Pity walls. They’re often the last area of the house to receive any attention, if they get any at all. After spending time and money on furnishings, many people run out of steam.  They put up whatever artwork they have on hand—family photographs, children’s school projects, paintings inherited from Great Aunt Betty, even (banish the thought) posters left over from their college days or their first apartment—without much thought as to how it works with everything else in the room and with their own personal style.  Or, overwhelmed by the prospect of making any decisions at all, they leave the artwork in boxes and the walls bare.  Maybe it’s time to call in the pros. Wilton Magazine consulted three experts in the art and framing world for advice on how to tackle the challenge of decorating walls.

Know your style
To achieve a cohesive look in your home, it helps to identify your style. There are several online home- décor quizzes that you can take, but if you look around your home at the pieces you love the most, you can probably identify a common thread. Having a good understanding of your style will help you determine whether a piece of art will complement what you already have.

Trust your instincts
Original art is usually a long-term commitment. If you buy the right pieces, you will have them forever and probably pass them down to your children. If you see something you really love, trust that instinct and purchase it. Chances are, if you have a strong reaction to it, you will still love the piece in 25 years. Dara Polenghi-Quinn, owner of Galleria d’Arte in Ridgefield, tells a story of a customer who fell in love with a painting at one of her artist open houses. “He did not purchase it but a year later he was still thinking about the picture, kicking himself for not buying it.” He asked her if she could track down the artist and inquire if the painting was still available. He was delighted to discover that it was, “but,” she says, “most people aren’t as lucky.”

Choose the right frame
Framing art can be expensive, but the right frame really makes a difference. Brian Olson of Rockwell Art and Framing says he often gets customers who come in with the intention of selecting the cheapest frame possible, “but when I show them how a beautiful frame can really highlight a piece they have invested in, they understand the value of doing it right the first time.” Framing is one of the last trades where the entire process is done by hand and is custom for each job; choose a reputable frame shop to protect your investment.

Consider scale
While it may seem obvious that big rooms with high ceilings need larger pieces of art to fill up the space, don’t be afraid to put a larger piece in a smaller room. Smaller pieces tend to work in intimate settings but can have a bigger impact by using a wide frame and mat to draw the eye toward the image. When deciding what height to place a picture, consider where in the room you spend the most time. For example, in a dining room you may want to consider hanging pieces lower so they can be viewed at eye level while seated at the table.

Think outside the Box
When decorating walls, don’t limit yourself to pictures. As Carol Muraskiewicz, owner of Palooza in Fairfield, suggests, “You can hang anything.  People have used the vintage bird cages and pigeon coops we carry as wall art. Another favorite is shadow boxes filled with interesting objects or collectibles that are meaningful to the client.” Architectural elements and other found objects, picked up at flea markets and antiques shows, make wonderful wall decorations. A piece that has been hanging in the same spot for many years may find new life in a different room.

consult an expert
If you are having trouble, the experts we contacted all offer consultations. Sometimes bringing in a professional set of eyes can help you look at your walls with a new perspective.