Making it Work: Little Art Paired With Large Art

We love the way artworks of drastically different sizes look when hung together in an eclectic group. But this can be surprisingly difficult to pull off; large artworks sometimes dwarf smaller pieces, and just as often the varied sizes can have a cluttered effect. So what are some principles to keep in mind when trying to hang little art with large art?

• Choose pieces that connect with one another in some way. A thematic element like a bird motif (first photo), when echoed in both the larger piece and the surrounding smaller frames, pulls the whole group together.

• Choose your colors carefully. Just as you would when choosing furnishings, pay attention to the colors in the artworks, and pick up colors from the larger piece in the smaller pieces.

• This is a good rule of thumb when hanging any group of art, but consider using matching frames to create harmony and provide a connection between larger artworks and smaller ones.

• Avoid exact symmetry. Hang your large artwork at the edge of the group instead of the center for a more effortless look. The last photo above does a lovely job with symmetrical artworks hung alongside a large piece, but maybe it's the exception instead of the rule?

What do you think? Do you like the look of art in various sizes grouped together? How do you pull it off?

(Images: I Suwannee (1 and 2); Martha Stewart; Country LIving; Design*Sponge)

Comments (12)

It's a bit busy for me - I find the arrangements distract from the art.

I'm not sure I could pull this off successfully but I like the tips and some of these rooms a lot!

I love the colors in the first room--the whole thing feels so warm and welcoming.

Mixing sizes can look OK, but putting tiny pictures waaaay up high where you can't really see them doesn't seem sensible.

Firstly, always buy the highest quality original art that you can afford! Or go beyond your budget like myself, but always buy quality. Get some advice from an expert-- an artist always needs to talk about art. Interior designers always seem to have different motives than pure art motives when buying or hanging. Quality art will play off each other regardless of colour combinations, themes or frames. Certainly when hanging the same series of images the same frame is the best idea. But think of a frame as completing the piece, much like the upholstery for a chair or sofa. Would you take two designer pieces of furniture by different designers and upholster them with the same fabric just so they work better together? Shocking-- . Picking up colours in various pieces in your space isn't a bad idea, but doesn't really need to happen as colours that are discordant can make very interesting vibrations and spark greater interest. Themes--- are like colour combinations and can have remarkable resonances. One of the redeeming qualities of art (and there are so many) is that it is fairly easy to store. Rotating a collection as it grows into various locations in the space or into storage allows for interesting changes. The Japanese do this amazingly well with art objects and paintings changing with the seasons (they also do this with flooring and window treatments as well).
It strikes me that so many people and designers are fearful of many of the art's malleable qualities.

Where does one find that raven print? It's stunning!

In general, I agree, but I'd like to add that having a sense of humor, or hanging something tongue-in-cheek, can cause conversation, which is what art is about somewhat. To pull off a larger thrift store piece with a smaller more expensive piece would be a fun challenge. I think within the context of this setting the art works fine. My eye tends to be drawn to the left, which I think works. You know, birds, outdoors...maybe that's too much thought. But without a unifying theme, such as subject matter, framing, texture, color, it may end up looking like a tepid mess.

This headline uses the word "pairing" incorrectly, at least with the photo shown.

sheesh is the first photo taken in the house of giants? how can anyone possibly enjoy the tiny prints mounted above the raven? I love the idea but some adaptation so you can enjoy the are is required or why bother putting holes in the walls? (and this is from someone that is super tall and likes it when art is hung well above the 5_ whatever inch is the norm)

I've been figuring out an arrangement for my living room, and was trying to figure out the best way to incorporate a large piece of art with smaller, so this is perfect timing for me. I was thinking of doing a somewhat symmetrical arrangement, but I really like the idea of putting the large piece at the end.