One of the most common design mistakes I see is artwork that is too small for the space.
I once heard a photographer say when you have the shot just right, take one giant step toward your subject. NOW it is just right.
The same can be said about artwork. Just when you think you have the right size, go bigger. Even if it’s just a tad larger.
This might mean you have to go with a different piece. Or you have to shop around for a similar subject in the right size. It sometimes means you have to shop for the size, and then settle on the subject.
But trust me, it will make all the difference on your walls.
Artwork is supposed to stand out.
Artwork is supposed to make an impact. A statement.
It’s supposed to garner attention. Provoke thought. Stimulate conversation.
It can be a drawing, a painting, a family photo. Whatever.
Lord knows you paid a lot of it, so make it count. Fill the space as much as possible. There is nothing worse than having the blank space on the wall dwarf the piece of art you thought worthy of adorning your home.
If your artwork is small and you’re determined to use the piece, hang a collection of small pieces to create a larger display. If you do this, though, go with three pieces. Yes, three. Or five. Just as long as it’s an odd number.
The other mistake I see is placement that is too high on the wall. Your visitors should not feel like they are peering up at the Empire State Building. Artwork should be at eye-level. Who’s eye-level? I recommend the person in the house of average height.
Instead of extending your arms upward as you place the art against the wall, extend your arms outward. Not up and out. Just straight out.
Test this out. See if it works. If the size of your art was right from the start, you may just have a natural eye for this stuff.
Designing Goldilocks 