How to Hang Pictures Like a Pro

Take these decorator-sourced tips from illustrations to your own home.

T. Keller Donovan
In Theory: Over a Sofa
According to interior designer T. Keller Donovan, it is important to keep your "hang" from looking static. Try encircling a central item, like a sunburst mirror in this illustration, with a set of prints. One big gesture is all it takes.

Francesco Lagnese
In Practice: Over a Sofa
In this Bahamian home designed by Amanda Lindroth, a collection of rattan animals, found at F.S. Henemader Antiques, is arranged on brackets above the sofa — all centered around a horse shoe-hat collection.

T. Keller Donovan
In Theory: Over a Fireplace
Try leaning a mirror off-center, but give it a sculptural companion to keep things in harmony. Top it with a small picture, or two, to lift the eye, and repeat over doorways or tall chests.

Victoria Pearson
In Practice: Over a Fireplace
Designer Chris Barrett brings airy sophistication to this living room mantel, where a miniature Van Eyke mirror echoes the profile of the larger, carved looking glass. Big blooms add some refreshing greenery.

T. Keller Donovan
In Theory: On a Big Wall
Go for the full-wall effect. If you have a portfolio of 18 monkey prints (or a stack of photos of your favorite pooch), frame and hang them all uniformly — even if some wind up below eye level or behind the furniture.

John Kernick
In Practice: On a Big Wall
Designer Susan Zises Green used this series of 19th-century prints of hunting dogs in lieu of a larger piece — but it still makes a statement.

T. Keller Donovan
In Theory: Over a Nightstand
Consider grouping of dainty silhouettes to bulk up the profile of a skinny bedside lamp. Then add a statement-making mirror over the headboard.

Amy Neunsinger
In Practice: Over a Nightstand
Designer Peter Dunham used artwork to add drama and scope to his small-space bedroom, creating a bold, busy wall that draws the eye away from the romantically draped bed.

T. Keller Donovan
In Theory: In a Hallway
Run with a theme. Here, it starts with a chinoiserie mirror and a collection of ginger jars. Bamboo brackets — with lots of "air" in between — give each jar individual attention, and make the collection more important.

Melanie Acevedo
In Practice: In a Hallway
An arrangement of porcelain on a British Colonial-style table creates a blue-and-white theme beneath a boldy framed art piece in this Palm Beach getaway.

T. Keller Donovan
In Theory: Over a Bed
Buy four related prints and stretch them out along the wall. This is much more arresting than a skimpy pair, or the predictable block-of-four.

Victoria Pearson
In Practice: Over a Bed
These matching prints hung over Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet's master bed ground the room and provide visual interest without going overboard.

Next
12 Daring Design Ideas That Deliver a Huge Payoff

By T. Keller Donovan

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