hanging art on the bookcase









I just can't decide how I feel about it...





21 comments:

An Urban Cottage said...

Try it, you'll like it!

Katherine said...

I like the look if the millwork on the book shelves is more pronounced and the framed pictures are smaller.

Karena said...

Hi Donna, I do like the art hanging against the bookcase and books. It must be done right. In the first image the art should be up another shelf more at eye height.

xoxo
Karena
2013 Artists Series

Unknown said...

That looks so cool! Love it

Unknown said...

That looks so cool! Love it

Anonymous said...

I am in the same boat you are, I can't decide either. Sometimes I see pictures that are just great with the art hung on the bookcase, it a layering that really works. Then I will see some other picture where it looks like imitation by an amateur decorator. There is an overall look which if it is not achieved ruins the effect.

cindy hattersley design said...

I agree...sometimes I am ready to jump in and sometimes it seems a little contrived!

SHERRY HART said...

Here is why I like it...and only on really packed bookshelves with many books...it kind of gives the eye a place to rest....a focal point in a way.....instead of trying to process all of the books!

Country French Judi said...

I have noticed a lot of decorators doing this. Personally I find the look too busy. Art is to be appreciated and needs to stand alone. These vingettes look somewhat sloppy and some look like they just did not know where to put the picture. If the books are not meant to be read then perhaps they should all be covered in a simple neutral paper creating a more serene backdrop for the artwork.

Tricia said...

Thanks for bringing this up for discussion. I enjoyed all the comments, It makes me feel better about my ambivalence on this trend. I agree with the other comments. It really has to be just right for the art, the items on the shelves, and the style of the bookcase or it doesn't work.

Tades said...

I like having art propped on the shelves in front of the books... probably because I'm running out of wall space! ;)

Toby Worthington said...

It's a question not so much of how it looks as whether the framed artwork becomes an obstacle to getting a book down from the shelf behind it. Just any old picture
hook won't do--the frame must be suspended from
a gliding track. Easier said than done.

Kathleen said...

I like it! I think it depends how nice things on the bookshelves look. If done right it looks like a masterpiece. If not, it can look like chaos. I always wonder how often people actually take down the books to read?

Anonymous said...

Humm, I have looked and stared and I think I have to say i'm not a fan, only because I can't seem to fully appreciate the art, it looks a bit busy, I agree with Judi and think art needs to stand alone. Great to think outside the box though :O)

Miranda said...

I've never liked this practice. I feel that it short-changes both the art and the books. It sort of screams "I never reach for the books that are behind these paintings, and neither should you!"

Anonymous said...

Thank you! Nice to hear someone questioning this. Like most things design-related, I give credit to the first person to do this -- quite creative. But to all the others who have followed/copied, some credit to those who pulled it off beautifully, but a shake of the head to the rest.

3 Peanuts said...

we have always done it and I love it. My husband was not sure many many years ago but i convinced him. have a lovely weekend.

3 Peanuts said...

I've come back to say that even though we do this in our home....I don't like the examples of it shown here at all. I went back and looked and none of them look right to me. Bet seriously, we have a small oil painting hanging that looks fabulous. I think the one every here and there and small looks better. These particular examples look contrived.

The-Countrypolitan said...

I think when done right it can be a very interesting and sophisticated design element. I think the application probably goes way back to designers of other periods and is a trend that comes and goes...like other trends. Some very traditional interiors use the application, not because of trend.

One thing to remember about hanging art is that placement is determined by how it will be most often be viewed...so hanging art low on the shelving is appropriate . And so that it doesn't feel awkward... adding additional pieces else where on the walls, that are viewed from a standing eye level can create balance in the space if it feels off.

My Notting Hill said...

I've been thinking about doing this. One thought I have is to place the books I'm less likely to look at again behind the frames so I'll still have easy access. Great pics for inspiration.

Unknown said...

I always love how it looks in a magazine spread, but can't seem to make the leap in my own home. I think I like to move things around on my shelves too much!!

Have a great day, Donna!
xoxo Elizabeth