Tips for Collecting and Hanging New Art

Paintings by Amy Wright, Gretchen Warsen, and Andrea Curtis | Photography by Lily Johnson | Gregg Irby Gallery | Atlanta, GA

Buying new art

Figure out what you like. This is arguably the most important part of collecting new art! If you don’t know where to start, then go to museums, scroll through the Gregg Irby Gallery Instagram and Pinterest, flip through magazines - do whatever you can to get a sense of the sort of art you enjoy. Exploring art in various settings, whether in person or online, will help you identify the recurring themes, colors, and subjects that pull you in. Don’t rush this step; the more you engage with art, the more you’ll come to understand your personal tastes, which will make your decisions easier when it’s time to start collecting.

Do Research. Once you’ve determined the artwork that you enjoy, take it a step further by learning more about the artist behind the painting and their inspirations. Researching artists and their works adds a deeper layer of meaning to your collection - you might find that the work of a particular artist aligns with your own values and experiences. Discovering that background can give you a richer appreciation for the art you are considering and help you make a meaningful connection. At Gregg Irby Gallery you’ll find a wonderful mix of artists from all around the globe, each with a unique personal history. Don’t be afraid to ask gallery staff for more information about a painting or an artist; they can offer helpful insights into the artist’s background and the story behind the artwork.

Go with your gut. When it comes to purchasing new artwork, your first instinct is usually the best guide. Just like with other big decisions, your initial response to a work of art can be a great reflection of your tastes, your personal style, and what resonates with you on a deeper level. If you find yourself torn between two different works of art, then we recommend purchasing the artwork you were initially drawn towards.

If you’re caught between two works and unsure about the size, we often find that bigger is better. In large, open spaces, oversized art can make a striking statement, while smaller works risk getting lost or feeling awkward. Even in more intimate settings, a larger painting can create a sense of grandeur. When in doubt, lean toward the larger option for a lasting impression!

Painting by Erin McIntosh | Interior Design by Helen Bergin Interiors | Photography by Nick Sargent of Sargent Photography | Luxe Magazine July 2024 | Palm Beach, FL

Installation Process

Know your measurements. This should be the first step for anyone looking to buy new art. It is always disappointing when a client falls in love with a painting, only to take it home and find out it doesn’t fit in their space. Size matters, so make sure to measure before you start looking for new art. If you're purchasing art in person at our Atlanta art gallery then we recommend taking it a step further and measuring your car! 

The 60 inch rule and ⅔ rule. The 60 Inch Rule (also sometimes called the 57 Inch Rule) dictates that the center of an artwork should be 60 inches, or eye level, from the floor. This changes when hanging art above furniture: typically the bottom of an artwork should hang 6-8 inches above furniture and the painting should be ⅔ the size of the furniture object. Both of these “rules” are more guidelines – just use your best judgement when hanging art! For example when hanging art above a sofa, it’s important to make sure the painting is hung high enough so that it doesn’t get hit when people lean their head back, even at the expense of breaking a design “rule.”

If you don’t feel like following all these specifications, a good rule of thumb is to just make sure that the center of all the artworks are hung on the same horizontal line, whatever height that might be at. 

Blue tape. If you want to get an idea of how different painting sizes would look in your space (without dealing with the hassle of nailing multiple holes in the wall) then use blue tape to measure out the size of the painting on the wall. This is great for giving you a feel of what various paintings would look like. 

Illustrations by Apartment Therapy