Art Rises to Staircase Challenge
It can be tricky to make the most of a staircase's wall space, but these ideas for using art will have you stepping up in style
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Thinking about running a group of framed works up the stairs probably makes you think of how your parents had every National School Studios portrait of you and your siblings displayed in this very way. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using those portraits, but you may be hankering for a more artful display on the walls along your own staircase. It can be a tricky spot to tackle, but I promise it's not rocket science. Here are some ideas and tips to inspire you.
by Natalie Blake
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Play off rise and run. The geometry of this composition places like pieces in a stepped arrangement that mimics the stairs.
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Along those same lines, here is another stepped arrangement that uses less artwork and spaces them out more.
Use what you've got for guidance. The horizontal wood planks offer some guidance for the spacing of these images, which are hung in pairs and identically framed.
See more pictures of this plantation
See more pictures of this plantation
by Sawdust Girl
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Use similar frames and mats. They don't need to be perfectly matched; this clever homeowner has created a rhythm with different-colored frames. Their materials, mats and spacing have consistency, which keeps the arrangement pleasing to the eye.
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Create a grid of artwork. This arrangement complements the gorgeous iron railing without competing with its scrolled design. The designer accomplished this by using light frames and mats that were all the same size on a white wall.
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Use the empty wall at the top as a focal point. Placing a large painting at the top of the stairs lends perspective and creates a focal point.
by Meredith Heron
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Use landings as focal points. This painting makes me want to step up and check it out, and it can also be enjoyed from the foyer.
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Think about descension as well as ascension. These beautiful works of art can be enjoyed from the second floor and going down the staircase. I'm sure one would notice different things about them during the descent, as what's at eye level changes on the way down.
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Play off width. This staircase narrows as it goes up, and the slender vertical arrangement of these three images on the landing follows suit.
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Make the most of a blank landing. This minigallery gives the transitional space a second purpose and a place to pause for a moment. Also note the way the dark border keeps the three works from being lost on the wall.
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| Place related items near the bottom of the staircase. The placement of the equestrian photos at the landing foreshadows the larger painting that goes up the stairs. |
| Use mirrors instead of artwork. You'll never run out of places to stop and make sure you're not sporting a cowlick or lipstick on your teeth as you dash down the stairs and out the door in this house. In addition, mirrors bounce the light around and brighten up a dark staircase. More ideas for arranging a group of mirrors |
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Fake it with wall decals. If you fear a group of pictures will be too busy, consider frame decals. This is a great way to tackle a tricky curved wall on a staircase.
Learn more about creating a gallery wall, with or without artwork
Learn more about creating a gallery wall, with or without artwork
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Have a blast with it! I can't write about staircase art display without including these jazzy musicians who appear to be running up the stairs.
More:
How to Arrange Art in an Artful Way
A Gallery Wall for Every Personality
Stair Flair: Staircases Unlike Any Other
More:
How to Arrange Art in an Artful Way
A Gallery Wall for Every Personality
Stair Flair: Staircases Unlike Any Other
Comments
scarbowcow In the picture with the mirrors (third from the end) is that some kind of transformers superhero in the niche? Strange!
13 months ago · Like
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Becky Harris Ha! I hadn't noticed that. Seems like a couple compromising on decor, perhaps?
13 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on March 21, 2012.
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