Did you ever think you’d see the day when you were reading a blog post about how to hang art? That alone tells you something about the state of the world, right? It’s not that hanging art is an especially difficult task. In fact, most people can do it without much effort.
What changes things is where you hang your art. Working in a museum requires you to consider things like lighting and visitor traffic patterns. While this may seem like overkill if we’re talking about your living room, it makes sense when working with limited space and other real-world concerns.
So, before you go gallivanting off with your latest masterpiece, read these tips for hanging your art in a museum exhibit or otherwise:
Know Your Environment
In a museum exhibit, you need to consider the type of wall you’re hanging on. Not surprisingly, an oil-based paint will stick to a wall made of oil-soaked bricks. You may have to use a different material to avoid peeling or fading.
This holds true for other surfaces in your environment. If you’re hanging in a hallway or other high-traffic area, for example, you’ll want to use a more durable material.
Use the Right Hook
Hooks are the most common way to hang a piece of art. In a museum exhibit, they’re also the best way to avoid damaging your artwork.
That’s because museum professionals typically use a lightweight, non-impeding hook. You can find hooks made of a wide variety of materials. These include wood, plastic, and other materials. You can also use cup head bolts for better security that your art won’t fall to the ground.
Find the Right Height
We’ve all seen people hang art too high or too low. But what’s the right height for your piece? You may think of this as a simple question of personal taste. But there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding how high to hang your art.
One factor is the size of the room or museum exhibit. The larger the room, the higher you’ll want to hang your piece. This will help it stand out against the wall. Another consideration is the age of your audience.