5 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Hanging Art on Your Wall 

All art is not created equal, and when it comes to decorating your home beautifully, just throwing up any old art piece can be a disaster. When it comes to glass framed wall art, specifically, you want to make sure that you keep in mind balance, proportions, and overall aesthetics. 

To put this more simply, just buying nice art will not automatically improve your home. Hanging wall art is a science in and of itself, which is why many people hire professionals to do the job. Here are 5 common mistakes people make while hanging art on your wall, and some tips to avoid them.

5 Common Mistakes

Being aware of these mistakes can help you save time, money, and energy, and overall improve the aesthetics of your home, office, or business.

Mistake #1 - Using the Wrong Tools

While some people have a knack for just throwing up artwork, most people do not. A level and a tape measure are a must, because even the best pair of eyes cannot tell when something is slightly crooked. 

Another thing to consider is the type of wall you're hanging on and the appropriate tools for this. Many people think any nail will do, and that is just simply not the case. For instance, you may need wood screws for wood walls, or you might need a wall anchor for plaster or drywall.

The point is to have a plan. Consider the type of wall you are hanging on, the tools you will need, and never forget the level!

Mistake #2 - Hanging Wall Art Too High

When hanging wall art, consider the average eye level, which is about 57 - 60 inches above the ground. However, it is important to remember that this is average eye level, so you may want to adjust it slightly depending on your intended audience and how high your ceiling is. 

Quite simply, wall art is meant to be admired, and if it is too high above average eye level, people will simply miss out on its full beauty. This is when eyeballing can come in handy. Use the tape measurer first to measure 57 - 60 inches, and then adjust based on your instincts or the help of a family member or friend.

Mistake #3 - Choosing Art that is Too Small for the Space

This happens a lot because small art is often less expensive and more accessible. There is nothing wrong with small art, but hanging small art in a large room can make the room seem small. 

When in doubt, consider balance. If you do have a small piece of art, then balance it out with a medium or large piece nearby. 

If the balance does not come naturally to you, the art of feng shui is helpful, and there are many resources available to guide you. Feng shui is all about achieving harmony and balance in your space, and this specifically applies to the size of the artwork you choose, and how you hang it up.

Mistake #4 - Not Investing in Art

While there are some ludicrous asking prices out there in the art world, the truth is, good art can be found for reasonable prices. Purchasing art for your home should be considered an investment into your life, happiness, and future.

True artists spend hours working hard with reliable, tested, and lasting materials that will keep your art beautiful and fresh for many years. On top of that, you may have to invest in professional businesses that know how to frame and hang art to truly get the most out of your purchases.

Cheap and mass-produced artwork is often trend-based and goes out of fashion quickly. Investing in art by real, hard-working artists is worth it for many years to come, and will increase the resale value of your home by enhancing its appearance.

Mistake #5 - Focusing on Trends

Buy and hang what you like! Many people are worried about the current trends in art, and they often purchase products that end up looking plain, stereotypical, and like every other modern home.

Decide what theme you are going for and stick with it. If you like ocean scenes, buy art around that theme. If you like vibrant colors, find a way to balance the vibrancy using feng shui methods above. If you like dark or neutral colors, then go for it.

The point is to buy what makes you happy. In the end, the artwork may be about pleasing guests, but you want to be pleased, too. Many make the mistake of copying off the homes of their favorite celebrities, only to feel like it doesn’t represent them. 

In the end, buying what you like is a true investment in yourself and your future.  The bottom line is this: choose art that represents what you like, while maintaining balance, harmony, and beauty, and you can’t go wrong.