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 like a dorm room or small apartment.
Stick to Your Dorm Room Decorating Theme
Choose a decorating theme for your dorm room decor and stick to it. 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.Bigger is Often Better
Keep things simple and uncluttered with one large print. It will create a focal point for the small space.Add Some Fun
Art should make you smile either inside or outside. Choose something that's fun and you'll enjoy looking at it. Remember that you're not investing for a lifetime when you buy art for your dorm room. In fact, you might only have the piece for a year. So if you find something fun, get it.Art as Inspiration
Look for pictures that inspire you. If there's someone you admire, choose a portrait poster of that person. You'll feel peaceful when you enter your room.Choose a Theme for Your Art
A collection of like pictures makes a greater impact than several unrelated ones. Choose a theme, a particular artist, or complimentary color theme. Frame the pictures in the collection with identical frames.Frame Alike
If you choose several pictures for the room, find similar or identical frames for all the pieces. They'll tie together and unify the pieces.Check Color
Do you want a bright, bold room or a calm and soothing space? Choose your art topic and color to give off the feeling you want.Hang Art Low
When hanging your piece of art, relate it to the furniture below it. If you're going to hang a large poster above your desk, mount it so the bottom of the frame is about 5 to 10 inches above the top of the desk.Relate Your Art to Where It Will Hang
Select a small picture for a small space and a large poster or picture for a large, open, blank wall.Relate Your Art to Nearby Furniture
A piece of art should not be wider than the piece of furniture over which it hangs. So if you have a twin bed, the piece of framed art should not be wider than the bed.Choose Landscapes to Open Up a Small Space
A small room might feel more expansive with a piece of landscape art. It's almost like looking out a window onto a vista.Choose Horizontal Lines for Narrow Rooms
For a long, narrow room, a piece of artwork with horizontal lines offer a calming effect and make the room look a bit wider.Choose Vertical Lines for a Room with a Low Ceiling
You can get the illusion of a higher ceiling with artwork that has strong vertical lines.Diagonal Lines Add Excitement
Add movement to a space with artwork that has diagonal lines.Hang Securely for Safety
Hang pictures to securely attached picture hooks. If in doubt about picture hardware, ask advice at the hardware store.Select Colorful Mats for Your Art
Almost any color of mat will stand out against a basic white wall. With this in mind, you'll want to choose colorful mats that coordinate with your art.
With your dorm walls coordinated with fun, interesting, and colorful art, your home-away-from-home might actually feel just like home!
