Skip the Framer: 10 Creative Ways to Hang Art
Go beyond expensive mats and glass and display your art on skirt hangers, clips and more
Becky Harris
December 29, 2011
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
Does the thought of a trip to the framing store fill you with dread? I love the look of a professional framing job, but it's expensive and it takes a long time. By the time they call me to pick it up, I can't even remember what the artwork looked like. Here's a look at some creative, inexpensive ways to hang your art as well as some great alternatives to traditionally framed artwork.
Use a window pane. Of this window full of art, blogger Jillian Woods says "I just googled for old cowboy photos, printed them, and stuck them on the panes with tape. Easy art." Indeed; I especially love the way the blue wall shows through in the background.
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Stretch fabric over a canvas or fabric frame. A remnant piece of fabric can become art when stretched over a canvas. Here, a beautiful Josef Frank print takes the place of a large painting.
Marimekko fabrics have always been popular for stretching over canvases. You can buy simple kits at Textile Arts – they come as just the frame, the fabric plus the frame or they'll even do the whole thing for you!
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Hang it like it's a kilt. This skirt hanger is just the right size and adds a fun shape at the top of this print.
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Use vintage maps, charts or botanical drawings as artwork. Vintage items from schools usually roll down like a simple window shade. All you need to do is mount the dowel at the top to the wall.
Hang plates instead of framed artwork. If the thought of this intimidates you, click on over to The Secret to Hanging a Plate Collection before you begin.
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Use a clothesline and clothespins. Here three lines fill the wall with the alphabet, interspersed with a few pictures in lieu of the letter cards. It's a perfect solution for a nursery.
For more structure, use a wire structure and clothespins. This serves as an ever-evolving inspiration board. The continuity of the clips and the black-and-white photography make it all work together.
Pair binder clips with a chipboard backing. This simple frame job has depth and impermanence. The great thing about binder clips is that they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors. They also hang from a nail with ease.
You can get a similar look by using a clipboard in lieu of a frame.
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You can get a similar look by using a clipboard in lieu of a frame.
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Check out folk art and outsider art. Many of these artists paint on whatever is available, like Missionary Mary painted on this big piece of metal. Other artists paint on old boards; Chris Clark finds framed pieces, takes the glass out, and paints over the entire thing, frame and all. It's well worth exploring this genre if you want to skip the trip to the frame shop.
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Stick a branch through it. That sounds like a line from Portlandia, but small pieces can be hung from a branch. For something a bit precious, use hooks or clips instead of stabbing it through the bud.
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More:
Decorating Secrets: Picture-Perfect Way to Hang Art
11 Ways to Remake a Room With Fabric
Easy Wall Decor: Beautiful Baskets
Signs of Fun Around the House
Easy Decorating: Great Plate Arrangement
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More:
Decorating Secrets: Picture-Perfect Way to Hang Art
11 Ways to Remake a Room With Fabric
Easy Wall Decor: Beautiful Baskets
Signs of Fun Around the House
Easy Decorating: Great Plate Arrangement
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This article presents some useful tips. But a statement "Skip the Framer" makes me uncomfortable. If we continue same way, why don't we say "skip interior designer, contractor, plumber, gardener, etc." We should respect every type of profession, skill, etc. Another statement is even more shocking: "it's expensive and it takes a long time". First, framing is not necessary expensive, second, change your framer, if job takes too long to complete! Besides, in many cases framing is the only way to present art piece. As a professional framer I can tell you that most important part of my business is conservation and preservation of art pieces or family treasures. And it's done before hanging any item on a wall. We have at least dozen ways of hanging art. It is crucial to secure it on wall, especially in places like California with regular earthquakes. Please visit our website at www.strivingartists.com to understand what kind of work modern framer can do. And when you're choosing a framer take in consideration our multiple awards in Professional Picture Framers Competition.
I am an artist who believes that the framing is a very important element in the entire art experience. Bravo for speaking out!
Thank you for sharing such creative ways to display....