Hanging a group of art in matching frames is a simple way to convey a sense of unity and order to a room. But when the artworks themselves are thematically consistent, like the three dark and broody paintings in the corner of this otherwise cheerful living room from Domino, the effect is even more intriguing. See some more examples after the jump…
Artworks hung together in thematic groups have the feel of a collection. They become conversation pieces rather than backdrops, inviting you to linger over them. In designer Brian Wark’s living room, featured on Design*Sponge, a group of vintage prints and portraits really personalizes the space and provides an exciting contrast with the graphic pillows.
Sabrina from Hello!Lucky (also featured on D*S) hangs vintage prints together too; we love the antique whites and yellows against the grayish-blue bathroom wall.
Designer Steven Gambrel’s portfolio includes quite a few examples of artwork grouped together by theme. Here he uses the concept in two very different entryways to equally stunning effect. The calming blues and whites in the beach house hallway are welcoming and serene, while the collection of oil portraits beckons you to follow them up the stairwell.
In these two similar vignettes from House Beautiful, prints of flora and fauna grouped together complete a kind of off-kilter Victorian aesthetic.
What do you think? Do you like this unified look, or is an eclectic grouping more your style?
In case you’re inspired, here are some practical tips from AT for hanging groups of art:
(Re-edited from a post originally published 2.25.09 - JL)
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Great advice, and it's refreshing to be reminded that art is more than just background decor. Here are a few grouping examples from my own home:
Repeating colors in art [blue and yellow]:
http://flickr.com/photos/visualingual/2437958949/in/set-72157594505190197/
Strict arrangement and frames of same color:
http://flickr.com/photos/visualingual/505994523/in/set-72157594505190197/
Frames of same color:
http://flickr.com/photos/visualingual/2070570398/in/set-72157594505190197/
Matching frames:
http://flickr.com/photos/visualingual/2437958937/in/set-72157594505190197/
view visualingual's profile
I really like the idea of artworks hung together in thematic groups. Another good option is to use groups of family photos. Here is one of my favorites:
http://www.houzz.com/photos/10850/---C-O-B-U-R-N---A-R-C-H-I-T-E-C-T-U-R-E----contemporary-dining-room-new-york
I think that these photos make the space warm and unique.
view kimmiller's profile
Love the groupings(especially the beach house entryway). A unified theme is not always as funky as a mix-n-match but for me it makes a much more comfortable environment.
view bigwavejen's profile
Eh... I would be cautious about this. The upside is that you can create a coherent look. The downside is that it can feel a little false, can take away from the impact of the individual pieces, and feel a little neurotic.
I try to look find themes througout the space that are appropriate: In the livingroom all of the prints are hung in black frames with white matting. But the contents are all different: art postcards, historic engravings, and manuscript pages. They are not a collection, per se, but little reflections and memories of us.
view Modfan's profile
Artwork near a bath tub? Yikes.
view tashar's profile
My tastes must be transitioning, because I used to feel like things in a space really needed to match: matching frames, art and furniture that really worked well together, etc. Nowadays, I think more eclectically framed pieces hung together look more like an art collection than a bunch of random wall decor. I'm actually starting to prefer these things contrasting more, and seeing thematic groupings rather than color matches.
view fabframes's profile
I agree with Modfan about exercising caution and restraint when looking for ways to unify art in a space. In my own place, almost everything is framed in simple, black frames, so that creates cohesion. But, a few pieces aren't, which actually makes for nice contrast. I think the main reason why the art seems cohesive is that it was picked out by one person with consistent taste.
The photos above are all lovely, but I wonder if the art wouldn't feel a bit contrived if I were looking at it every day. In any case, I have done a similar display above the bed -- six vintage egg prints hung together in a grid, which I've treated as a single, larger piece of art:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualingual/2437958937/in/set-72157594505190197/
view visualingual's profile
i don't think the frames need to match at all. it's the color in the paintings that should relate to each other. frames should compliment each other and the weight should be balanced from side to side and top to bottom. correct spacing is key!
view mellow yellow design's profile
I love the blue and white entryway....it's serene...
I do agree with not overdoing it, though. If you really love a particular piece, then I think maybe it merits its own space...
http://www.donkeehouse.com
view bitdot's profile
I love the window treatment in the first pic... they look like saris. Beautiful color and pattern, and they complement the room nicely.
view mirandabee's profile
I agree about the window treatments and the chandelier is divine, are those bunches of grapes?
view ChrisToronto's profile