Framed in style
How to create a stunning picture collage: try these handy diagrams and a taping trick!
Arranging pictures into a beautiful group can be surprisingly tricky. How do you create a collage that is both balanced and captivating? Interior designer Suvi Malkki shares excellent tips!
Arranging pictures—how to get it right
- When assembling a collage of pictures with different frame styles and sizes, pay close attention to keep the overall look balanced.
- Remember the “145 rule” when arranging your collage, meaning the center of the collage is at 145 centimeters (57 inches) from the floor.
- You can avoid mistakes on your wall by arranging the collage on the floor first. Start by measuring the wall space where the pictures will go, mark off the same dimensions on your floor, and test out the placements.
- A good spacing between pictures is about 5–10 centimeters (2–4 inches).
- Use a measuring tape to check your spacing and write it down on the paper where you’ve sketched your arrangement. Then simply install each picture on the wall one by one, following your layout.
- You can also try a taping trick: tape paper templates that match your picture sizes onto the wall, for example using parchment paper. Another idea is to use the paper sheets that come with new frames.
4 ideas for a picture collage
1. Arrange the pictures so that their centers line up. Put the largest one in the middle. The sizes decrease in the same way on both sides.
2. Arrange the top edges of the pictures so they line up.
3. Align the bottom edges of the pictures. This is especially easy if they’re placed on a picture shelf.
4. Align the pictures along a guiding diagonal line so the eye is drawn upward from left to right.
Sources: Suvi Malkki, art framing store 'Kehysliike Malkki', and Frida Ramstedt: Tyylikäs koti (Tammi, 2019) interior design book
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