There is nothing more personal and representative of style than the artwork displayed in your home. Art evokes emotion and connection and can be subtle or makes a statement.

When I am staging a house, I am either working with the homeowner’s existing artwork or bringing in selected pieces from my inventory. Placement, scale and proportion are just as important as images.

The problem I see repeatedly is art not connecting to the space or important pieces in the room. Here are some tips.

Go Big

The Wow Factor in many of my staged homes can be credited to large, oversized pieces of art. It creates an impact and a visual field like no other item besides a glorious view or a fireplace. It also fills the space and when staging a room, requires less furniture. It enhances the space without distracting with too much clutter.

Small pieces and spaces

Lots of small pieces of art dotted in a house adds to the visual clutter of the space. It is distracting. During pre-listing consultations, I review each room and suggest removing the smalls. When grouped together, small pieces of art create a pleasing, creative and sometimes playful addition on the wall. Small items that look lost in large spaces but do work well placed between windows and doors.

Hang at proper height

Forget hanging at eye level for art. I’m under 5’ tall. My eye level is significantly different than a taller person.

Over a large piece such as a sofa, dresser or headboard, the bottom of the art should hang within 6 to 12 inches from the top of the furniture. The width of the art selected should be 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the furniture. For example, a 9-foot sofa should have a 6-foot-wide expanse of art above it. This can come in the form of one large piece or multiple pieces grouped together within that expanse.

The perfect arrangement

Instead of winging it and over nailing, trace each piece of art onto paper with description of art. Cut each piece and play with arrangement until you get a grouping you like. Use painter’s tape to try out placements and arrangements.

Layers

Whether on shelving or a mantel, art can be layered with other art and accessories. Lean art instead of hanging it where appropriate for a more casual look.

Photo Gallery

Admittedly, I’m not a fan of small photos hanging throughout the house. It adds to the visual clutter. Group photos on a table or shelf in mixed frames or select a transition area, like a hallway to hang them.

Shopping for art

Support your local artists. Art is personal but when a connection is made, you know and feel it. Art does not have to match put it can be the inspiration for a space. Visit local galleries, art openings and craft fairs. Let it find you.