small works can be set inside a 'frame' on the wall. You can copy the older French style homes by using a painted technique on the wall, using an alcove or be adventurous and try stencilling. (See Hanging Groups - In a Frame)

Hanging groups

In a Line
Top

	Groups of artworks in different sized frames look best if the top or bottom edges are in alignment. Alternatively, you may hang them with their centres aligned.
In a Frame Top
Fill your stencilled or panelled frame with the largest pieces on the outside, then add the smaller pieces into the spaces.
Same Size Top
	These look best in a square or rectangular grouping. Alignment must be accurate and spaces between kept even.
One Large and Several Small Pieces Top
The trick is to have an even number of small pieces to keep the symmetry. Spacing must be kept even.
Set On A Cross Top
	Create an imaginary cross on the wall and set the largest pieces below the horizontal line, balance smaller pieces above.