How To Arrange Wall Hangings

Arrange a group of matching, similar or asymmetrical wall hangings on a large sheet of paper to experiment with their positions before hanging them on the wall. For example, situate the larger wall hanging between a cluster of four smaller wall hangings on one side and two medium-size wall hangings on the other. Arrange the four smaller wall hangings in a square-shaped cluster, and position the two medium-size wall hangings with one directly above the other. Make sure to define a horizontal line throughout the entire cluster of wall hangings.

Measure the spaces between the wall hangings in each row, using a measuring tape. Leave just a few inches between each wall hanging to ensure they appear as one focal point, not scattered. Adjust the wall hangings until the distances between them are equal.

Trace around each wall hanging with a pencil once you are satisfied with its position. Remove the wall hangings from the paper, and then cut out the shapes of the wall hangings to create a paper template.

Use the paper template to help you determine where to position the wall hangings on the wall. Clusters of pictures work fine on walls in stairways, bare walls unhidden by furniture, and walls above furniture pieces. Move the paper around until you find a location that satisfies you.

Tape the paper to the wall temporarily. Measure the distance from the farthest left edge of the cluster of cut-outs to the left edge of the wall, and then from the farthest right edge of the cluster of cut-outs to the right edge of the wall. Adjust the paper until it is completely centered on the wall. If you positioned the paper above furniture, make sure the lowest edge of the cluster of walling hangings is 5 to 9 inches above the furniture.

Mark the edges of each cut-out shape representing a wall hanging on the wall, using the pencil. Use the cut-outs in the paper template as a guide for the small marks.

Peel the paper template off the wall once you have marked the positions of the wall hangings.

Match the wall hangings to the pencil marks on the wall. Put up the wall hangings.