Corners – every room has them, but no one knows exactly what to do with them. Some choose to decorate a corner with a floor lamp, a tall plant, or a singular picture mounted to the wall. But there’s a clever idea that demonstrates the potential of these awkward spaces, and gives corners the attention they deserve. It’s called ‘the corner hang’.
Coined by art dealer and founder of Wallflower Art Gallery Annalise Holasz, the corner hang is a method of decorating with artwork that takes advantage of corners that are often left bare. ‘It’s based on the gallery wall idea, but it makes it a bit more niche,’ Annalise explains. Often, gallery walls are hung in the center of a room, perhaps over a sofa on a blank wall. The corner hang shifts the art and the attention to a different part of the room – the corner.
(Image credit: Katie Charlotte. Design: Taylor Hill Interior Design)
Just like developing a gallery wall, creating the corner hang in your home isn’t hard – it just takes time. After all, the best display walls are adorned with art that’s been collected over time, not bought all at once.
‘I always say start with one or two hero pieces – something that you really love and something that is sentimental to you,’ Annalise recommends. ‘Get going with that, and then keep adding different pieces over time. And don’t be afraid to mix pieces. Different mediums are good, different sizes are good, and different frames in a gallery wall are good, too.’
(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)
Although not required, it can be helpful to establish a theme for the corner hang. ‘Personally, I like to use color as a theme,’ Annalise tells me. ‘When I group paintings together, I often do so according to color. This will make a corner display feel cohesive because the colors are aligned.’
You can also match the artwork in the corner hang with the interior design style of your home. For instance, if you have a coastal-themed interior, try developing a corner hang with ocean images and artwork in shades of blue and white. This can develop a level of cohesion.
It also helps to incorporate unconventional objects in the corner hang since by default, the corner hang is an unconventional display. ‘Bonus points if you add some random objects, and by random, I mean something that’s meaningful to you – a memento,’ Annalise says. By adding things to your walls that aren’t prints, things you wouldn’t normally expect to see on a wall, like a plate or a postcard, your corner hang will look that much more unique.
(Image credit: Judith Marilyn. Design: Oho Interiors. Stylist: Carrie Valentine )
Of course, one of the biggest concerns that arises with the corner hang is the question of balance in interiors. Normally, a gallery wall is mounted centrally in a room, ensuring an evenly positioned display. But when it comes to arranging a cluster of art in the corner, how do you avoid an off-balance look? According to Annalise, use an anchor.
‘The corner hang works well when you have an anchor – a piece of furniture in that corner,’ Annalise explains. Whether that’s a table, a chair, or a couch, an anchor can ground the space, reduce visual imbalance, and set the scene for the corner hang above.
In terms of the corner hang itself, it doesn’t matter how many pictures you hang on the wall. Just try to incorporate different sizes in a cohesive manner to ensure the overall balance of the display – just as you would do for a normal gallery wall.
(Image credit: Andrea Calo. Design: Suzanna Santostefano)
One of the best things about the corner hang is that it can be done anywhere in the home – anywhere there’s a corner, that is. While it can benefit larger spaces like a living room, it can also be done in smaller spaces like a bathroom. The corner hang can make even the most boring corners ten times more interesting and exciting to look at.
(Image credit: Jean Stoffer Design / Stoffer Home)
As an unconventional wall decor idea, the corner hang flips the script on how we traditionally hang art in the home. After all, there are no rules for hanging art, as Annalise tells me. ‘These walls are yours – if you want to get the most out of them and enjoy living there, just go for it,’ she says.
If you’re interested in trying the corner hang for yourself, find everything you need to get started below.
Shop ‘the corner hang’ edit
AnthroHome
louisa Monogram Gallery Wall Charm
Annalise mentions that random objects can make a corner hang significantly more interesting. So aside from mounting art in a corner, consider hanging wall charms, like this style. Since you can customize it to display your initial, it can also make your corner hang more personal.
Desenio
Abstract Blossoms Canvas Print
A collection of artwork is essential to creating the corner hang. If you’re looking to incorporate a new piece, try this one. Its design may be abstract, but its delicate coloring makes for a charming visual. Plus, it comes in a variety of different sizes, so you can decide what will look best in the corner.
Magnolia
Willa Antiqued Wood Wall Frame
Annalise recommends using a variety of different frame styles in the corner hang to make the display more interesting. This wooden style appears charmingly rustic with its carved border. It would look lovely paired with frames in different colors and materials.
Villeroy & Boch
Salad Plate
The corner hang can feature all sorts of wall hangings – and it can even be created by hanging things that aren’t typically hung, like plates. If you have a collection of unique plates that are just sitting in your cabinets, consider hanging them in a cluster in the corner of a room. And don’t forget to use invisible plate hangers to mount them.
HistoricHues
New York City Map Canvas Print
Aside from the ‘random objects’ included in the corner hang, Annalise also mentions including details that are sentimental. An old map of the city you live in is a great example. It’ll make the corner hang more personal and add some visual interest to the display.
Pottery Barn
Arbor One-Of-A-Kind Mirror Wall Décor
There are a lot of benefits to decorating with mirrors. In a corner gallery wall, they can break up the repetition of artwork and introduce a new shape to the display. Despite its small size, this mirror features a distinct wooden frame that can add texture to the corner hang and enhance its overall aesthetic.
The corner hang might be an unconventional way to display art, but it’s nonetheless a unique decorating idea that can turn an awkward corner into the most stylish spot of the home. Like Annalise says, start with one sentimental piece, and let the corner hang grow from there. Just remember, you can never go wrong when decorating with things that reflect your personality.
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