What are the rules of thumbs for hanging paintings/pictures in a living room?

I have lived in my apt for almost 5 years and didn't have anything on the walls except my daughter's picture.



I recently bought a nice large painting (beige w/some kind of white flowers) and also 4 small paitings of a red tulip at ikea.



I arranged the 4 tulip paitings 2 on top and 2 on bottom in the center of my main couch. I don't know if my other one matches. I have no clue as to what I should and shouldn't do w/wall decor! Please help.

What are the rules of thumbs for hanging paintings/pictures in a living room?
The wall space your pictures take up should be about 3/4 of the length of your couch. When hanging just one picture, make sure it is at eye level and not too far up the wall.



Your pictures don't technically have to match, but they do have a running "flower" theme. Good luck!
Reply:Ordinary drywall cans safety hold a lightweight artwork hung from a nail; heavier objects require different anchors. Put down the putty and poster tacks, that's no way to hang a gorgeous mirror or framed artwork.
Reply:I would suggest hanging the large painting centered above the couch. The 4 tulip paintings might be better in the hallway, entrace area or master bedroo.
Reply:odd numbered groupings are best.

I would hang the big pic on the wall above

the couch and on a wall across from it or next to it the others. watch hgtv for clues.
Reply:I would really suggest that you get some friends over to check out the room. It's really difficult to know without seeing it, though I'm sure some people will give you some ideas. It's just that seeing the real space is pretty important in this case. I'm sure you know some people who you believe to have nicely decorated homes. Get them over to check it out.
Reply:The simplest rule of thumb on hanging items on the wall is to place items in groups of three, simply put, that is the most artistic arrangement.



The other thing I have tried in the past (when stuck as to how to arrange a grouping on the wall) is to trace all the items on tissue paper and then tape the tracings to the wall. Then you'll get a feeling of how they will look before you make holes in the wall!



It doesn't hurt to ask for someone else's opinions either...and make sure you mount the focal point picture at eye-level, you shouldn't have to strain your eyes to see your arrangement.
Reply:the rule of thumb is 'scale' ...small artwork on a large space can indicate the person has a fear of decorating with large items.. if the space is large you can get a few substantial sized pieces to fill in the space
Reply:You will find that not all people think the same way. Without seeing your room and the pictures, it is hard to give advice. However, I would hang the largest one centered about the couch or if you have one a fireplace. You can group the 4 smaller ones off to the side, but i would only do this if i had something about the same size as the 4 to place on the other side of the couch. Not really sure how big your walls are, or how high.

A tip to try is get a package of STRAIGHT PINS from Wal-Marts sewing area, and put them in the wall, instead of nails. If you get them in deep enough you will be shocked as to how much weight they hold. you can then not leave holes in walls, and you can change out the display till YOUR happy with the looks.



And remember, regardless of all the advice you are given, in the end it will be your decision that will make you HAPPY to have your pictures in an arrangement that YOU like, not anyone else.