It’s a technique that’s appearing more often in design stories in print and on Instagram feeds: art featured against curtained or upholstered wall, creating a look that’s both modern and reminiscent of the luxurious layering of pattern, texture, and color favored during the Victorian Era. “It’s just one more look that lets homeowners enjoy their art in whatever way makes them happy,” says Susan Barrett, president of Barrett Barrera Projects.
“As a gallery owner, I’m in favor of any way that people want to display art and live with their art and enjoy it.”
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The approach reminds Barrett of Victorian settings where art might be featured in front of silk-covered walls, intricate tapestries, or murals. As a fan of maximalism, she loves the way layers of pattern and texture interact to create a fresh aesthetic.
“I think it’s really interesting to hang art over these murals or tapestries because I don’t think the mural is the only thing you’re supposed to see,” she says. “It’s great to have these different styles that talk to each other.” Barrett is currently employing the use of picture shelves in her exhibition space to add dimension and allow for easy rearranging when the mood strikes.
To create cohesion and conversation among works of art on a draped or fabric-colored wall, try hanging your paintings using the same ribbon, be it a thick satin or grosgrain. This not only lends continuity, but it enlists the use of yet another texture, adding dimension and decoration.
“It’s always interesting to see what people are doing with wall ornamentation and decor,” says Barrett. “I do like experimentation, and I do like having your art seen from a new and different perspective because that makes you appreciate your art in a new way.”
For those who want to try displaying art against curtained walls, or against upholstered walls, careful measuring is crucial, says Aaron Dains of St. Louis Art Installers.
“I haven’t had enough of these jobs come up consistently enough to where I would say it’s becoming a trend, but it is coming up more frequently,” he says, adding that the look lends itself particularly well to the use of antique-style gold frames and oil landscapes with brush strokes that create contrast in texture with the fabrics behind them.
Dains has installed pieces against upholstered walls and, in at least one instance, against a suede-covered wall, where minimizing marks and nail holes is key to achieving a clean look.
“We hung a laser level and had a vertical and horizontal axis in the center of the wall and the center of the art,” he says. “We found the center of the piece of art and we measured from the center of the art to the top of the hook we were using.” In that way, he says, he could mark exactly where the hook would be placed, avoiding unnecessary marks on the wall. “We were only making marks where our nails were going to go.”
While hanging art in front of a piece of fabric or, especially, on upholstered or fabric-covered walls may not be a DIY project for most homeowners, it’s not like you’re knocking down walls or undertaking major renovations, says Barrett. Her message: Art lovers shouldn’t be afraid to try something different.
“As long as people don’t take things too seriously, and know that you can change it, it’s fun. You’re supposed to enjoy your art and you’re supposed to live with it. You can always change it if you don’t like it,” she says. “I think it’s fun to try different things and see what sort of sticks.”
