Sometimes you just have to go for the easy solution. Browsing back issues of Western Interiors & Design online earlier, we came upon this page of picture ledges (jump below for close-ups), and we realized we're never going to get around to doing the hanging collage of art thing. Picture ledges are the way to go. That way we can swap out art without having to mess with a lot of holes in the wall, and we won't always be straightening frames after we brush against them or slam the door.
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Comments (10)
In my last apartment I had these on all the dining room walls to create my own personal art gallery. It was my favorite part of that apartment. Unfortunately I had to turn my dining room into an office in my new apartment and I never got around to putting the ledges or art up.
Leslie, are you psychic or what? I was just thinking the same thing!
I heart picture ledges...
Any good examples or suggestions of how to make this work when you have a lot of different styles and sizes? I have gilt framed little painting from my grandma and some wild prints from DUMBO, with many in between.
Invisible ledge from Exposures catalog:
http://www.exposuresonline.com/ExposuresOnline/Shopping/ProductDetail.aspx?CID=Ledges and Cubes&SCID=Invisible Display Ledge and Connector Brackets&CollectionID=L08049LEDGE&num=521
They have an invisible ledge/hanging system (on clearance) that might make it easier to display pieces of wildly different sizes (I'm thinking some on the ledge, some hanging beneath):
http://www.exposuresonline.com/ExposuresOnline/Shopping/ProductDetail.aspx?CID=Clearance&SCID=Frames %26 Display Outlet&ProductID=0000127326
i just bought a few of the ikea picture rails to display artwork in the nook next to my wardrobes...need to chop a few inches off before putting them up b/c they're a little too long for the space. should ideally also get the pictures framed :)
i got a gift certificate to west elm (hallelujah), and i bought four of their steel picture ledges (two 2', two 4'). i still haven't put them up, but it'll happen soon! they're pretty sturdy ledges, only mildly expensive.
I like picture shelves as much as anybody else, but, uh, this would be a bit problematic in our earthquake zone.
The fun of these ledges is that you can keep moving artwork around. Every time we get new art, we move things. It's as if we're living in a lively gallery. Definitely not for those living in an earthquake zone.
amlitt-- the first time I ever saw this approach was in a photo spread of Todd Oldham's house--
http://nymag.com/nymetro/shopping/homedesign/features/n_9324/
(click on the gallery for Oldham)
lots of different sizes all on one rail.
yes though, I would avoid this in earthquake-land. sorry West Coasters.