Learn how to curate and display your artwork...
We are a little obsessed with picture walls, you only have to look at our Instagram to see that! Whether you’re working with vibrant neon prints, vintage portraits, or personal photographs, knowing how to display your artwork can transform your space into something truly spectacular.
At Rockett St George, we’re frequently asked for advice on curating a beautiful, bold, and cohesive wall display. The truth is, how to display your artwork is deeply personal; it should reflect your unique style, character, and home. That said, we do have a few tried-and-true rules to help you make the most of your framed pieces, sculptures, and wall hangings.
Here are five (and a few bonus!) top tips that we swear by when it comes to showcasing your fabulous wall art.
1. Curate Your Collection
The first step in mastering how to display your artwork is curating a cohesive collection. Lay your pieces out on the floor to experiment with pairings and compositions before committing to a wall. This gives you the freedom to try different styles and see what works well together.
Whether you're mixing abstract prints with antique oil paintings or combining typographic pieces with personal photographs, trust your instincts. Pair items that speak to you personally, even if they contrast in era or tone. After all, it’s the contrast that often creates the most character!
Top Tip for how to display your artwork: Stick to a loose theme or colour palette if you’re new to curating, it could be as simple as all-black frames, or artwork with hints of gold.
2. Be a Little Odd!
When thinking about how to display your artwork, don't be afraid to play by your own rules. Odd-number groupings often look more visually dynamic than even-numbered ones, which is why the rule of three is so popular in styling.
You can hang prints in slick, straight lines for a more formal look, or take a scattered approach with different frame sizes and shapes for that gloriously chaotic, eclectic charm. Remember, your art display doesn’t have to be fixed forever, keep it fluid and evolving.
Playing with proportions is another fabulous way to elevate your artwork. A giant central artwork flanked by smaller accent artwork will immediately draw the eye. Alternatively, use tiny prints, quirky wall ornaments, and convex mirrors in unexpected places to create intrigue and intimacy.
3. Choose Your Position Carefully (+ Creatively!).
Where you place your artwork matters just as much as what you display. When exploring how to display your artwork, think beyond the obvious.
A well-placed piece on a corner wall or hung above a doorframe can totally shift the visual energy of a room. Use masking tape to sketch out your layout before hammering in the nails, it’s a game-changer for getting positioning just right.
Better still, mix materials and formats: blend framed prints with wall-hung plates, vintage mirrors, neon signs, or even hats! These little moments of surprise are what elevate your home from curated to extraordinary.
Top Tip for how to display your artwork: If you're working with shelves or mantles, lean your artwork instead of hanging it for a relaxed, layered look.
4. Be Out of The Ordinary.
At Rockett St George, we are firm believers in doing the unexpected. One of our favourite tips for how to display your artwork is to go low, literally. Hanging a bold piece beside your coffee table or sofa at a lower height than usual can create an effortlessly cool, gallery-like feel.
Got a staircase? Consider using that space for a cascading art wall that rises with your steps. And don’t forget smaller, awkward spots like the downstairs loo, hallway corners, or the side of a wardrobe. These often underused and under utilised areas are goldmines for creativity.
Mix wall art with quirky wall ornaments, wall hangings, clocks or even fairy lights to add layers of interest and texture to your display. Our co-founder, Lucy St George, has a Zebra Head Wall Hanging adorned with Disco Ball Fairy Lights on her walls.
5. Make It Personal
One of the most magical things about learning how to display your artwork is discovering how much of your personality you can inject into it. Your home should tell your story, and art is the perfect way to do this.
Frame old ticket stubs from concerts, postcards from your travels around the world, or your child’s latest masterpiece. Blend these with quirky finds and investment pieces to create a display that feels authentically you. The aim is to bring a smile to your face every time you look at your walls.
Layer in objects like decorative vases, candles, or travel trinkets around your wall art for an extra-special shelfie moment. Your home isn’t a museum; it’s a playground of self-expression, so have fun with it.
Bonus Tips For Displaying Your Artwork Like a Pro
Use Consistent Spacing
Even in an eclectic layout, consistency is key. Try to keep the space between frames equal, around 5cm is a good rule of thumb. It gives your display a cohesive finish, even when the artwork varies wildly.
Play With Colour
Another secret weapon in mastering how to display your artwork is colour coordination. You don’t have to be matchy-matchy, but having a few repeated hues running through your artwork can tie the whole look together beautifully.
Lean Into Lighting
Spotlights, picture lights, and even candles can elevate your display dramatically. Try spotlighting a neon print or creating a moody vibe with low-hanging ceiling pendant lights nearby. Some of our customers have utilised wall lights hung above artwork to dramatic effect!
Consider Seasonal Switch-Ups
Your artwork doesn’t have to stay the same year-round. Why not switch in darker tones for autumn or add fresh pops of colour come spring? Treat your art wall like a living, breathing part of your décor.
Still Wondering How To Display Your Artwork?
We hope you’re feeling inspired to try something new! Whether you’re creating an art wall in your living room, adding quirky touches to a bedroom, or turning your hallway into a mini gallery, remember— how to display your artwork should be a reflection of you. There’s no right or wrong, just what feels fabulous in your space.