Unexpected ways to display art in your home

You’ve probably heard the standard rule that art belongs in a frame at eye level. But who made those rules anyway?

In this article we’re going to shake things up (just a little bit) and explore all the fresh possibilities for your canvas prints, metal artwork, and metal prints.

Believe it or not, wall decor can be so much more than a few nails and a level. Art can lean, stack, float, or just plain surprise, and that’s exactly where the fun begins! Home decoration should be about self-expression, so that’s why you should be free to imagine how your interior design can reflect your personality in unexpected (and totally fabulous) ways.

So go ahead and toss out the old guidelines. It’s time to experiment with displays that feel uniquely you. After all, art is meant to stand out and not just blend in. Here’s how to do it.

Lean It, Don’t Hang It

Leaning art (yes, it’s a thing!) might just be the easiest and most flexible decorating idea out there.

That’s because instead of drilling holes and lining everything up with a level, you can simply place your framed prints (regardless of whether they’re personalized art or custom wall art) on a mantel, console table, or even directly on the floor. This approach gives you the freedom to rearrange whenever inspiration strikes, so you’re never stuck with one static look. Love today’s gallery-style arrangement, but feeling a shift next week? Just swap one piece for another, or shuffle the order, and unlike hanging the art on the wall, there’s no hammer required!

What really makes learning art stand out is the layered effect that it creates. For example, you can tuck smaller pieces in front of larger ones, or you can mix different frame styles for a more playful and collected-over-time aesthetic. This is also a great opportunity to combine different kinds of unique wall art )like a vibrant canvas print leaning behind a sleek metal print) to add some more depth and texture.

Plus, if you’re a renter or someone who prefers to avoid drilling holes, this technique is a lifesaver. It’s one of those underrated wall art trends that can completely transform a space without demanding permanent changes.

Now are you really looking to really amp up the style factor? You should consider leaning a few pieces on open shelving alongside books and decorative objects, or placing a large and statement-making piece on the floor so it stands out the second someone walks in.

You can even experiment with small pieces in unexpected corners, like the top of a kitchen counter or bathroom shelf, so you can really highlight your favorite custom wall art in places you’d never think to hang it.

This easy-breezy method not only brings a fresh and relaxed vibe to your home, but it also makes sure your interior design reflects your personality in a flexible and ever-evolving way.

Go Big and Go Low

Sometimes, the most eye-catching wall art ideas don’t even need a nail. Instead of hanging your oversized prints, you should try letting them rest directly on the floor or lean them casually against the wall. This approach instantly injects a cool and editorial vibe into your space, like a chic art studio or a page out of a design magazine. It’s also practical: no measuring, no drilling, and no patching up holes when you decide to move things around.

Choosing to display customized artwork in a larger-than-life format creates a major impact and without feeling stuffy or overdone. Think of it as bold design inspiration that shows off your personality, such as if you’re featuring a favorite family photo blown up to poster size or a statement-making abstract piece. You see, when art is grounded at eye (or even ankle) level, it naturally invites people to come closer and experience the details. This also happens to make it a conversation starter in any room.

To really lean into this look, you could mix in other decorative elements around your oversized art. Specifically, you could layer smaller framed photos in front of it, prop a sculptural vase nearby, or place a low bench or stack of books beside it. This not only ties your piece into the rest of your décor, it also helps create visual balance. The best part? If you ever feel like switching things up, you can move your large-scale art to another spot in minutes. There’s also no hammer and nails (or unnecessary holes, for that matter) in the wall required.

Use Unexpected Spaces

You might think your bedroom wall or living room gallery is the only place for your treasured artworks, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Art can make a statement in every corner of your home. A bold piece above the headboard or a small print perched in the laundry room can make just as much of a statement as placing art in a bedroom or a living room, for instance. So by sprinkling creativity throughout your space, you can intrinsically turn your entire home into a showcase of your personal style.

One of the hottest interior decor trends right now is to treat art as a statement piece in unconventional spots.

Take your kitchen, for example. Instead of the usual appliances and utensils, imagine a striking print propped on a counter or a quirky gallery wall above the breakfast nook. This will breathe life into a room that’s normally all about function, and it reminds you to savor the little joys (like a splash of color) while you’re flipping pancakes or making pasta!

Hallways, too, often get overlooked in the art department. But those long and narrow stretches of wall can transform into mini galleries that make moving from room to room feel like a journey of discovery. If you hang a series of personal photos or illustrations that guide you down the corridor, or experiment with unexpected frames and shapes, you can turn an otherwise boring and empty hallway into a fun and personalized living space.

Don’t forget about rooms you might consider purely practical, like bathrooms or laundry rooms. After all, if anything, placing artwork here can inject a burst of fun into your daily routine. Imagine washing your clothes while gazing at a whimsical piece of abstract art, or stepping into a bathroom that greets you with a playful print behind the mirror.

It’s the small details like these that can make a huge difference in the vibe of these often-overlooked areas.

Mix in Functional Displays

Sometimes, the best way to show off your art is to sneak it into your everyday routine. Instead of dedicating an entire wall just for pictures, try combining your artwork with items you use on a daily basis.

For example, you could layer a small framed piece behind a stack of books on a shelf, so it peeks out whenever you reach for your next read. That way, art feels like part of your space rather than something separate or precious you’re afraid to touch. Picture rails are another secret weapon when it comes to functional displays. With a simple ledge mounted on your wall, you can swap pieces in and out whenever the mood strikes, and there’s no fussing with nails and holes.

This also opens up endless layering opportunities. If you were to line up a few frames of various sizes, and add a potted plant or two, your hallway or living area will now have a gallery vibe and without looking too formal.

Don’t overlook the areas that see a lot of foot traffic, either. If you have a coat rack or entryway bench, why not hang a small print or lean one right above the hooks? People dropping by will catch a glimpse of your style before they even take off their shoes. It’s a small touch, but it sets the tone the moment you walk through the door.

Combining artwork with everyday objects is all about giving your art a life that goes beyond the wall. It doesn’t have to be perfect or meticulously curated; in fact, a bit of casual layering can be all it takes to really make your home feel more personal and lived-in.

Break the rules!

At the end of the day, there aren’t any real rules when it comes to showcasing art in your home. So don’t restrict yourself thinking that hanging up art in one room is ‘allowed’ and not in another room. This is your home, so do what you want to do!

Art is meant to make you feel something, and that can happen just as easily on a shelf, leaning on the floor, or above the coat rack as it can in a perfectly hung frame. By playing around with different ideas (like leaning, mixing, and thinking outside the usual living room setup) you’ll discover that the real beauty of art lies in how it reflects who you are.

So if you’re itching to shake things up, here’s your friendly nudge: print something bold and try one of these display ideas.

You don’t even need a hammer. All you really need is just a little imagination and the confidence to follow your instincts. Once you step outside the typical “rules,” you will then open the door to a home that’s a genuine expression of your personality. Go ahead. Get creative, and let your space tell your story.