The Art of Hanging Art: Entryways

In our new blog series, The Art of Hanging Art, we move through the various rooms of a home and office, and examine the best ways to incorporate art in each space. For our first room, we thought it was fitting to start with the room you step into first: the foyer. Although they're the initial thing you and your guests see when entering your home, entryways are often forgot about when it comes to art. But while it may not always have the large walls or focal points of a living or dining room, the entryway of a home has the power to make a statement without a large statement piece - and we'll discuss how. 

Make it undeniably you. 

The entryway to your home, no matter the size, is a reflection of you, and it's the first thing anyone sees when they walk in. So whether you're coming in the door after a long day at work, or old friends are visiting for dinner - you want your foyer to be authentic. That means selecting art that makes you feel good, comforted, welcomed. You'll want to decide the tone you want to set - is the first artwork you see bright and eccentric, or neutral and mellow? Whatever the case - whether you inherited it from your great-grandmother, found it at a garage sale, or bought it at a gallery opening, if it's what you love to see when you walk in (and the space allows) - then it's perfect. And there's nothing to say you can't combine your garage sale finds with your investment pieces.  

Be cognizant of the architecture (and the rest of the room). 

When you first walk in to your home, it's generally ideal to find a middle ground in terms of spacial design. You likely don't want it to feel cluttered (a cluttered environment is a cluttered mind), but you also don't want it to feel empty and bare. When selecting work for your entry walls, take in the rest of the architectural elements. Do you have molding or a bright paint color that makes the space feel busier? If so, consider opting for a single work that creates a focal point like in the case of these two paintings by Teodora Guererra below. For flat walls painted a neutral color, you could go for a small gallery wall with little paintings and framed prints. 

Small spaces have just as much potential as big spaces. 

In some homes, the entryway is really more of a passage way into other rooms, while other foyers are rooms themselves. Either way, art will enhance the space as long as it's suitable and balanced. If your entryway is composed of smaller wall space as in the example below (left), a minimalist console table and a single, bright abstract piece (by Julia Contacessi) fill the wall space without overwhelming it. On the other hand, a larger foyer needs more in it, so balancing the space with art and seating means matching textures and patterns a little more closely. But - don't be afraid to have fun, either, like in the case of varying sizes of work by Teodora Guererra and Roger Mudre (right).  

Mix up materials. 

There are many artists that use unique materials. For example, many people like to hang a mirror in their foyer - so they can have a last look to make sure they're well put together before leaving the house. In the example below, a fine art mirror by Alina B combines the two - a unique and utilitarian piece like this blurs the line between art and space. In addition, a console table under any artwork can be jazzed up with a funky table sculpture or glazed ceramic vessel. Our Sculpture Collection is filled with sculptures in a variety of sizes. 

Consider the view. 

It is often the case that a home may enter almost directly into living space. If that's true for your home, the art from the viewpoint of the door is no less important. Consider blank spaces that are visible from the doorway, and fill them with art, like in the space below designed by interior designer Carol Kurth. Your space will feel more homey right from the start.