What is a modular painting?
A modular painting is a composition of several parts, the images on which are part of one overall picture. If the elements of the module are combined, a common image appears. That is why it is important to correctly position them in relation to each other.
The number of modules is from two and above. Depending on this parameter, the picture has different names:
- consisting of a pair of parts - a diptych;
- three-part is a triptych;
- containing 5 parts - penaptych;
- if there are more than five modules in a set, then the composition is called a polyptych.
There are many ways to correctly hang a four-piece modular picture on the wall. The dimensions of the elements and the ratio of side lengths can also be completely different - there are no restrictions on the flight of fancy. They are made high and wide, of the same dimensions and consist of small and large pictures.
Modular paintings are produced on special photographic paper or canvas using hypoallergenic ink that is resistant to moisture and the surface is coated with varnish to fix the image.
They have many advantages:
- have an aesthetic, deep, full-color image;
- not exposed to temperature changes or excessive humidity;
- do not lose color brightness even with prolonged use;
- immune to mechanical stress;
- resistant to ultraviolet radiation.
The painting looks especially beautiful if there is also a drawing on its edge. The image turns out incredibly voluminous and realistic.
Now we can move on to the question of how to hang a modular picture on the wall.
Choosing a “coordinate system”: how not to make a mistake with the placement location?
In fact, a modular painting is several parts of one canvas, so you can mount them on the wall in different ways, depending on which one is right for you.
The basic rule is to fix the elements so that the fastening can support the weight of the module.
In order for the drawing to look like a single whole and look harmonious, the modules should be precisely positioned relative to each other and the proportions of the plane should be observed. It is possible to install parts of the whole not on the same level, but, for example, in steps, if the composition allows.
Thus, it is important to determine the dimensional position of the modules on the walls. Let’s say right away that this is not an easy task; it requires skill and patience. Moreover, a modular painting consists of several parts, and in order to assemble it correctly, a strict sequence must be observed. Violation of the order will lead to a spoiled composition.
The easiest way is to arrange the modules in a horizontal line or line them up vertically. With this placement option, you need to draw one even line, even if you have parts of different sizes or different configurations. Otherwise, the installation is similar to placing a large framed photograph on the wall.
Correct sequence of actions
Before starting work, the canvases are carefully unpacked, fasteners and necessary tools are prepared. In any case, you will need a level and a pencil with which to apply the markings. A marker or felt-tip pen will not work; they will leave too bright marks.
The unpacked blocks are laid out on the floor near the wall. They need to be laid in the way they will be secured. The easiest way to do this is with a diptych and triptych. With the rest it will be more difficult, especially if the composition consists of a large number of parts of different sizes.
At this stage it is good to experiment with the distance between the parts. They are moved closer, pushed apart, and looked at best. In this way, the easiest way is to choose the optimal distance so that the picture looks most advantageous.
The image is built from it, so it is fixed first.
Installation of a polyptych painting
We do the same with all the remaining parts of the composition, no matter how many are left. It is very important to secure them strictly parallel to each other. Even minimal distortions will spoil the appearance of the decor and disrupt the integrity of its perception. Therefore, during the work, be sure to use a level, thus controlling the accuracy of the vertical and horizontal.
Technically, the process of attaching modules is simple. Every novice master can handle it. But at the same time, it is very important to correctly mark the wall and assemble the entire composition on it. Especially if it consists of five or more parts. It will take precision and accuracy to ensure that they are all placed strictly parallel, at an equal distance. Only then will the picture be perceived as whole.
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How to determine distance?
It must be said that there are no strict requirements for distance. But if there is a large gap between the parts of the picture, its visual integrity is violated.
But even with a minimum distance, problems can arise - it will be quite difficult to position the fasteners close to each other. The optimal distance between elements is considered to be 3 cm.
Ideally, before properly hanging a modular picture on the wall, you should lay it out like a complex puzzle. This will help to estimate the required distance between elements and calculate the sequence. Use a large desk or lay out on the floor.
Do not forget that the layout is carried out strictly according to the base, which is taken to be the lower or upper edge of the largest module.
For example, you have a penaptych, but you don’t know how to hang a modular picture of 5 parts on the wall. Start from the largest element, display it level, and place other details on a single line with the first print - hang them to the right or left, depending on the plot.
Deciding on a location
Deciding where the modular painting will look best
Which wall?
