Need some advice of FR wall art

16 years ago

First off, here's the latest photo of my Family Room. I've added the two pictures beside the fireplace, a new chenille chair, and a console table with a mirror over it. Now I'm trying to do some accessories, wall art etc...and am not doing very well!

One of the inspiration pieces for my entire FR color scheme was this Paul Ranson print I saw in the Ballard catalog

I was going to originally put it over the console table, but decided that I wanted a mirror there so it helped reflect some light into the room. Plus my console table was almost the same length as the print and I thought it would be too big to put over the table.

So, I ordered a smaller version of the print and was going to have it framed, but decided against that plan in favor of the mirror. Anyways, I still love this print and wanted to use it somewhere in the room. I have a huge high wall behind my entertainment unit that I just sortof ignore, but thought - hey, let's put something on the wall to help decorate the top of the entertainment unit and do something that is a tad different...geez, that's a first for miss conservative here. So, I saw at Art.com that my very favorite print was also available as a tapestry, so wow, what a great idea, I'll hang the tapestry on the wall above the entertainment unit. Great idea, except the tapestry colors are not the same as the original print. Why? I don't know. Where the ground is brown in the print, on the tapestry it's egglplant colored. The paprika/dark orange flowers in the print are a dark burgandy in the tapestry. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. Here's a picture of the tapestry (temporarily tacked to the wall) the print is below just for you to compare the color discrepancies. It's not as noticeable in the photo, but the colors really don't go with the room colors, but I thought well, maybe too much matchy matchy colors is not the way to go.

So, here's my attempt to photoshop the Ballard print onto the wall. It's the same size as the tapestry, but a print stretched onto a wood frame. The colors are too bright vs. what the actual print would be, but in the scheme of the whole room, do you think the Ballard print looks better than the tapestry? The colors would be more like the colors of the print in the bottom part of the photo. I would also redo/remove the greenery and add some other items of height - any ideas on that score would be most appreciated.

Here's a closer photo of the other side of the room with the drapes and my other prints.

I should also mention that the colors on the walls are a bit darker and the drapes/chair etc. are also darker. The flash really distorts reality!

So what would you do? Order the Ballard Print and send back the tapestry, or do something totally different? Do you think it looks odd to have a large print so high up in the room? When you're sitting on the sectional, the actual tapestry as a design element does look good above the bookcase, I just don't know that the colors go with the room. I think the Ballard print colors would go very well with the room, but would a stretched canvas print look ok that high up?

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Comments (16)

les917
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Seems like the tapestry colors actually work well with the stone on the fireplace, which reads very grey/blue/beige-pink tones compared to the rest of the room and furnishings. So, it might be a nice balancing piece.

That said, I would get rid of the two prints to the left of the fireplace (perhaps hang them above the e.c., or on another small wall, perhaps by the door? Perhaps put a tall tree in that corner behind the chair, with an uplight behind it.

Then use the Ballard print over the fireplace instead. I think you need to warm up the fireplace area to work with the rest of the lovely colors in the room, and hanging the large print there will do it. Not sure the tapestry would have the same effect given the colors, but you could try it.

I think a very large clock would be cool on the wall above the entertainment center, where you have the tapestry now.
mlraff53
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
As soon as I saw your pic I thought it should go on the fireplace specially since it was your original inspiration. I would exchange it (if you can) and hang it on the fireplace. Leave the other two prints (the colors seem to match). I also think a clock is a good idea. You can't put art that high. You either need to put other things on top of the e.c. like the greenery and cage or leave it empty. Maybe a sign of some type.
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CaroleOH
Original Author
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Well, I can't put the print on the fireplace because the stone isn't layed flush, There's just an area in the middle about the size of a large round wreath (which is what I always had there before) that is flush enough to display something.

I sortof got the idea of doing the print based on some feedback that everyone gave dgmarie about art over her entertainment unit. So you really think it would look bad to have a print there?

I'll have to think about a clock...maybe I'll photoshop one in there.
les917
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Instead of hanging the art from the fireplace, hang it from the ceiling, just in front of the stone.
Ideefixe
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You can use little pieces of wood or even foam-core to make the fireplace stones even. It's begging for something on it--otherwise, it's just a big expanse of stones.

You don't need anything over the book case--you don't need to draw the eye upward.
terezosa / terriks
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I just want to tell you that I am glad that you posted, because I love that print! I had never seen it before, but now I'm trying to figure out someplace in my house that it would fit. I am disappointed to hear that the tapestry colors are so different, because I do have a space where I need something large like that.
It does look to me like the tapestry would look good on the stone over your fireplace.
whenicit
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You maybe could paint the wall behind the E.C. for some visual interest but I agree with others to not hang art on the top of it.

I also agree the fireplace needs art. You could find out if a mantle could be affixed to the stone and then lean the art on the mantle...but probably too much work. I like the idea of foam or some sort of material to make the painting lay flush. I prefer the painting over the tapestry.

You are on the right track. Love your chenille chair.

I'd also consider an area rug if you don't already have one - could not tell but in front of the sectional, under the coffee table...would add some of your color.
CaroleOH
Original Author
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
OK, I've been busy this weekend. What do you think of the top of my entertainment unit now? I don't know if I like the pottery or the flower arrangement, but I'm going to live with it for a few days and see...

The tapestry is in its box and will be returned tommorrow. I did love the texture of it, but the colors were all wrong. Here's a shot of it photoshopped to the fireplace.

