Modern Looks for Art Ledges

Art is one thing every home needs, and it’s one of the very best ways to personalize your space! Displaying meaningful paintings, prints, and photographs is an expression of your favorite things and clues visitors in to your unique aesthetic.

Gallery walls have been popular for years, they always look great, but the art ledge offers something a little different. Art ledges are a linear display, gallery walls are a grid. Art ledges conveys a clean and minimalist look due to the singular line created by the shallow shelf.

One great look is to install one behind a sofa. Create a ledge that allows for layering prints in different sizes and also the ability to add planters or other small and skinny decorative elements.

front + main

Below is an installation displaying frames in similar sizes but using different color frames.

house becomes home

 

Here is a simple arrangement of stacked ledges painted the same color as the wall which allows the artwork and album covers to take the spotlight.

a beautiful mess

 

Stack them in a trio and you’ll have plenty of space to create a focal point composed of your eclectic collection.

image source

 

Here’s another example of the color of the painted ledge blending with the wall, this time the depth of color provides dramatic contrast.

salty spaces

This appears to be an inset shelf not a ledge, but take a cue from the minimalist styling. The allowance for blank space between the art and objects gives the eye a place to rest.

the house on beach road

 

Second story spaces allow for a medley of larger displays of large scale photography and art prints.

maggie miller interiors

 

If you’re not the layering kind, space the artwork out evenly to create an orderly dotted effect.

avenue design studio

 

Who says your art ledges can’t mix and mingle other decor? Hanging ledges up high creates space for tapestries, large scale prints, or hanging objects.

kismet house

 

Here’s an example of styled art combining both a ledge and a wall gallery too. So interesting! Notice the singular art ledge is installed on the left while the larger framed piece on the right fills out the grid, balancing the offset.

via walmart

 

If you want to acquire some of your own, any search engine will reveal dozens of choices for art ledges in varying sizes and finishes.

You can buy art ledges from Etsy seller Rowe Station Woodworks in various lengths.

Or…you can make your own! Here’s a great DIY art ledge tutorial at Chris loves Julia.

 

Find another DIY ledge tutorial at Home on Mount Forest.

 

And another great DIY ledge at Angela Rose Home.

Art ledges are a clean and contemporary way to display your favorite artwork. Bonus: their shallow depth doesn’t take up as much space as a piece of furniture like a bookshelf or console table.

It’s hard to go wrong with art ledges, you simply mix and mingle a few framed pieces together and voila: a chic and creative way to decorate your home!

Via HVAC http://www.rssmix.com/