• About
  • Portfolio
  • Profile
  • Client reviews
  • Contact

Jane Ledger Interiors

Interior design studio

Jane Ledger Interiors

How to hang art

March 24, 2015

Feature image: Figtree House by Arent & Pyke. Photography Felix Forest. Styling Megan Morton.  Art Marisa Purcell.

For me, art has always had a special place in the home.
Art is a beautiful expression of the owners’ style, interests, passion and personality.

Whether your ‘art’ is an original, print or homemade masterpiece, a piece of artwork lifts a space out of the mundane and makes it truly unique.

Scale

My number one tip when choosing and hanging art is to consider scale. If you are going for a single piece, go as large as your budget and the space will allow, taking into account the size of your room and the scale of furniture. One hero piece in a dining room, living rom or bedroom can be spectacular, if it is the right size. But often people hang pieces that are too small.

As a general rule, artwork should be at least two-thirds the size of a sofa or sideboard, and be positioned close to it.

These spaces have scaled the artwork perfectly.

Large scale art by Paul Davies in this calming space by Mim Design

Large scale art by Paul Davies in this calming space by Mim Design

Ellie Malin print the ideal scale in the dining room of Simone and Rhys Haag's Melbourne home

Ellie Malin print the ideal scale in the dining room of Simone and Rhys Haag‘s Melbourne home. Photography Sean  Fennessy.

Beautiful large scale art by Christine White, also in the home of Simone and Rhys Haag

Beautiful large scale art by Christine White, also in the home of Simone and Rhys Haag.

And if you don’t have or want a large scale artwork, position a smaller piece off centre and within a grouping of other furniture.
For example, I love how this artwork in a home by Doherty Design Studio sits off centre from the couch, but close and connected with the lamp, side table and flooring.

Artwork: Rene Twigg at Otomys

Artwork: Rene Twigg at Otomys. Photography Armelle Habib

Hanging too high

I’m not sure why this happens, but people tend to hang art too high.
I think it’s because they think art should be kept “away” from other surfaces and elements in the room, or from people. In fact the opposite is true. Art should be hung with the centre at eye-level so that it integrates and harmonises with furniture, lighting and other accessories in the room.

Figtree House by Arent & Pyke. Photography Felix Forrest

Figtree House by Arent & Pyke. Photography Felix Forest. Styling Megan Morton.

I love how the art in this space is hung low and side on to the sofa – it’s part of the conversation and fully integrated with all the elements and people in the room.

This beautiful artwork is by Australian artist Marisa Purcell.

IMG_6676

Mixed mediums

Don’t be afraid of mixing artworks to create interest and impact, particularly where pieces may be too small to hang on their own.

Image courtesy of TDF

Image courtesy of TDF. Photography by Eve Wilson

Left-right: Julian Meagher, Emma Lipscombe and Belynda Henry art make a beautiful collection on this wall at the Design Files Open House 2014.

Free-standing art

Propping artwork up against a wall is a popular way to display art for a more casual look. I love the photographic range by The Artwork Stylist for an affordable alternative to original art.

Ice Berg photographic art by The Artwork Stylist

Ice Berg photographic art by The Artwork Stylist

Mantles, shelves and sideboards are also a great place to layer art. And don’t be afraid to work in other accessories in front of and around your art.

Amazing oversized Koala drawing 'The Alchemist' by artist Carla Fletcher

Amazing oversized Koala drawing ‘The Alchemist’ by artist Carla Fletcher

Pink Desert from The Artwork Stylist. Photography Tom Blachford

Pink Desert from The Artwork Stylist. Photography Tom Blachford

Gallery walls

Gallery walls are the perfect way to display smaller artworks of varying size and shape. Cut out paper versions of the pieces you have in mind and test out different configurations on the wall.

I like the layouts below where the first row is hung in a straight line, and then the other pieces hung up and around it.

And note the height of the first row – nice and low. The middle of the gallery is about eye-level.

Image via Kate Monteith

Image via Kate Monteith

IMG_6660

For family photographs and prints, create a dramatic gallery using similar frames. The trick here is to go en masse and create a shape, rather than one or two photos placed randomly.

Arent & Pyke Potts Point Pied-a-terre

Arent & Pyke create a dynamic gallery of family portraits in their Potts Point Pied-a-terre project

So be brave with your art. Choose artworks that are large enough in proportion to the room, or create collections of smaller pieces that add personality and life to your space. And hang them at a height so they are living and breathing amongst you and your furnishings.

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Share

Share

Facebook Google+ Twitter Pinterest Email

Comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Johanne says

    March 25, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    Great post Jane and a beautiful set of examples. I have my eye on some extra-large aboriginal art for our living room. I’m going to follow your “if only one, go large” rule. My trickier art challenge is finding places for about 20 replica impressionist paintings made by my mother in law!

    Reply
    • Jane Ledger says

      March 26, 2015 at 7:18 am

      Thanks Johanne. Sounds as though you have some lovely pieces to work with. Good luck!

