Portrait Display Tips and Ideas
Being that I specialize in wall art, of course, I would need to offer display ideas and/or tips to help you determine how you can beautifully display your portraits. My whole objective is for you to share your wonderful images with all that grace your threshold. When they say bigger is better, it is definitely true about wall portraits. For starters, small, single images, i.e., 8x10s should not be hung on the wall. Those are actually more for displaying on your coffee table, pianos or end tables. If you do want to hang your 8x10s, I suggest that you hang multiples so they will fill the space appropriately. If you hang a lone 8×10 on the wall, depending on the size of the wall, it could look like the wall is swallowing the image. Too much space around the image makes the fact that it is small, more obvious and less attractive.
If you like order and linear lines, I would suggest you hang multiple 8x1os in a linear fashion. If it’s a wall that’s thin but tall, you could hang a series of images from the top down. I would recommend no more than three images to be hung this way. If you put the images too low, they will be too difficult for people to enjoy but your toddler may enjoy them a bit more than you want them to. If you’re not that into control, perhaps you can display images on a broader wall in a multitude of sizes. Don’t worry, the designs will only get crazy if you let them. Here’s a rather creative idea I found on Pinterest from Stephen Edward Graphics. For more ideas like this, you can look here.
If you like the idea of different sizes, but you don’t want to try to be creative with it, I’ve got the perfect solutions. I offer wall collages that have designs that you can select. For instance, if there is a really nice image that you like and you want it large but you want something different, boy have I got something for you! Wall splits! Basically, I take a single image and have it split into three, four or five sections for an artistic display.
Other options are multiple images in a specific configuration, like so. This one is perfect for families with multiple children.
Another factor to decide on is what type of display? I offer canvas, print wraps, and gallery blocks. I’m pretty sure you are familiar with canvas but maybe not the print wraps or blocks. A print wrap is where the photographic print is wrapped about and adhered to a sturdy substrate, then it’s sprayed with a protective coating. It does give the print an added dimension and is a very modern way to display your images. The gallery block is where the image is adhered to a wooden substrate. It is similar to canvas in regards to how it hangs because it does have wrap around sides and it comes with a hanging block for security. This is such a small sampling. There are so many creative ways to display your images and I just wouldn’t feel right monopolizing your time like that.
One thing I didn’t touch on was frames. I love frames. Really, I do. But to be honest, frames can get really pricey. Besides, in all of my years in business, I think only two clients have ever purchased framing. I think the reason for that was that they ordered a framed storyboard and they didn’t have to select the frame. That particular product came with a standard, yet classic, black metal frame. Framing generally increases the price of my prints by about 35%. So, what I have decided to do instead is offer a series of 6, 12 and 20 matted 8×10 images that are ready for you to frame. If you decided that you’d decide for me to frame them instead, I am more than happy to oblige.
Lastly, here are a few tips regarding where to hang your images. The most important tip is to make sure that you do NOT hang your prints where the sun will shine directly on them. No amount of protective spray or UV protective glass will stop your images from fading via sunlight. Check the walls you are interested in hanging them on and see how it fares regarding where the sun shines. If you have small children, display their images not only in the main area where the other images are but also have at least one display in their room. Here is an article you might find interesting regarding this. Make sure to dust the images with a cloth to remove any dust or dirt that accumulates. And if hanging images in a high traffic area, make sure there isn’t a chance for the images to be dislodged from the wall, especially heavy pieces like the gallery block or framed items. One last tip, try to make the images take up space. If they are clustered too close together and don’t fill the wall, the effects will not be as welcoming as you’d like. Another option is to have a single, large print with multiple images on it that tells a story. That’s always fun to view.
In case you think these are hard and fast rules, they aren’t. It’s whatever pleases your eye and makes your home feel even homier. I just wanted to give you a head start so that you can start designing. If you still need help, I’ll be more than happy to be there for you.
