I find selecting and hanging artwork is one of the most enjoyable aspects of decorating a room because of the personality that you can put into it. My overall philosophy on decorating is focused on simplicity, so I only have three core tips to consider when hanging artwork:

1) Preparation

I think the most important thing to consider for the long-term is preparing the artwork for hanging. Take the time to invest in good frames and matting, especially for your valuable or favorite pieces. Not only does this look nicer, but you lessen the chance of any environmental damage destroying the art over time. The same goes with what I consider just as valuable as fine art, your family photos. Frames can come in a variety of materials and textures. Most people know what they like in that area. For matting, make sure it is made up of acid-free material to prevent it potentially affecting your artwork.

Before you hang something in a new spot, take a day to see where the sun will hit it. Over time, sun exposure can cause fading and discoloration. The same goes with hanging something in or near a bathroom--over time moisture has the potential to affect it.

2) Arrangement

As far as arrangement, grouping similar things can have a nice effect. I would suggest checking out a few art books from the library to learn how different placements can have different visual effects. You can group artwork by theme (winter scenes, for instance) or with photos of people it's not as much of a problem. You don't want to overdo having too many things on one wall. If your eyes don't naturally follow a certain pattern each time you look at a wall of art, you may have so many items that it's distracting rather than enhancing the room.

3) Permanence

Lastly, consider how permanent you want the change to be. This will have an impact on what you use to hang the item-from nails to small hooks with a sticky backing. If you have a special kind of paint, you may want to consider what form of hanging would do the least damage.

I hope you've found these tips helpful. Have fun, and remember to take the time to enjoy your art after you're done!