Decorating a wall with pictures. Arranging mementos on a table. Aligning pictures along a stairwell. These tasks can be among the most daunting to a do-it-yourself decorator. What pieces should be placed first? Is symmetrical picture hanging better than asymmetrical? Do all the frames have to match? Can a display be simultaneously elegant and whimsical?
The Elements of Designing an Arrangement for Pictures
The key elements to remember are:
- Style
- Color
- Subject
- Material
- Space
Picture Arranging When Considering Style, Subject & Color
Framing colors and materials for picture arranging have a great impact on the effect. A framed sports photo collection would be inappropriate in antique silver, bejeweled or ornate picture frames; matching frame styles like these would be better suited to wedding photos.
Mixing styles works if there is a single constant element. A variety of frame shapes and designs are impressive if all are silver, gold and crystal. A combination of matting colors works well if the frame designs are all the same. A mixture of painted frames and matting are well considered if all the photos are portraits, such as grade school portraits.
Sports memories are better matched with clean lines such as black edged frames with colored matting to enhance the photos. A single subject collection with matching frames would be stunning if all the matting was either matching or monochromatic (all in the same color group, i.e. tan, beige, cream, ecru and taupe.)
Arranging Pictures When Considering Materials & Space
It's important to remember the exposure of the finished picture arranging. A table frequently used for coffee cups, keys and gloves, television remotes or magazines? These spaces should remain uncluttered and available so end tables, coffee tables and entrance hall tables are poor choices for arranging multiple pictures.
Good locations would be sofa tables, atop buffets or decorative corner tables not meant to be serviceable. Keep sun exposure in mind – pictures constantly facing the sun can fade and the glass and frames can give annoying reflections while the room is in use. Arranged picture displays should be where they can be admired but not where the main traffic or activity occurs.
Match the frame to the type of photo. Rustic stained or painted wooden frames coordinates with photos of outdoor activities like camping or fishing. Black and white photos work best with black, silver or metal picture frames – anything to compliment the simplicity of the photo. Framed photos from the last New Year's Eve party can handle sparkle, colors and whimsical designs.
How to Create a Picture Arrangement on a Table
Make an appropriate space for a lamp to provide ambient lighting. Begin with arranging large pictures in the back of your table display. Try to avoid being too exacting with the placement; stagger the photos slightly at varying angles. Graduate the sizes down to the smallest ones in front so each photo's view is unobstructed.
Specifically themed photos will be complimented with small items of memorabilia. Small trophies or sport paraphernalia work well with pictures of extra-curricular team activities just as a wedding invitation and thank you note would be well-placed with photos of a wedding or honeymoon.
Arranging Pictures on a Wall or in a Stairwell
There are many approaches to picture arrangements on walls. A design of symmetry (one that is perfectly balanced) can be effectively achieved with even quantities of photos of the same size. All can be perfectly square and evenly spaced or there can be even numbers of identical sizes such as two each of rectangle, square or oval picture frames of the same dimension.
Symmetry will also work if there is identical spacing between the photos. Picture hanging systems can be a great help when working with symmetry and balance.
When arranging pictures in a single row along a wall or in a stairwell, size is extremely important. For instance, several small photos matched with over-sized matting in large simple frames can be a stunning display. The look is neat, elegant and uncluttered. Picture hanging systems can be invaluable with this concept as well.
If going for a random asymmetrical style, remember that less is more. Breaking up displayed photos with small mirrors or other wall hangings will keep the look simple. Overpowering the arrangement with too many photos randomly placed will make the display appear messy and unplanned. Unless within a single photo collage, too many photos can be too much for the eye to take in.
Thoughtful Picture Arranging can be a Highlight in Any Room
Whether the intention is to show off an achievement, proudly display an important event or share happy memories with family and friends, the right picture arrangement for any space can create conversation and inspire others. Freely experiment with these ideas for arranging pictures to create a pleasing display.
Deborah Read - A writer on movies, music and their history for 35 years, Deborah IS trivia. Her 27+ years of decorating work has put her consulting ...
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