A new print, painting, cluster of photos, or mirror can alter the mood of an interior. But the act requires more planning than purchasing new pillows, unrolling a new area rug, or plugging in a new lamp—all of which are worthwhile, pleasing and effective decorating efforts, mind you. But they don’t require a tape measure and other tools, as well as precise positioning. You want to “nail” the placement of your painting, print or other artwork the first time out after all—do “spackle” and “patch job” ring a bell? Here are some helpful tips:

 

• One of the most common pitfalls of hanging photos, prints, shadow boxes or wall sculptures is choosing art that is either too small or too large for the intended space. Rule of thumb: The art or grouping you’re hanging should measure about three-quarters the width of the furniture—a sofa, a settee, a loveseat, a console, etc.—under it. So, for a 60-inch wide sofa, a single piece of art or a cluster of frames should measure about 45 inches wide.

 

• There’s a tendency to hang wall decor too high, thereby creating too much open space between the art and the object beneath it. The distance between the top of the piece of furniture and the bottom of the canvas or frame should be between four and seven inches.

 

• Making due with a pre-made frame is fine if your photo or print is a standard size (5 inches by 7 inches, 8 inches by 10 inches or 16 inches by 20 inches). But atypically sized artwork deserves a custom frame. (You’d tailor an expensive suit or dress to fit your body perfectly, right?) Custom frames are an investment—you might be surprised at the retail price of several feet of molding—but there is no better way to make a prized family photo, a one-of-a-kind print, a cherished painting or an impressive document such as a diploma the well-balanced focal point of a wall or room.

 

• The weight and size of each piece of wall decor determines the type of hardware you should use to hang it. Two hooks are best for large objects, including metal sculptures; heavy art pieces measuring more than 25 or so pounds should be mounted to studs (which are typically 16 or 24 inches apart and can be found using a stud finder). Use the supplied hanging hardware that comes with your artwork, or defer to the weight and size recommendations on the hanging supplies you buy from a hardware store.

 

• Uniformly framed wall decor—a series of botanical prints, for example—is best displayed in a precise grid. Meanwhile, a panoply of framed objects—mirrors and framed art of varying sizes, frame styles, textures and colors—requires less exacting precision. But it does require an eye for balance. Test an arrangement by laying all objects on the floor, and move them around until you find a pleasing display. Still not sure? Use these ideas from Ballard Designs for layout suggestions.