Great art fills more than space

Artwork is one of the most powerful forces in decorating, because it gives a space heart and soul. Here are seven tips to creating great displays:

1. Hang large and small pieces together. Some of the most powerful artwork galleries I’ve seen mix together pieces in a wide range of sizes, from very small to quite large. You’ll be amazed by how these little guys break up the sea of larger frames, somehow magnifying them in the process.

2. Mix subjects, frames and mediums. I like galleries that look as if they have evolved over time. One way to achieve this is to mix an assortment of frame shapes, styles and materials. I also like to combine artwork that features different mediums, like oils, watercolors, line drawings and photography. Finally, mix the style of the artwork you group together, tossing together traditional pieces with those that are very modern. When you do so, your eye has a tendency to stop on each piece in the group, not scan over the whole.

3. Only buy what you love. Don’t buy a piece of art just because it matches your sofa. Hold off until you see something you fall in love with. Don’t worry about where you will put it — that will work its way out. And when it does, your walls will have pieces that make your heart sing and tell others a lot about you.

4. Don’t line up frames in a collage. If you’re pulling together a collage of mixed artwork, place the pieces randomly into groups that just feel good. I don’t like the paintings in montages to hang in straight lines, so I stagger them just an inch or two. I think the overall impression is more exciting.

5. Make groupings tight. When you hang artwork, create tight clusters, with the individual pieces of art close together. When pieces are spaced too far apart, they seem like separate islands and the overall display loses its impact.

6. Go 3-D. Try displaying unexpected artwork like sconces, decorative shelves, and lanterns to give a gallery more energy. Once in a while I like to toss in something unconventional to keep things interesting.

7. Use artwork to balance a room. Artwork is a great tool to have when you’re trying to solve decorating challenges. For instance, built-in bookcases next to a fireplace can throw off the balance of the wall. Consider hanging a large piece of artwork on the other side of the fireplace.

Ÿ This column has been adapted from Mary Carol Garrity’s blog at nellhills.com.