      Reply
Previous
Next

Menu

  • About
  • Portfolio
  • Profile
  • Client reviews
  • Contact

social

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Jane Ledger Interiors on Instagram

Lovely to see our Swanbourne kitchen project in th Lovely to see our Swanbourne kitchen project in this month’s @homebeautiful magazine.  Our client commented ‘It feels rich and luxurious while also being warm and homely...modern but timeless, and the true heart of our home. It has transformed how we use our space.’  Thank you for the story @kyliejackes, photographer @gathering.light and all involved in this gorgeous project.
Monday in lock down. A week without site visits an Monday in lock down. A week without site visits and face to face meetings. It’s only 5 days but I’m going to spend every one of them getting creative while not rushing around. We spend so much time on the road, on sites, in client homes and on project management so it’s a great opportunity to not do that for a week. Just immerse in the creative elements of our projects.  Stay safe WA friends and clients. We’ll be back with you as soon as the advice allows.
Rested and ready to go, we’re thrilled to be bac Rested and ready to go, we’re thrilled to be back in the studio for 2021.  The calendar year flipping over came with no guarantees as to what the year ahead holds, but we’re going in smiling, grateful for the opportunity to work with a delightful group of new and existing clients on their renovation and interior furnishings projects, and see the fruits of new building partnerships started last year.  Designing beautiful spaces and seeing them through to the last detail of implementation is what we love most and do best. We can’t wait to deliver more of it in 2021.  Thanks to my lovely designer friend @emhannid for this shot 📸✨
Laid back at the Dalkeith residence. One of our fa Laid back at the Dalkeith residence. One of our favourite projects from 2020, this architect-designed Giorgi home was a dream to furnish. Thoughtful interiors with a seamless indoor/outdoor connection, including poolside, alfresco and outdoor relaxation zones. A true oasis for these clients now to enjoy!  Wherever you’re spending these first days of the year, I hope you’re taking it easy and managing some rest.  Furnishings and styling @janeledgerinteriors
Architect and builder @giorgi_architects_builders
Photography @jody_darcy
Thank you to our wonderful clients for working wit Thank you to our wonderful clients for working with us through the challenges of this year and to all our collaborators and supporters who helped make it happen. A special shout out to the talented photographers I’ve worked with who help bring these images to you. We couldn’t do many shoots this year so thank you for your love, likes and comments on projects past and current. It means so much. Here’s your favourite 9 from 2020.  Happy new year friends and followers ✨✨  Photographers:
@jody_darcy
@gathering.light
@chantelconcei
Summer happening right here 💦💦 We loved cre Summer happening right here 💦💦  We loved creating this relaxed poolside setting ft. the all Australian made and designed Tait Trace range @madebytait @adamgoodrumstudio. This chair is seriously like sitting on a cloud! ☁️☁️  Furniture and styling @janeledgerinteriors
Photography @jody_darcy
And we are done! Thank you for your passionate sup And we are done! Thank you for your passionate support of design and the studio of Jane Ledger Interiors this year. We could never have imagined that out of a situation so dire, a surge in demand for renovation and beautiful home interiors would follow.  In one of our busiest and most challenging years yet, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities we’ve been given to grow and strengthen. Thank you for entrusting us to transform your most precious spaces. The work of a designer is complex and detailed on any given day. But in this year it required even greater levels of organisation, compassion and honest communication. We built strong processes around us so we could continue to deliver exceptional outcomes to you.  We take these protocols into 2021 and our business model going forward.  Thank you to my clients for understanding these processes and trusting me to just get on and do it. You have helped grow my business beyond any of my expectations for 2020. Your graciousness and respect is what I remember most about the year that was.  Thanks also to our outstanding supply partners and trades who support the work we do. We absolutely couldn’t do it without you!  A final thank you to my gorgeous design assistant @jessicahopeinteriors who has supported the practice’s expansion in 2020 and brings joy to my working week.  Merry Christmas my lovely friends followers and supporters xx
Fresh clean vibes for the weekend. Three more days Fresh clean vibes for the weekend. Three more days in the studio...and totally counting! It’s been a lovely full week as we put the finishing touches to your projects next year.  Bathroom design @janeledgerinteriors
Photography @gathering.light
Styling @gracebuckleycreative
Oh hey queen of blur @jody_darcy and beautiful Per Oh hey queen of blur @jody_darcy and beautiful Perth weather! Still on the go this week finalising our Jan-April projects and making sure our schedules and the stars are all aligned. There’s a lot to look forward to ✨✨  Furniture and styling @janeledgerinteriors
Photography @jody_darcy
First renders of Florence Road under way, a comple First renders of Florence Road under way, a complete renovation and interior design project reflecting a trad/contemporary aesthetic. We love everything about these clients and their home to be, including a penchant for all things Kelly Wearstler, statement lighting and art deco twists! Beautiful light fittings throughout the home coming our way from @montauklightingco, including the @kellywearstler Rousseau wall lights and articulating chandelier.  Interior design @janeledgerinteriors
Render @jessicahopeinteriors
Thrilled for my lovely friend and photographer @jo Thrilled for my lovely friend and photographer @jody_darcy, now exhibiting a collection of her photographic works depicting the stunning landscapes of WA at the Crystal Club Crown Towers.  I love seeing this piece ‘Denim Layers’ hanging in my client’s home @kb_perth, shot in the dunes of Lancelin.  Congratulations Jody on this stunning body of work 👏🏻👏🏻
Glorious day to be out and about. Taking in the su Glorious day to be out and about. Taking in the sunshine poolside is a dream at the Dalkeith project ☀️☀️  Furnishings and styling @janeledgerinteriors
Photography @jody_darcy

Popular Post

Topics

  • Colour & Paint
  • How To
  • Latest
  • My favourite
  • Portfolio
  • StyleCrush
  • Styles and Moods

Recent Posts

  • Creating your own sleep sanctuary – with Sealy Posturepedic
  • Bathroom Renovation – Jane Ledger talks to Sky News
  • Jane Ledger X Denfair: Highlights
  • Melbourne interior consults – June 2017
  • Designing rugs with Jenny Jones

Copyright 2021 Jane Ledger Interiors