2nd and Strand

It can be a little tricky hanging pictures on a wall.  Whether or not you are going for a symmetrical look or a more free flowing grouping, there is more than just a level that can help you out.  

Below is an image from Better Homes and Gardens, and although I've never done it, I think its my favorite technique to hang pictures and I'll definitely be trying it in the future. There are many different methods you can find online, but this is the best tutorial at really being able to see how your art work will look on the wall in terms of spacing and balance before you start putting holes in your walls. You simply cut out pieces of paper to the size of your frames, and tape them up on the wall how you'd like to display them. If you don't like the way it looks, you just pull it down and try again. Once the pieces of paper are on the wall how you want them (make sure they are level!), measure the distance on your frame from the top, to the bracket where you hang the nail. Then mark the same distance on your paper, and nail right through it.  And before you know it, you have a great looking wall grouping!

Just in case you missed it, here is our post on different styles of wall hangings.  If you need more inspiration for your space, check out these wall hanging arrangements you can do (source) (source) - 

- Megan

Finding the perfect fit for the bare walls in your home can seem intimidating. It may be hard to find a large, unique piece of art to fill a space (that is budget friendly), but luckily you can still make a big statement in your room from picture groupings.  This allows for more creativity and personalization, which can be a great way to showcase what your interests are. 

Below I've included some wall hangings to inspire you in your home-

(Above): To make this grouping unified, they used the same size picture frame and mat, black picture frames, same color tone for photos, and a common theme in the photos (tree's in this case). The symmetrical layout makes it feel orderly and put together.
(Below): This has a more eclectic feel because of the different styles of frames, but stays cohesive because of the theme of the picture (flowers). This has a much more free-flowing, organic feel to it. 

(Above): Different black frames were used which creates unity and visual interest. Again, the black and white photographs also help wall hangings look cohesive. A tip used here is to mark a mid-point horizontal line on the wall, and hang pictures right above it, and right below it, and build from there.
(Below): A grouping cohesive by color, it also uses the same principle as the picture above, using a less defined horizontal line to hang pictures by.

(Above): Using the same color picture frames and same size mat helps make these colorful family photos make a cohesive statement on the wall, but the differing sizes makes it feel a little more unique.
(Below): This grouping doesn't follow the general themes like the pictures above (frame color/size, mat color/size, subject theme, etc), but it still works. The most important thing is to make it still feel balanced, which it is.

(Above): A modern, geometric idea for displaying a picture. Hanging all those individual pieces would take time and patience to make sure they are lined up perfect, but it has a really cool visual effect. 

I hope some of these images (source) were able to spark some interest for you in decorating your home. What type of wall grouping are you attracted to? A more symmetrical or free flowing set up? Get ready for next week when I'll share some tips and tricks that will make it easy to hang picture groupings!