Decorating
The Dos and Don’ts of Hanging Art Above a Fireplace
It’s a classic spot to site a work of art, but what are the design rules for getting it right?
When it comes to hanging art above a mantelpiece, what are the dos and don’ts? How high should you hang the work, is one piece enough and what’s the right colour scheme? Read on for expert tips.
Don’t be afraid to pick a vibrant piece
A large, colourful statement artwork is the perfect partner for a more subdued fireplace, since it has no colours with which to compete or coordinate.
This space is also an example of a more eclectic interior. Compare it with the previous room and its comprehensive coordination: here, the artwork doesn’t tie in in the same way, and the space has a far more bohemian feel as a result.
That said, the white in the artwork links to whites around the room, which helps to tie things together, but it’s the artwork, not the fireplace, that’s the star of the show.
Styling a vibrant statement piece with a black fireplace? Try using a black frame to harness the artwork and boost the character of the fireplace.
A large, colourful statement artwork is the perfect partner for a more subdued fireplace, since it has no colours with which to compete or coordinate.
This space is also an example of a more eclectic interior. Compare it with the previous room and its comprehensive coordination: here, the artwork doesn’t tie in in the same way, and the space has a far more bohemian feel as a result.
That said, the white in the artwork links to whites around the room, which helps to tie things together, but it’s the artwork, not the fireplace, that’s the star of the show.
Styling a vibrant statement piece with a black fireplace? Try using a black frame to harness the artwork and boost the character of the fireplace.
Do fill the space
Larger artworks are often placed on expansive blank walls as a way of making use of empty space and demanding attention, but this can produce the impersonal feel of a gallery. For a more homey style, take advantage of your centre-stage fireplace and choose a piece that will fill the space above the mantel, bridging the gap all the way to the ceiling.
The rule of thumb is that an artwork – or mirror – should measure around two thirds the size of the fire surround and mantel over which it hangs, but here that rule has been broken to great effect. However, do resist the urge to place your work in line with the edge of the mantelpiece: choosing something that’s either narrower or wider will ensure your art becomes a feature, not just an extension of the architecture.
Larger artworks are often placed on expansive blank walls as a way of making use of empty space and demanding attention, but this can produce the impersonal feel of a gallery. For a more homey style, take advantage of your centre-stage fireplace and choose a piece that will fill the space above the mantel, bridging the gap all the way to the ceiling.
The rule of thumb is that an artwork – or mirror – should measure around two thirds the size of the fire surround and mantel over which it hangs, but here that rule has been broken to great effect. However, do resist the urge to place your work in line with the edge of the mantelpiece: choosing something that’s either narrower or wider will ensure your art becomes a feature, not just an extension of the architecture.
Don’t overlook the mantel
Using the mantelpiece as a shelf is a more relaxed way of featuring your artworks than hanging them. It also means it’s easier to chop and change your above-fireplace display. Whether you want to rent new artworks as the season changes or feature your favourite pieces on special occasions, this is the perfect way to keep the space fresh and display your art collection hassle-free.
It’s also a great idea if you’re renting and can’t screw hooks into the walls.
The case for leaning art
Using the mantelpiece as a shelf is a more relaxed way of featuring your artworks than hanging them. It also means it’s easier to chop and change your above-fireplace display. Whether you want to rent new artworks as the season changes or feature your favourite pieces on special occasions, this is the perfect way to keep the space fresh and display your art collection hassle-free.
It’s also a great idea if you’re renting and can’t screw hooks into the walls.
The case for leaning art
Do try a bold backdrop
Painted feature walls are usually dramatic enough to stand alone without the added statement of a bold artwork, but this rule can easily be broken. The blue skyline in this piece blends subtly with the backdrop, while the golden sky and water and a strong frame ensure the artwork gets the attention it deserves.
Tip: Hanging the artwork further from the mantelpiece draws the eye up, adding height to the room and providing the perfect space beneath to display your prized ornaments.
Painted feature walls are usually dramatic enough to stand alone without the added statement of a bold artwork, but this rule can easily be broken. The blue skyline in this piece blends subtly with the backdrop, while the golden sky and water and a strong frame ensure the artwork gets the attention it deserves.
Tip: Hanging the artwork further from the mantelpiece draws the eye up, adding height to the room and providing the perfect space beneath to display your prized ornaments.
