Question: The wall opposite my living and dining areas is 35 feet long and 14 feet tall -- a big wall! I want to hang pictures and paintings but would rather have a shelf or two and stack pictures, so I can change them without having to put in and repair nail holes. However, I fear the linear effect.

C. Magowan
Carlsbad, CA

Answer: Presenting art that can be changed periodically is a creative challenge that many art collectors struggle with regularly.

The crux of the problem is you don't want to have to fill the holes and repaint the walls whenever you change the display. However, from a design perspective, the problem also includes the massiveness of the wall, so this has to be factored into the solution.

Museums and art galleries deal with this by having walls that are intentionally neutral in color so the viewer sees the art without the distraction of the decor. These walls are easily repainted if the art is hung directly on the wall. Another approach galleries use is to hang the art from specially placed crown molding and hooks with long wires that don't affect the wall at all. These are definitely practical and functional solutions under the circumstances but not very attractive. And they're not what I'm going to recommend, because it is your home, after all.

"Form follows function'' is the design philosophy of German architect and designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and it will help us solve your problem. Our strategy is based on specific key words that relate to function: "flexible'' and "easy.'' Now let's also think "theatric'' and "dramatic'' as stylistic words that will help define the form.

Your home seems to be contemporary or modern. But even if the decor were more traditional or antique filled, this solution would work just as effectively.

Let's start by using the length and height of the wall as a strength rather than a weakness because a long, high wall is a perfect place to display art. But the wall needs to have an element of flexibility and be visually broken up so your home doesn't look like just an art gallery.

To help us find a practical approach to solving this problem, let's step outside the box for a moment to find other areas of home decorating where long walls have to be managed.

Walls with windows immediately come to mind. And, in many homes these walls are hung with drapes that use curtain rods to span the area. Drapery hardware comes in many lengths and styles, and several rods placed end to end can cover the expanse of a very long wall. But you're probably wondering, "Why are we talking about drapery hardware? This problem is about hanging art!''

Curtain rods move fabric from one part of the wall to another. Our strategy is to be able to move art from one part of the wall to another, just like drapery rods move fabric!

Starting to "get the picture''?

The same technology that moves fabric is a creative solution that can be applied to hanging art. Imagine a curtain rod, hidden by a valance, just like drapes. Instead of fabric, hanging from the hooks at various intervals are strands of monofilament (clear fishing line) and on the end of each strand is a work of art!

The length of these monofilament strands can vary, can be changed easily and can move from one part of the wall to another. Be sure to choose monofilament with the right test weight for your pictures. And because it's clear, the strand that holds the art is invisible and doesn't distract the eye. It creates a presentation of art that can be changed easily and quickly.

To help break up the extreme length of the wall and give the eye a resting place from all the art, at various intervals you can use the drapery hardware to hang a length of fabric. This softens the architectural feature of the wall itself, gives the wall texture and adds an element of color to enhance and complement your art and furniture. This fabric can be sheer if your home is contemporary or modern, or it can be more elaborate to complement the upholstered furniture if your home is more traditional.

The wall color should be either neutral or dramatic, and the fabric and wall colors should complement each other.

Don't forget the lighting! This element also should be designed with versatility in mind. Using track lights that allow the individual light sources or ``cans'' to move easily is the ideal solution. Recessed lights that swivel within their housings are another good alternative.

This practical and creative solution to hanging and changing your art gives you the versatility you desire, and friends will marvel at your ever-changing art collection.

 

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