Here's some other ideas...
Framed print

Wrought Iron thingy

Wall clock

Terriks - Ballards has the print on sale right now, and also if you have an entertainment book there's a 20% off coupon inside that I think you can use on sale items. If I do the print over the fireplace, I'm going to have to use the print I bought from art.com...The Ballard's one is too big for the fireplace.

Whencit, I just painted the entire room, and while that's a good idea, I'm not painting again right now. Maybe in the future...

So, what do you think?
Ideefixe
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I like the print on the fireplace, but I'd like it to be about three times that size. Personally, and YMMV, I don't think you need anything on top of that wooden unit.

If it were my room, I'd get another piece built to match the entertainment unit and put it on the other side of the fireplace, so the fireplace is surrounded.
squirrelheaven
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I do like the pottern and plants on top of the ec. I'd cluster the groups closer with a little more overlap, though. That is,

-Bring the candlesticks in closer to the larger plant,
-The plate a bit tighter and behind the smaller plant,
-The smallest vase more in front of the tall piece
-Tuck the birdcage in and behind the other container a bit and then lower that small plant with a low bowl or something so they cascade more in size.

I think you need something much larger and dramatic for over the fp, probably with bold color. Since you're liking the tapestry, how about one that's really tall so it falls above the two pics on the right, and above the plate line, too, if that would work.

Looks like a very comfy room : )
mclarke
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Just for future reference...

The print/tapestry hanging so high didn't work because the subconscious mind comprehends landscape art as "windows."

If that view was framed in a real window, and the window was that high on the wall, something would be terribly wrong.

Even if you don't consciously realize it, your eye and your mind recognize the "wrongness" of landscape art hung higher than eye level.
squirrelheaven
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Actually, re the above, don't separate the bird cage and tall vase groups (too many small groups), just collect them a bit more together as one unit, like you have, and use a bit more overlap among them : )

mcclarke -- Verrdy interestingkt!
les917
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I don't think the iron piece or the clock bring the color and softness to the fireplace that needs to be there to balance it with the rest of the room.

I am pretty sure this was discussed before, but have you considered applying some type of conditioner or finish to the stone to warm it up? You can see from your pix that it reads very grey and cold compared to the rest of the space, and I think warming that stone up will go a long way toward integrating it better. In fact, if you did that, you wouldn't necessarily have to worry about colorful art.

Second, I think you really need to consider painting the fireplace surround, either in a black or an aged bronze look. The brass really doesn't fit the feel of the warm and cozy space you have created.

I agree with those who have suggested you need to group things more on the top of the ec. Rather than a line of items making essentially another row around the top, having a couple of more substantial groupings will carry the eye through the space with more interest. Use some stacks of books in a couple spots to elevate the various pieces and add more color. Add pillar candles to the candleholders in a rich red to bring some color in and increase the visual height impact. I would also take one of the smaller green plants and tuck in the bird cage, with the door open and the plant spilling out.

I would also look for a tall floor plant to place at the end of the entertainment center, down by the console table, to break up that solid wood panel there. You could also hang three small art pieces, one in each panel, to help bring the eye into the space rather than have it stop dead when it hits that wooden wall on the end.
CaroleOH
Original Author
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks everyone for the feedback....

Les, someone had suggested I paint the fireplace surround, and I'll keep that in mind, but it's really not as bright and glaring as the photos show - the entire room is a less bright/orange than what the photo shows. I just can't get the lighting to show real life in a photo.

As far as the stone, I'm with you on the tone, but to be honest, that's a project that I'm not up for tackling! That ceiling is soooo high - we're talking alot of stone. I think what throws the colors off is the blue accent stones. If I got brave, those are the stones I should try and change the color on...I have to finish painting the powder bath and my MBath, and I found some drywall tape coming up in a corner of the boy's bath, and I need to get this all "done" by mid May for my son's high school graduation, so I'm trying to limit adding any other projects to my list until later in the summer.

I'm going to move the things around a bit, try and find some candles etc...What do you think about a twig or plain grape vine wreath on the fireplace? I could put some bittersweet & pussy willows in it or something very simple. I'm thinking a floor plant would look nice beside the console.
mecbe2
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
you can suspend from cieling and have it hang in front of firepace..Also a gold ern oe vase the color of the trim on grill might help...You did not ask but way too much going on on cabinets..You need some very tall pieces up there.
I think the art should be on the fireplace it is beautiful.
polkadots
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hi Carole,
I must have missed this post the first time around...busy trying to entertain three kids during Spring Break!

I love your new chair - looks great and comfy! The console table and mirror look great as well.

Regarding the top of the EC, I agree that there are probably a few too many things up there and/or they are too spread out. I would try grouping them into groupings like suggested above. Like Les said, try using some old books to put under some of the objects so you can vary the heights and get more height (good way to use old textbooks that DH has kept!).

Regarding the fireplace, I'm not entirely sure what to suggest. I'm not sure about the painting, it is a great piece, but I'm not sure I like it on the fireplace - I feel like it is too much going on. I think something simpler would be better, IMO. Keep in mind that photographs sometimes make things look so much different. The pics of my GR seems to look so busy, but IRL, I don't feel that way. That might be happening with your fireplace. I'm guessing that in the room you just see it as a part of the total picture and it doesn't seem as cold as has been suggested. Looking at a picture we seem to focus on it and can't get the 3D feel for the room. Who knows, I guess that's what I tell myself to feel better! :) Your room is great, can't wait to see it all finished.