This “Window” Method Breaks Every Art Hanging Rule, and I’m So Here for It
No matter the size of your home, sometimes it seems like there’s never enough room for hanging art. Case in point: My home is nearly 4,000 square feet, and we’ve still run into this issue. From a living room with only one blank wall to a kitchen with zero space for art (but luckily, more cabinetry than I know what to do with), it seems the main living space in my home needs a new solution when it comes to displaying the artwork my partner and I have collected over the years.
Hanging Art on Your Window Breaks the Rules — In the Best Way
With super low windows in our living room, there’s no space for art below the windows. But I love the trend I keep seeing where people hang art on windows. This trend is a fun, whimsical way of displaying art, even though, admittedly, it does break some design rules! First, it obstructs natural light, which traditionally isn’t my favorite thing since I adore (and need!) plenty of natural light in my living space.
Secondly, using art as blinds or even hanging a single piece of art in front of a window requires putting holes into trim versus drywall, which is often frowned upon, especially by landlords! But the sheer coolness of this practice allows me to see right past these drawbacks.
Recently, I came across two excellent (albeit very different) examples of hanging art in front of an open window. The first example comes from a Detroit home, where owners Bo Shepherd and Kyle Dubay used a cool piece of art to add a touch of privacy to their bathroom. You know those crazy expensive blinds that operate from the bottom up and are created for just that purpose? Well, these innovative owners realized that a well-fitted piece of art was all they needed to prevent peepers from seeing inside their bathroom — a private space no matter how close your neighbors might be!
In the dining room of Carlos Huber and Dr. Andrew Timberlake’s, MD, PhD, West Village apartment, artwork hangs between two large windows. While there’s already a lot of drama in the room (the wallpaper is bold!), what immediately catches my eye is the artwork hanging on the window trim.
Even though these rooms break design rules — the risk is worth the reward. It’s such a unique way to display artwork that’ll make your pieces feel like the focal point of any room.