Art

Where to hang art in a small bedroom, according to designers

Published

1 year ago

September 3, 2023

Wall art can completely transform a space, but where to hang art in a small bedroom? Some bedrooms are so small that it can seem like there’s no space to hang anything at all.

Or perhaps you have a large painting that you’re worried will dominate the room too much if you hang it in the wrong place.

Exploring bedroom art ideas is about more than picking out the kind of art you like. It’s also about figuring out what will work where in your bedroom. Larger bedrooms can be easier to hang art in because they just have more space for you to play with.

Where to hang art

However, that doesn’t mean that smaller bedrooms can’t look great with art in them. With the help of a few useful tips from professional interior designers, you’ll be able to find the best positioning for art in even the tiniest of bedrooms.

1. Above the bed

Experts agree: the best place to hang art in a small bedroom is above the bed. Mark Bearak, principal at dtls.ARCHITECTURE, especially recommends using ‘pieces that are horizontal or elongated’ because they can ‘help accentuate the bed and its headboard.’ Wall art hung above the bed ‘balances the visual weight and can be both calming and engaging.’

Alex Bass, founder and CEO of Art Advisory & Interior Design Studio Salon 21, agrees, saying that hanging art above your bed ‘creates a really nice symmetry when facing the bed.’

Hanging art above the bed is a universal design choice that works well for bedrooms of all sizes. You can go really bold with this classic positioning, too, because you won’t have to look at the artwork at all times, so you don’t need to worry as much about it preventing you from resting or falling asleep.

Alex Bass is an art curator and interior designer. She founded Salon 21 to fill a void in the social experiences available to her demographic interested in arts and culture and access to new talent.

2. On walls either side of the bed

The walls to the side of your bed are also great candidates for creating a gallery wall or hanging just one piece. Blank spaces in a small bedroom can make it look even smaller, so filling up those walls isn’t a bad idea. Just be mindful of hanging pieces that are too large next to windows.

Mark Bearak explains that ‘smaller art pieces are recommended if the bedroom boasts a substantial amount of glass or windows’, particularly in smaller spaces. As a rule, try to pick pieces that are the same size or smaller than the window, to avoid upsetting the proportions of the space. You should also be mindful of how your bedroom window opens. If you have a frame that opens inwards rather than a sash, you’ll want to be careful to hang anything within the swing radius of the window, or you risk damaging the artwork.

Mark Bearak

Mark Bearak, a licensed architect specializing in residential architecture, is currently a Principal at dtls.ARCHITECTURE and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Architecture at Columbia University in New York. Born in Chicago and enriched by experiences across North Carolina, Georgia, France, California, and New York, Mark brings a diverse and global perspective to his work.

3. Around the door frame

The bedroom door is a great natural focal point that you can adorn with art by placing the pieces all around it, or just on one side in the space between the door and the adjacent wall. This is a great space for a mini gallery wall, as well as one of the few spaces in your small bedroom where vertically framed wall art will look great.

You can even get away with hanging pieces that are all the same size for a graphic effect. If you like the look of a black and white bedroom, you can hang several pieces in black frames, at Wayfair, against white walls, which is a classic look that never goes out of fashion. The effect will be even more striking if your door bedroom doorframe is also painted black.

4. Opposite the bed

This is the position where you can really go big in size. It’s the prime spot for statement wall art. Artem Kropovinsky, an interior design expert and founder of Arsight, gives a top tip for making the most of this positioning: ‘ensure the piece matches the bed’s size.’ Then, ‘position the art at an optimum height for viewing while reclined.’

Choose something you really love – but, be mindful of choosing a piece that’s so bold that it will have an ‘unsettling’ effect, says Kropovinsky. This is the space where you sleep, after all.

This position may not be advisable if you have a TV in your bedroom, because a large-scale painting could be too distracting. However, you could still have something on the same wall as the TV if it is neutral-colored in shades that blend in with the rest of the bedroom decor.

5. Everywhere

This can work especially well for truly tiny bedrooms, helping you create a jewel-box effect. ‘Opt for smaller pieces to maintain the room’s intimacy,’ advises Artem Kropovinsky. To create a truly eclectic effect, choose pieces that slightly vary in size and dimension and have different frames, weaving in gold, vintage frames, at Anthropologie among more modern and minimalist designs, such as a slim, wooden frame. This will make your bedroom look bespoke and distinctive.

Top tip: Don’t forget the space above the bedroom door; hanging art in this small section of wall will look even more unusual and whimsical than just utilizing the empty wall space in your small bedroom.

FAQs

What kind of art should go over a bed?

The rule is that there really are no rules; it should just please you. Ashley Kruger, interior designer at MoreySmith, advises: ‘When choosing artwork to go in the bedroom, take inspiration from your own experiences. Pieces that remind you of traveling, your hobbies, or family and friends will help to create a happy and relaxing atmosphere.’

It’s always a good idea to think about how your artwork will complement the rest of your bedroom. For this reason, Kruger advises that ‘artwork shouldn’t be the last item selected in a room, as it has such an impact on a space and can complement or contrast your existing pieces.’ So, ideally, pick your wall art at the same time as designing your bedroom.

What can I use instead of wall art in a small bedroom?

If you want to try something a bit different (or just don’t want to drill all those holes in walls), why not try an interesting bedroom wallpaper or mural? Ashley Kruger praises mural-style wallpaper as an excellent alternative to wall art, as it ‘can have the same impact as artwork and can fill a room with hand-painted details and patterns.’

You can also go in a 3D direction: ‘Remember that artwork can also be sculptural, and ornaments and ceramics on shelves can help to add further texture.’ Other things you can put on a bedroom wall include mounted wall lighting and textured wood paneling.

Don’t be afraid to experiment just because your bedroom is small. It’s all about respecting the proportions of the room, which doesn’t mean you have to keep the walls clear. Pick art (whatever that means for you) that speaks to your preferences, move it around a little to see what looks best where, and you will have a bedroom that itself looks like a work of art.

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Art

Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

Published

3 days ago

September 13, 2024

Harry Miller

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.

Alleged Fraud Scheme

Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.

Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.

Massive Seizure of Artworks

In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.

Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.

Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed

In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.

Court Proceedings Ongoing

The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.

Impact on the Local Art Community

The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.

For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.

As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.

While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.

Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.

As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.

Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com

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Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

4 weeks ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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