How to Hang a Picture Arrangement

I know we’ve written about this before, but it is one of the easiest ways to spruce up a big blank wall and the best way to get all those mismatched picture frames off of all your surfaces. Yes I know you like to look at those photos, but it would look so much nicer if they were on a wall not collecting dust! But I digress. I am a master picture arrangement hanger as my Organic Freedom grandmother gave me free reign to redo her staircase photo arrangement when I was 12! Only an Organic Freedom grandma would have the guts/trust to do that! For all you Classics, Organic Structures and Smart Structures, here’s a nice list that will bring you on your way to picture arrangement perfection.

1. Buy a kit! Yes these days the smart retail shops have pre-made sets and/or templates and frames that go together because the easiest way to make your arrangement look good is to have matching frames. This is perfect for Funs and Classics and Smarts who don’t want to be bothered trying to learn how to do this.

2. Matching frames. We know there are plenty of Funs and Classics who don’t want to spend the money when they already have perfectly good frames for hanging. So for you, make sure they are matching — spray paint them the same color if they’re not — especially if you are a Classic as it will bug you if they aren’t.

3. Variety of sizes. You need a good variety of sizes of frames so you can play around with different arrangements. If you’re new to this a good way to start is to cut craft paper the size of your frames and figure out what looks good before you start hammering into the wall.

4. Symmetry and repetition. There’s a reason why people think more symmetrical faces are more beautiful. It makes for pleasing viewing. Do the same with your picture arrangements. Have a few big and same sized pictures that you arrange other pictures around. You’ll see that I have three big and identical pictures that I used as my focal and starting point and then I arranged the other ones around them.

5. Discover the through line. This is the best and easiest way to make sure your arrangement looks good. It also helps you go outside the box and still have an arrangement look good. What’s the through line? It’s the straight line on diagonal, vertical or horizontal axis, or the grid upon which the picture frames are hung. Take a look at a bunch of arrangements you like on Pinterest
and we’re sure you’ll find it. The graphic I found on the right is a great starting point.

6. Break the rules. Once you’re confident that you know how to make a mean arrangement, then go ahead and break the rules. But if you do, go big and break every single rule, or just break some — like not having matching frames — but keep the through line.

Organics and Smarts will have an easier time breaking the rules once they know how to hang and arrangement. Frankly, Funs will too, but we recommend that Classics stick to the basics, like matching, symmetrical arrangements.