How to Arrange Wall Groupings

Select the pictures for the grouping based on the amount of available space to avoid crowding. Measure the wall where you want to hang the pictures.

Arrange the pictures on the floor and try different arrangements. For an arrangement in two rows, with some pictures hanging above the others, place larger, heavier or darker pieces on the bottom row.

Create a shape with the group, if desired. For example, place them in a rectangle, square or diamond shape. Design an uneven grouping if you prefer, such as displaying larger paintings in the center with smaller art around and between the large frames -- or make the bottom row of pictures longer than the top row.

Trace the frames of the pictures on paper. Cut out the paper to check the picture placement on the wall. This reduces the risk of mistakes.

Mark the wall with pencil at eye-level. Arrange the paper group so the middle of it is at eye-level. For living room and dining room art that's viewed from a seated position, place the art lower, with the bottoms of the paper cutouts six to eight inches above the sofa or sideboard. Stick the paper to the wall with painter's tape, leaving at least two inches between the each picture, unless you prefer a patchwork effect with the frames touching.

Stand back and check the effect. Adjust the pieces of paper, if needed, to create a balanced arrangement. For example, don't place all the largest pictures on one side or the arrangement will appear unbalanced.