We live in the era of gallery walls, and while they might seem like the ultimate way to max out your wall space (the clusters of frames and knickknacks certainly allow you to go heavy on the decor), a less-is-more approach can actually make a bigger impact — especially in small spaces.
Why Go Big?
A collection of framed artworks and photographs can make a space feel more crowded and less visually captivating. Conversely, hanging a large piece of artwork in a small space — or even on a small wall — can make the room appear larger than it is. This is because a single, oversized piece of artwork helps draw the eye upward and outward, creating the illusion of more space. It also allows you to make a bigger impact with your choice of artwork, taking advantage of vertical space rather than overcrowding your valuable floor space.
Adding a large piece of artwork to a smaller space can also have a more luxurious feel, elevating your home through captivating and savvy decor choices. Plus, it’s a lot simpler, so your walls won’t feel cluttered with multiple items.
To make a bold impact, hang the artwork symmetrically, aligning it not only with the center of the wall but also with the center of any furniture that’s set against it. If you want to add some interest (and have the wall space for it), try clustering three larger works of art to create a vignette. This offers a gallery wall feel without occupying the entire wall. You might also want to consider hanging the artwork so its center is slightly above eye level (just a smidge, not too high), to quite literally heighten the illusion of more space.
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