This Is the Right Way to Hang Art, According to an Interior Designer

Finding art is one thing, but determining where and how to hang it in your home is another. To understand more about the art installation process, we tapped a resident gallery wall expert, Ashley Clark of Skout Interior Design.

From vintage photography to bold modern prints to more unexpected items like skateboards and flippers, Clark and her team have thought of it all when it comes to decorating walls with special pieces. So, we had to pick her brain about all of the best ways to hang art in your home.

Courtesy of Skout Interior Design

What’s the Best Way to Hang Art?

Trusted experts are always the way to go, especially if you want to avoid any mishaps like holes in your walls, Clark says. But if you’re in a pinch and can’t find an art installer, she suggests making templates with Kraft paper and taping out your design on the wall. When you’re ready to go, use a hammer and nails, and for larger pieces, Clark also recommends purchasing D rings and Z bars. As you get started on a gallery wall, you should also aim to keep art three to six inches apart. 

For non-framed pieces, like instruments or other gear, Clark typically uses pegs, hooks, or decorative nails.

Courtesy of Skout Interior Design

Where Are the Best Spots to Hang Your Art?

The answer for this one is simple: anywhere. “Unexpected places are our favorite,” Clark says. “A wall collage in a powder bath, yes!” Get creative and think about where you want to showcase your art, and remember that it doesn’t need to be limited to bedrooms or living rooms.

Courtesy of Skout Interior Design

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Art in a Room?

“Don’t be afraid to use the entire wall!” Clark says. “But if you do create a giant wall collage with multiple pieces, do not repeat it on another wall in the same room. It’s okay to have an empty wall here and there to really make sure your special pieces and collages stand out!”

Courtesy of Skout Interior Design

How Do You Determine the Best Size for Your Art?

There are a couple ways to envision what sizes look best. Here are some of Clark’s go-to tips:

Don’t be afraid to just go for it.

Clark says you need to try it out to see what you like and if a piece of art works in your space. Beforehand, you can also lay it on the floor and see what you think. From there, you can figure out the best layout and ultimately, put your artwork on the wall.

Map out your design on the computer or make a paper template.

For a gallery wall, mix and match frame sizing and repeat sizes two to three times. “You can go a little nuts and mix in all sizes of frames, add in some objects (not in frames), and create a truly unique gallery wall,” she says.

Operate in extremes for statement pieces.

If you only want to hang one piece of art on a wall, Clark says to try and stick with a really big or really small focal point. “Sometimes an unexpected small piece of art over a bed is just enough,” she says.

Courtesy of Skout Interior Design

How Can You Make Different Styles of Art Work in One Room?

While you can mix all types of artwork in one room, Clark advises sticking to a cohesive color palette. For instance, if you are hanging up family photos, make sure they’re all color images or all black and white.

And if you’re interested in mixing, she says the more the merrier! “Art is so personal and if it is something you love or something that really speaks to you, then put it up in your home,” Clark says, adding that you can have collections or groupings with a similar theme (think a wall of seascape or surf-related artwork). 

If it all feels cohesive, you can combine cool art prints or paintings and fun objects (“Something vintage is always a great addition,” she says.)

What it all comes down to is keeping your home authentic and somewhere you love to spend time. Test out old and new artwork in your home, and then go from there to create your own original artistic display.

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