How to Display Your Art Prints
A collector’s art shelf with “Sunset Over Wasatch - Print” on display on the far right
Each high quality print from the Shop is packaged and shipped by my hand with love. All fine art prints are printed at the highest resolution on high quality 100 lb matte paper and packaged with Golden State Art backing boards and protective sleeves.
So let’s imagine that your high quality art print of your favorite landscape painting has just arrived. Now what?
As soon as you open the weather-proof packaging, your print is still protected within its sleeve to ensure that your print stays safe from damage while you find the perfect way to display your piece.
Now that your print has arrived, you have a chance to get creative with your art installation. Here are just a few print display options to consider to get you started.
The Frame Style
Picking a frame can be one of the most fun choices of deciding on an art display. The frame presents and opportunity to make the work your own. Consider which kind of frame would best work with the piece and your home’s aesthetic. Perhaps an ornate gold frame would bring out the metallic golds of your print and the elegant, sophisticated style of your living room. Perhaps a sleek black frame would best suit the linear elements of the print and your home’s more modern decor. With your own frame, you can make your fine art print look and feel one-of-a-kind.
Need some help deciding on a particular frame? Simply send me a picture of your space, and through the magic of Photoshop, I can help you visualize a few different frame style options that best suit your home.
“Linn Cove Viaduct Sunset - Print” framed in my living room
To Matte or Not To Matte
A matte is the thick white space in between a print and frame. Adding a matte to your framed print can add sophistication to your piece as well as give the illusion of a larger work. Make a big statement with even a small print using a matte with your frame. If your print is already the perfect size for your space, or if you prefer the look of a neatly framed print, then go without a matte. The decision is based entirely on your personal preference.
Left to right: “Paintbrushes on Timpanogos - Print” framed with a matte, “Teton Towers - Print” framed with no matte
The Art Shelf
The art shelf is a simple and effective way to display some of your favorite pieces without hanging them, combining creativity and flexibility with clean visual lines. So set aside the hammer and nails and lean into this trendy display.
The art shelf enables layering of works, creating the kind of dimension that can’t be offered by a wall hanging. Start the display with your largest pieces leaning in the back and your smallest pieces propped up in the front. Take advantage of this unique style by overlapping works ever so slightly to create greater dimension and interest. For more tips on creating the perfect art shelf, check out my Creating an Art Shelf blog.
A collector’s art shelf with “Sunset Over Wasatch - Print” on display on the far right
The Gallery Wall
As powerful as an individual large-scale work can be, when done right, a gallery wall can feel just as impactful as a single piece. Gallery walls are groupings of smaller scale art, offering great dimension and character to your space.
There are two main styles of gallery walls to consider: the grid gallery wall and the classic gallery wall. Here, I’ll offer my best tips to achieving these fresh, charming looks without any of the clutter. For tips on making the most of gallery wall displays, check out my blog Creating a Gallery Wall.
The dining nook in my home features a grid gallery wall with new 8” x 10” prints, available in the Shop.
From left to right, clockwise: “Pilot Mountain Sunset - Print,” “Misty Blue Ridge - Print,” “Pilot Mountain Dogwood - Print,” “Hanging Rock - Print,” “Sunset Over Wasatch - Print,” “Cannon Beach Sunrise - Print”
If you already have a vision for your art print display or have tried out one of these ideas, I would love to see it! Send me a message on Instagram or Facebook or shoot me an email at veronica@veronicavale.com with your favorite installation pics.