The living areas of your home are key display areas as you see them regularly and so does anyone invited into your home. The anchor points of the room will be prime spots for placing art. Anchor points usually include above the fireplace and either above the couch or in direct viewing of the couch.


The proportions of the rooms and the sizes of individual pieces of art will determine what will work aesthetically. Single pieces will work in some areas while other will suit a grouping of pieces. The placement of pieces is an important factor in their appreciation. Common rule of thumb is that a piece of art should be hung at eye level. This is altered slightly for art that is supposed to be viewed from the couch. These pieces should be hung a few inches lower than eye level. Of course were exactly eye level is doesn't have a precise linear measurement.


In the dining room work with themes of food or flowers often work well. As well as being able to be appreciated while sitting dining they often provide a good conversation point. Bold pieces also work well in these rooms as even under candle light dining conditions the bold details as still viewable. One point to watch with displaying art in a combined kitchen dining area is the problems posed by kitchen cooking grease and steam affecting the pieces.


The hallway and staircase are often good areas to use for a gallery type display with a few pieces lines up in these areas. On a stairway landing a big piece of art is ideal. With such positioning the viewer can see the work from a distance before starting to climb the stairs, as he continues up the stairs the detail becomes more obvious and a complete viewing experience is possible. Small piece on stairway walls are ideal as often stairways are narrow spaces. It also helps that we pass these areas many times a day and therefore can appreciate the small details on such pieces of work.


One thing to be conscious of with hall and stair placements is that we often come in very close contact with them. Therefore these pieces need to be hung securely and be pieces that can either stand a few knocks or be of lower value.


You may not have considered seriously hanging the art of your children - and not just on the door of the fridge. They will have huge pride if you take a piece of their art and put it in an appropriate frame. If you hang these pieces in their rooms they will learn that art is an accessible thing made to be enjoyed.

Art adds freshness and beauty to your home. Make sure you remember to enjoy it.


Annie Deakin is a journalist, fashion and furniture expert and editor at mydeco.com who is currently interested in duvet sets, futon, and kitchen.