Hanging Stuff is Hard!
Collecting art is relatively easy compared to hanging art. Hanging one frame is doable. Hanging two frames evenly spaced and aligned is hard. Hanging a gallery wall will make you pull your hair out.
I decided I needed to pull my hair out.
I hung a family themed gallery wall in our Rec Room. It’s a collection of household “stuff.” Matt’s dealer plate and fraternity bid from UW-Madison. My softball mitt from 2nd grade. Caroline’s lacrosse sticks. A family caricature gifted by Annalee. Some kid’s hockey equipment I picked up at the Goodwill. Random items. Collected to creatively arranged. A focal point. A conversation wall.
I started by measuring the wall. I knew we needed the ensemble centered. I remeasured the wall. I remeasured the wall. I remeasured the wall. I ran and got a pencil and paper, remeasured the wall, and wrote the numbers down.
I used the same brown paper painters use to cover the floor. Rolled out on the ground; the exact dimensions I had measured 19 times. Items gathered. Work began. Twister comes to mind. I stretched, reached, picked up, put down, arranged, rearranged, added, deleted, traded out… until I had a plan.
I like to let art sit (potentially for weeks) before actually hanging. Mull it over. Does it make sense for the space? Are the colors good? Does Matt approve? Yes, his opinion is always considered, but not always shared.
For this treasure wall - Are there enough pieces? Is everyone represented? Did I forget anything?
I’m ready to hammer. I measured the wall one last time. Fv*k! I laid the whole darn medley out horizontally – AKA the wrong way! Another round as a contortionist; I had a vertical vision.
Our little gallery is missing Meg’s ballet point shoes, a snippet of Elsa, and my racing snow skis. In time, they will be added. Until then, I will patch the holes punched and abandoned. I will stand back and admire my work. I will definitely pat myself on the back.
I’m proud.
I, by my lonesome, affixed 18 artifacts of various sizes and shapes and dimensions to a wall and created a visually appealing collage of personal effects.
I’m entitled to this moment of self-adulation.
Hanging stuff is hard!
NOTES:
When hanging art, here are few basic thoughts:
· Most of us hang art too high. The middle of the piece should be hung at eye level. This means, if it’s in the dining room, eye level may be when seated. If it’s the hallway, eye level is standing.
· Hanging art over something (bed, sofa, console, fireplace)? Art should expand 2/3 the width of the furniture. Meaning, if your couch is 90 inches long, you will need about 60 inches of art. This could be a mirror with wall sconces, a series of pictures hung, etc.
· Art should be hung between 6 and 8 inches above said furniture.
· Not all art has to hang; it’s okay to showcase art on an easel or to lean art against the wall. I would still secure all pieces to the wall to prevent sliding and breaking.
· Hang what you love. It’s your house, your art, your prerogative.