Creatively displaying your pieces can make all the difference.
If you've ever been in the market to purchase art for your home, you know that the aesthetics of a piece only tell half the story. Size, and how well it fits into your living space, have equal importance. Don't force yourself into a rut when displaying artwork--looking at your room with an unconventional eye and a few principles of design in your mind will freshen up any living area.
Try Unconventional Places
It's often taken for granted that you have to display art in your living room or a hallway. Depending on where you live, alternatives will catch the eyes of visitors in places they least expect. If you have a lightly framed piece, consider displaying it outdoors with some decorative ribbon to greet guests on their way in. If you own a pool, tile art or stickers (but not both) add an extra dimension to your swimming area.
Create Contrast
Our eyes are easily drawn to things that stand out, such as placing a black strip of cloth onto a white wall as backing for a piece. If using soft colors, hang something that's visually striking. But tread lightly: If you overuse this effect, your display will look garish and unappealing.
Change Your Media
Reproduce art that you own or like into a different media, such as snapshots of murals and paintings, and display them on a door. Manipulate a photo digitally using graphic software and load it into a USB picture frame. FedEx Office will turn a piece of art in PDF format into a large print for around $80 as of May 2010. If you've got the time and a little talent, trace a painting and cut it into a collage--an easy way to provide a fresh take on something that's become familiar in your house.
Seek Commercial Solutions
Floor economy, while obviously an important concern in a house, also challenges businesses as they plan ways to display their decorations. Follow retailers' lead and buy some commercial displays--from expensive solutions like shadowboxes to less expensive sign and display stands--to help you present your art pieces in an unobtrusive manner.
Use Small Spaces
You don't need a big slab of blank wall to display art. Look for places you can display small pieces, such as narrow walls or behind tables and stoves. Putting two pieces in a row--or three, if you've got the space--can create a harmonious blend that draws the eye.