Don’t keep your art in the dark
Petite light features placed next to your artwork ensure it will draw the eye even late into the night. This homey living room has plenty of natural light flooding in from outside, but the chimney breast is actually rather dark, and the light fittings ensure the artwork, a subtle piece rather than a scene-stealer, doesn’t fade into the background.
Another option is a more traditional picture light, which will cast a glow all over your artwork; you can find various designs, including spotlights and flexi lights.
Petite light features placed next to your artwork ensure it will draw the eye even late into the night. This homey living room has plenty of natural light flooding in from outside, but the chimney breast is actually rather dark, and the light fittings ensure the artwork, a subtle piece rather than a scene-stealer, doesn’t fade into the background.
Another option is a more traditional picture light, which will cast a glow all over your artwork; you can find various designs, including spotlights and flexi lights.
Do mix and match
An artwork above your fireplace doesn’t have to be the sole focal point, but with some good styling, it can still stand out among other treasured possessions.
Just as galleries like white for its ability to let the artworks shine, black can do the same job, really letting a piece stand out. Here, this casually placed portrait isn’t competing with its dark frame, which blends into the wall behind it, and the colours are further enhanced by a ceramics collection in hues to complement the tones of the painting.
Choosing a frame the same colour as your wall is a good tip if you don’t want to distract the eye from your precious artwork.
An artwork above your fireplace doesn’t have to be the sole focal point, but with some good styling, it can still stand out among other treasured possessions.
Just as galleries like white for its ability to let the artworks shine, black can do the same job, really letting a piece stand out. Here, this casually placed portrait isn’t competing with its dark frame, which blends into the wall behind it, and the colours are further enhanced by a ceramics collection in hues to complement the tones of the painting.
Choosing a frame the same colour as your wall is a good tip if you don’t want to distract the eye from your precious artwork.
Don’t compete – pick something petite
If you’re lucky enough to have an impressive fireplace that’s guaranteed to grab anyone’s attention, try to resist the temptation to bridge the gap with something like a panoramic landscape. Instead, emphasise the impressive scale of the fireplace by styling it with petite artworks or ornaments. Placing these off-centre is key to achieving balance within the space without distracting the eye from the heart of the fireplace.
Browse contemporary fireplaces
If you’re lucky enough to have an impressive fireplace that’s guaranteed to grab anyone’s attention, try to resist the temptation to bridge the gap with something like a panoramic landscape. Instead, emphasise the impressive scale of the fireplace by styling it with petite artworks or ornaments. Placing these off-centre is key to achieving balance within the space without distracting the eye from the heart of the fireplace.
Browse contemporary fireplaces
Do hang it high
As a general rule, art is hung at eye level to increase impact and visibility. However, hanging a piece above the fireplace will often break this norm, allowing for a bold, unconventional choice of artwork. This statement piece almost clashes with the straight-edged, colourful style of the interior, but since it’s hung up high above a contemporary fireplace, it sets the tone of the room and adds to the room’s character.
TELL US
What’s on the wall above your fireplace? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
MORE
See more spaces designed with art in mind
As a general rule, art is hung at eye level to increase impact and visibility. However, hanging a piece above the fireplace will often break this norm, allowing for a bold, unconventional choice of artwork. This statement piece almost clashes with the straight-edged, colourful style of the interior, but since it’s hung up high above a contemporary fireplace, it sets the tone of the room and adds to the room’s character.
TELL US
What’s on the wall above your fireplace? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
MORE
See more spaces designed with art in mind
This dark grey stone fireplace takes centre stage, standing out amid warm neutral furnishings. The temptation might be to hang a dark artwork above to harmonise with the feature, but the painted grey alcoves either side complement the fireplace enough to leave the white space above the mantel primed for a brighter piece. This painting ties in more with the yellow tiles of the fire surround, while the muted blues are picked up in the accessories.
As an above-the-fireplace artwork is a natural focal point for a room, this can be a good place to start when choosing how to decorate and accessorise the rest of the space. Pick at least one colour from your artwork and repeat it in details around the room. How far you go with this coordination will depend on how ‘pulled together’ you want your scheme to feel; for example, a more eclectic space than this might feature many more colours.
Tip: Using a mount around a picture can add an air of formality, and so works well when you want a scheme to feel classical. Here, the white-on-white effect also helps this coastal room to feel airy and modern. A mount can also be used to boost the size of an artwork – useful if you have a very small piece.
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