Off-center art can provide an unexpected and refreshing jolt of energy to interior design. Shifting artwork from a traditionally centered position on a wall invites the eye to travel and explore a space in new ways. When done thoughtfully, an asymmetric arrangement creates visual interest, energy, and personality. Here’s how off-center art hits the mark for energizing interior design.
Why Off-Center Art Works
Centering art and wall décor provides balance and order. However, it can also come across as unimaginative or dull. Off-center arrangements create energy and flow in a space by:
- Directing the eye around the room along an asymmetrical visual path
- Providing a fun, playful alternative to formal symmetry
- Creating a subtle sense of movement and liveliness
- Drawing attention to the artwork itself in a unique way
Thoughtfully arranging art off-center adds vibrancy, character, and individuality to a room. It brings a breezy, relaxed feel, as if accessories casually drifted into place.
Tips for Hanging Off-Center Art
Arranging art off-center takes a careful eye. Follow these tips for pulling off this energizing design style successfully:
- Vary heights: Hang pieces at differing levels for interest. Going too matched looks odd.
- Use odd numbers: Hang pieces in asymmetrical groupings of 3, 5 or 7 for balance.
- Add breathing room: Don’t cram pieces too close together. Leave comfortable space around.
- Create flow: Hang pieces to guide the eye around the room’s focal points.
- Mind the edges: Don’t hang pieces smack against a wall’s edges. Allow a few inches of breathing room.
- Consider scale: Make sure art scales well to the wall size. Oversized pieces need more room to breathe.
Great Spaces for Off-Center Art
While off-center art can work in many spaces, some areas especially shine with an asymmetric art display:
Entryways
Hang a striking canvas in the entryway off to one side to immediately greet guests with visual impact.
Dining Rooms
Create an engaging dining experience by hanging vibrant botanical prints casually grouped over the table.
Living Rooms
Invigorate a neutral living room by hanging embroidered artwork off-center above the seating area.
Bedrooms
Make a bedroom soothing and serene with an asymmetrical arrangement of textured weavings.
Bathrooms
Add a spa-like feel to the bathroom with layered macrame hangings displayed on one wall.
Complementary Design Elements
Certain décor choices beautifully complement the relaxed vibe of off-center art:
- Textures like rattans, linens, and woven accents
- Natural materials like wood, stone, clay and metal
- Asymmetrically shaped area rugs in layered patterns
- Furniture in curved silhouettes mixed with angular pieces
- Varied lighting at assorted heights, like pendant lights and table lamps
Key Takeaways for Off-Center Art
Some simple guidelines make off-center art pleasing to the eye:
- Hang artwork at varying heights and asymmetrically grouped.
- Use breathing room between pieces and don’t crowd edges.
- Allow artwork to guide the eye around focal points.
- Choose art and textures with natural, handmade qualities.
- Mix furniture shapes and varied lighting for eclectic style.
The uniqueness of off-center art displays energizes a space in exciting and unexpected ways. By following basic principles, this edgy look unifies beautifully for an interior design that hits the mark.
Frequently Asked Questions About Off-Center Art
What is the benefit of hanging art off-center?
Hanging art off-center creates visual interest, energy, flow, and a fun, relaxed vibe in a space. It provides a refreshing alternative to formal symmetry.
How do you arrange multiple pieces of off-center wall art?
Hang artwork at varying heights in odd-numbered asymmetrical groupings. Allow comfortable breathing room between pieces and don’t crowd the edges.
What rooms work well with off-center art displays?
Off-center art excels in entryways, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Any space can benefit from the energy this arrangement adds.
Should off-center art follow a certain order?
There’s no strict order, but hang pieces to guide the eye through the room in a visual path. Group art around focal points or furniture placing.
What style of artworks suit off-center displays?
Art with organic, handmade textures or materials complement off-center displays. Think mixed media, macrame, weavings, ceramics, woodBLOCK prints.
How do you keep an off-center arrangement balanced?
The key is using good proportions. Make sure artwork scales well to the wall size. Size matching pieces similarly and allow ample breathing room between groupings.
Conclusion
Hanging artwork in an asymmetric, off-center style brings energy and character to interior spaces. By thoughtfully arranging pieces to create flow, keeping scale and breathing room in mind, and complementing the art with natural textures, off-center displays hit the mark for energizing design with panache. This edgy, free-spirited arrangement invites the eye to travel around a space and discover visual interest in new ways.
