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Dorm Style What to Put on the Walls
Tips for Hanging Artwork in Small Spaces
 Moving into a new place -- whether an apartment, a home, or a dorm room -- is full of joy and challenges. Will your new furniture fit? Are the closets big enough? And, what are you going to hang on those boring white walls?
There may be no easier solution to boring walls than hanging artwork.
As one of the elements that can bring a room together, art brings interest and color to the wall spaces, provides a focal point, and generally livens up the place.
So if you're going to hang something, make it something you like. Sports, wildlife, abstracts, flowers, landscapes, are just a few of the many themes available today.
Here are some tips on selecting and hanging art in smaller spaces...
Bigger is often Better
One large print makes a statement and keeps things simple. It will bring focus and help avoid a cluttered look.
Stick to Your Theme
Support your room theme with art. Jungle pictures go with animal print accessories, while football posters will be just right for a sports-themed room.
Art as Inspiration
Look for pictures that inspire you -- they could be the foundation for your room's decor. Then use the artwork's colors and topics when shopping for other room elements.
Frame Alike
To harmonize a group of pictures, frame them alike. This brings unity and direction whether it's 2 pictures or 10.
Add some Fun
Art can be humorous, fun, and whimsical. When a poster or print appeals to you, go for it!
Check Color
Vibrant colors bring excitement to a room while neutral colors are more calming. Which do you prefer?
Go on to Page 2 for lots more tips and ideas...
Hang It Low
Try to relate artwork to the furniture below it. When hanging a large picture over a desk for instance, the bottom of the frame should sit about 5-10" above the desktop.
Relate Art to Wall Size
Choose smaller pictures for narrow walls and larger works for big wall spaces.
Relate Art to Furniture Size
In general, when hanging art over a piece of furniture it should not be longer than the width of the furniture.
Landscapes Open Up
Small rooms can be visually "opened" a bit by hanging landscape artwork showing faraway vistas, since it adds a "window" to the outdoors.
Horizontal Lines
Strong horizontal lines in a picture tend to be calming and can give the illusion of width in a narrow room.
Vertical Lines
Strong vertical lines in a picture tend to make a room with low-ceilings appear taller.
Diagonal Lines
Strong diagonal lines in a picture are dynamic and add excitement to the composition.
Collect Themes
A group of pictures hung together can have a big impact. Think 3 sports posters, 4 Ansel Adams, 2 Georgia O'Keefes. Frame them alike.
Hang Securely
Hang pictures to securely attached picture hooks. If in doubt about picture hardware, ask advice at the hardware store.
Mat Colors
Pictures will have greater impact if matted in a contrasting color to the wall. Choose a dark mat for a light wall and vice versa.
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