ways to display living room paintings

7 Creative Ways to Display Living Room Paintings

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Living room paintings can be a great way to bring life and color to your home. In fact, I’d go as far as to say your home isn’t complete until you have some lovely wall art! But are you tired of the same ol’ hanging methods? Are you looking for a way to show off your living room paintings in a creative and unique way? After all, your home is the place to let your personality shine – and sometimes that requires something unique. Read on for 7 of the most inventive ways to display your living room paintings. It’s time to get creative.

1. A Gallery Wall That Wraps Around the Corner

corner gallery wall
source: kelly rogers interiors

Though a gallery wall is nothing new these days, one creative way to display your living room paintings is to create a gallery wall – wrapped around a corner. This technique works particularly well if you have a collection of small to medium-sized paintings, art prints, or photographs that you’d like to showcase together.

To create a gallery wall, start by selecting a color scheme or theme that ties all of your pieces together. You can choose a neutral color palette scheme with black and white paintings or you can choose a theme, such as line art.

If you want to display an eclectic and collected look, try to find one element to tie all the wall paintings together, such as a frame color. For example, if you want to display a mix of acrylic paintings, oil paintings, abstract paintings, classic paintings, modern paintings, and even some of Vincent Van Gogh’s famous artworks (reproductions, most likely), it can look more thought out if all the frames are the same – like antique brass.

Most corners just end up being wasted space so this is a great way to take advantage of an otherwise overlooked area!

2. On an Easel

art on easel
source: phoebe howard

​If you have original paintings that you would like to display in your living room, an easel can be a perfect way to show them off. Easels are great for displaying large paintings or canvas wall art in a unique way.

Plus, placing a beautiful painting on an easel can also help to create a focal point in your living room. And if you ever do get tired of a painting in one location, it’s easy to move the easel and display it somewhere else like the dining room – without having to patch any holes!

But maybe the best thing about using an easel to display your living room paintings is that it adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to your space. Easels come in a variety of styles and finishes, so you can choose one that matches your living room’s decor – and it always makes the room feel more elegant and studious, like a museum.

3. Picture Rail

picture rail
source: pepe and carols

Want to try something different to display living room paintings? Utilize a picture rail. Traditionally, a picture rail was a horizontal strip of molding or chains that were installed along the top of a wall. This molding was designed to hold hooks or wires, which can then be used to hang artwork.

Nowadays, the picture rail is used in a more low-key and subtle way, such as one picture rail to hold a few pictures. However you go about using a picture rail, this allows you to create a versatile and dynamic display of paintings in your living room.

The rails are easy to install and can be even painted to match the color of your walls. Or you can make a stylish statement with something like a brass rail. To create an eye-catching display, mix and match paintings of different sizes and styles. Try grouping smaller paintings together or creating a vertical arrangement with larger paintings.

And don’t forget to change it up! One of the best things about using a picture rail is that it’s easy to change your display. Simply move your paintings around or add new ones to create a fresh look.

4. Leaning Against the Wall

leaning art
source: traditional homes

If you want a more relaxed and informal way to display your living room paintings, consider leaning them against the wall. This method works well if you have larger or oversized wall art that is difficult to hang or if you simply want to change up your display from time to time.

To make this work, start by choosing a sturdy surface to lean your paintings against, such as a console table, bookshelf, fireplace mantel, or even the floor. Place the artwork in a way that feels balanced and visually pleasing, making sure to avoid cluttering the space (or getting stepped on).

You can also experiment with layering different sizes and styles of paintings to create an eclectic look that feels organic and unforced. This method also works well for those who want to showcase a collection of smaller paintings or photographs that may be too small to hang on their own.

To really make this display stand out, try using complementary decorative items such as vases, candles, and other small accessories to create a vignette and cohesive look that brings out the beauty of your living room paintings.

Related: 5 Must-Try French Country Colors for Every Room in Your Home

5. Hanging from the Ceiling

art hanging from ceiling
source: unknown

If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching way to display your living room paintings, then hanging them from the ceiling is the option for you. This method not only adds a touch of whimsy to your decor, but it also frees up wall space and allows your paintings to truly stand out.

To hang your paintings from the ceiling, first, you’ll need a plan. Consider the placement, size of your painting, the height of your ceiling, and the layout of your furniture. Once you have a plan in mind, it’s time to get started.

One option for hanging your paintings from the ceiling is to use a hook or eyelet screwed into the ceiling. Then, attach a piece of clear fishing line or string to the back of your painting and tie it to the hook.

Another option is to use a ceiling-mounted curtain rod or wire system. These systems allow you to easily adjust the height of your paintings and create a more fluid, dynamic display. Simply attach the rod or wire to the ceiling, then hang your paintings from it using hooks or clips.

When hanging your paintings from the ceiling, it’s important to ensure that they are securely fastened and won’t pose a safety hazard, of course. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any mounting hardware, and avoid hanging heavy paintings from weak or unsupported areas of the ceiling. Because who wants to have a large picture fall on top of their head?

But when done right, hanging your living room paintings from the ceiling can be a fun and unexpected way to showcase your artwork. With a little creativity and the right hardware, you can turn your ceiling into a piece of art!

6. On a Built-in Cabinet or Bookshelf

hanging art on bookshelf
source: house beautiful/lisa romerein

This option is perfect not just for book and art lovers, but for those that simply want to showcase a few of their favorite small or large wall art pieces too. By incorporating your paintings onto your bookshelf or cabinet, you’ll add another layer of interest to your room’s design – making it look professionally styled.

When it comes to hanging your art on your bookshelf, anything goes – whether you tend to take a minimalist approach or “more is more”. But don’t forget function, of course, as you don’t want your wall decor to take up so much space on your bookshelf that you can’t even reach around them to grab a book!

You want your display to be eye-catching, but not overwhelming. So try to leave some open space between each painting and keep the surrounding decor minimal. Another way to bring this design to the next level is to use lighting to highlight your paintings. By installing a few strategically placed sconces or using picture lights, you can draw attention to your display and add a warm glow to your living room.

7. In front of a Tapestry

picture in front of canopy
source: Megan Pflug Designs

If you have a beautiful tapestry, curtain, or wall hanging in your living room, why not showcase your paintings in front of it? It’s a perfect way to create a dynamic visual that plays with texture and color.

Plus, it’s a unique and creative way to display your art collection. Think of it like adding a beautiful frame to a painting. By placing your paintings in front of a tapestry, you create a frame of colors and patterns that bring your art to life.

Now that you’re armed with creative ways to display living room paintings, it’s time to pick out the art that you’re going to decorate with!

living room paintings

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As you wait for your new art to arrive in the mail, there’s no time like the present to make sure your home is cleaned, organized, and ready to be decorated. Keep reading for my best decluttering tips: My 5th Move in 15 Months: 7 Best Tips To Declutter Before Moving

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Founder and editor of My Chic Obsession, Carolyn is your trusted fashion maven. Carolyn's drive to help others achieve a classic and timeless wardrobe fuels her posts, making mychicobsession.com a go-to resource for style seekers worldwide. Beyond the wardrobe, she resides in the heartland of the Midwest, dreaming up new ideas and raising her two lively boys - her biggest fashion critics.