While many homeowners are familiar with the oh-so popular gallery wall, hanging art on bookshelves is a less-known trick that can also add interest to a room. In fact, Drew Barrymore recently shared a photo of her library-esque living room on Instagram that showed framed artwork hanging on the shelving units. The look is simple and effective, and can be a great way to display a range of objects, from decorative bowls to greenery.
A good rule of thumb is to hang your art about 57 to 60 inches from the floor, unless your room has particularly high ceilings. This allows people of all heights to admire the pieces without having to crane their necks, and makes them easy to reach for even those with short arms.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all art is created equal. As with any framed wall, it’s essential to select pieces that are aesthetically pleasing to you, and that coordinate well with the rest of your room. Moreover, consider selecting pieces that are large enough to be displayed on the shelf but small enough that they don’t overpower your books and other items.
If you’re looking for a piece that fits the bill, Kinwoven recommends the Onyx Raw Edge bowl from CB2. Not only does it work as a stand-alone statement piece, but it can also serve as a perfect place to stash stacks of paper and remotes that can sometimes overwhelm a bookshelf.