What to consider when hanging acrylic paintings?
Acrylic paintings have a very special radiance with their strong colours and unique texture. They can underline the atmosphere of a room or become the sole eye-catcher. That is why they are also a popular element in wall design. How to hang your acrylic pictures properly and what to consider before doing so, we show you here - step by step.
What suits you?
When choosing the right acrylic painting for your room, it depends on very different factors. How large is the wall space to be decorated? What colours are found in the rest of the room? Is the interior rather warm and rustic or cool and modern? Do you want the painting to be the star or to decorate discreetly? These are just a few guiding questions you can ask yourself in your search for the perfect picture.
Of course, your own taste is most important. In the end, there should be a harmonious interplay between room, furnishings and (wall) decoration. With acrylic paintings, there are no limits to the variety of styles, motifs and colours. If there are to be several pictures on one wall, they should relate to each other in terms of colour or theme.
With or without a frame?
Acrylic paintings are often painted directly on a canvas that is stretched on a simple stretcher frame. This means that they can be put on the wall without a picture frame. Especially with modern art, this can look beautiful.
However, acrylic paintings are also often painted on so-called painting cardboard. Then the artwork can simply be placed in a picture frame with the right insertion depth. With the right frame, an acrylic painting comes out even better. Modern or abstract paintings in bright colours get, for example, in an elegant, narrow picture frame in matt silver or light wood the perfect stage. You can find more tips on designing the ideal picture frame in our knowledge section on picture frame design .
How to hang your acrylic paintings
Once you've decided on an acrylic painting or several, there are basically 3 ways to hang them on the wall - with or without a frame:
Small acrylic pictures can be hung quickly and easily on two nails. For larger pictures, you should use screws with the appropriate dowels. Heavy-duty hooks can also be used here if the picture is particularly heavy. If you want to present several pictures in a stylish way, gallery rails can be a flexible solution. Click here for more information on hanging systems .
1. Prepare
Once you have decided on a suitable mounting method, you can prepare the necessary utensils. In any case, a spirit level, a folding rule or similar, and a pencil are also helpful.
2. Place
A single picture is usually placed in the middle of the wall or in the middle of a piece of furniture (e.g. bed or couch). Then it's just a matter of finding the right height. Generally speaking, the museum rule applies: the centre of the picture should hang at eye level, i.e. at an average height of 1.55 metres. You can easily mark this point on the wall and, if necessary, measure from there to the position of the hanging holes on the frame. However, also make sure that your picture does not hang too low above, for example, a couch. The lower edge of the acrylic picture should still have at least 20 cm air downwards.
There are a few design options for an entire picture wall, from a classic row of pictures to a Petersburg hanging. To help you decide, you can cut out the size of your pictures from thin cardboard and arrange them on the wall until you are happy. Alternatively, sketch the wall, including furniture, on a sheet of paper and try out different hangings on it.
3. Drill
Decided on the best placement? If you are using nails or screws, it is now important to mark the hanging holes exactly and horizontally so that your acrylic painting will hang straight later. To do this, use a spirit level and measure the distances accurately.
Alternatively, you can install a gallery rail. Then all you have to do is put the appropriate ropes and hooks on it in the right position.
4. Hang
Attach your painting to the wall with care and patience so that nothing goes wrong in the final step. When hanging large acrylic paintings, it's better to have several people pitch in. Place the painting securely on the nails, screws, or hooks. With a spirit level you can quickly readjust, so that everything hangs straight.
5. That's it!
Done? Then you have created a special atmosphere in the room with radiant acrylic paintings. Now there is only one thing left to do: Enjoy the artwork and its unique effect!
Need some inspiration?
There is the right art for every room. You have not yet found the right acrylic painting for yours? Let yourself be inspired by the endless possibilities of acrylic painting on the website of artist Nikolaus Kriese, or simply commission your own desired motif.
© Images: Nikolaus Kriese