If a room in your home has the blahs, the remedy could be off the wall.

A wall without framed artwork is a missed decorating opportunity: Adding framed pieces to a wall is a simple way to enhance a room’s look and personalize the space.

Decorators and framing experts from the National Art & Framing Council offer some advice on the best way to showcase paintings, photographs and other artwork.

* Hang pictures about eye-level to the average viewer. That is, the top of the picture should be about 55 to 58 inches from the floor.
* If the picture is next to a lamp or table where someone will sit, keep in mind that the eye level will be lower. The picture should look connected to the setting.
* Make sure the wall is strong enough to hold the piece: Use a stud finder for that 50-pound framed mirror.
* Use hangers suited for the wall you’re working with: Whether the wall is made of brick, metal, plaster or stucco, make sure to pick the right kind.
* When hanging two or three pictures, group them: Keep the space between them only a few inches, so they don’t look as if they’re all floating alone on a big wall.
* With mass groupings, find a unifying element: This can be done by using the same color matting or similar frames.

* Arrange big groupings on the floor first. Once you create a setup to your liking, then you can use the same placement on the wall. Or make templates out of newspaper and arrange them on the wall using tape until you get an arrangement you like.
* Avoid hanging fine art or treasured photos in direct sunlight, which can damage them. Use accent lighting to showcase a piece, which makes it easier to see and highlights its importance.
* Consider scale: Placing a piece above a mantel or sofa? Make sure it’s appropriately sized. A rule of thumb is that a single piece of art above a couch should be half as wide and not wider.

FRAMING TIPS

* Use the appropriate frame. Many frames are designed for a specific use, whether it’s a shadow box frame or one used with a mirror.
* Ask about glazing options. The glaze is the clear cover that covers the picture or art inside the frame. It can be made of clear material such as glass, plastic, Plexiglas or acrylic. The glaze can protect a photo from ultraviolet damage and reduce glare.
* Take care in selecting the matting, which is the border that surrounds a photo or picture inside the frame. Matting helps present the art and can coordinate it with the rest of the room’s decor. Matting also keeps the glazing from coming into direct contact with the artwork. Matting can prevent the artwork from getting buckled, wrinkled or moldy.
* Use wide matting if hanging a piece on a wall that is heavily textured or patterned.
* Having a special piece framed by a professional? Convey its importance to the framer, who can help select the most appropriate presentation.
* Recycle and reuse pictures and frames. Change the matting so it coordinates with a redecorated room’s new look.
* When hanging art or pictures in a child’s bedroom or play room, opt for Plexiglas glazing. If broken, Plexiglas will not shatter like glass and the broken pieces edges aren’t as sharp.

source : www.ocregister.com