Modern trends in apartment design - painted or decorated walls are an excellent backdrop for paintings. A modular painting is a bright element that will attract attention, so there should be no other eye-catching decorative elements on the wall. And this is the first requirement.
Finding a free wall in modern interiors is not too difficult
Location relative to furniture
You can talk more specifically about choosing a place, getting attached to the rooms. If you are going to hang a modular picture in the living room, the usual place is above the sofa or sofa. Some kind of decoration is just “begging” here. But in order to create an organic picture, the dimensions of the canvas should be approximately the same as the sofa or sofa. Then the composition turns out to be balanced.
It is not at all necessary to place a modular picture strictly above the sofa. This is an option for classic designs and other styles that are characterized by symmetry. For modern trends, asymmetry may “play” better, but such an arrangement is more difficult to balance: it is important not to leave the other part completely unattended.
In the bedroom, the usual place for a modular picture is above the head of the bed. Let's talk about the sizes: the width of the canvas is preferably approximately the same as the width of the bed. It may be a little narrower or wider. You can extend it wider, covering bedside tables, or even from wall to wall. A bed is a bulky object and large images do not violate harmony, but rather create it. A smaller bed in width is also possible, but here the difference should not be big. No matter how beautiful the image is, if it is small in format, it does not look good.
If the bed is located in the middle of the wall, the center of the composition should be located above the middle of the headboard. But this again is for classic interiors. Although, in the bedroom they predominate. If you decide to experiment with asymmetry, it is better to look for a modular picture from modules of different formats.
At what altitude
Having decided on the place, you need to decide at what distance from the ceiling to hang the picture. As a rule, the canvases are positioned so that the center of the composition is at eye level. This is approximately 150-165 cm from the floor.
Distance between modules
The distance between modular paintings is usually from 1.5 cm to 4 cm and depends on its dimensions. For small ones they take less, for large ones - more. To decide, you can lay out the fragments on the floor and select the distance experimentally.
When choosing the distance between segments, a difficult problem must be solved. On the one hand, the distance should be sufficient to make it clear that this is still a modular picture. On the other hand, it should still be unified, the general idea should not be lost. If the distance between elements is too large, they look like separate paintings on the same theme, rather than as a whole.
Too much distance and the three canvases look like separate paintings
Another mistake is the parts are too close
The easiest way is to decide “on the spot.” Having laid out all the elements on the floor and aligned the pattern, begin to move them apart. You must use all the fragments, no matter how many there are - three, four, five or seven. This is the only way to choose the right distance. When moving them apart, look carefully from your height. As soon as the “integrity” disappears, go back 5 mm. This is most likely the required distance.
Mounting options for modular paintings
Now it is more or less clear how to hang a modular picture evenly, but the topic of choosing mounting methods remains open.
We tell you how to properly hang a modular picture on the wall - that is, about all the fasteners for this, about the possibilities of attaching them to the wall:
- standard self-tapping screw screwed onto a polymer dowel;
- ordinary metal nails (for wooden walls);
- special “nails”;
- double-sided tape;
- Velcro;
- spider-shaped sticks;
- "smart" clamps.
As you can see, there are many options for reliable fixation to a wall base. If everything is clear with self-tapping screws and nails - they do not require special installation skills on the surface, last for years, and are classic fastening options - then we should look at the rest in more detail. What fasteners should I use and what should I take into account?
Scotch. Two sides of the same coin
How to hang a modular picture of three parts (or more) with such a device?
This material was created not very long ago, but its practicality and wide functionality, reliability and ease of use were rightfully appreciated not only by home “craftsmen”, but also by professional craftsmen. In essence, it is a fabric-based tape treated on both sides with an adhesive composition. The adhesive tape is protected on top by a polymer pad, which must be removed before direct use and applied to the required location. Immediately after joining, the adhesive tape is tightly fixed and it is extremely difficult to tear it off.
Do you know how to hang a modular picture quickly? Use double-sided tape. Cut the material into several pieces approximately 10 cm long. Remove the protective polymer layer from one of its sides and press the sticky part to the frame of the “work.” At the same time, do not forget to place the segments on the 4 corners of the picture and at equal distances from each other along the entire perimeter. After this, you can remove the rest of the film from the tape and fix it directly on the wall.
Double-sided tape, as a rule, adheres well to standard paper, vinyl and non-woven wallpaper, drywall, and plastered surfaces. This allows you to avoid tedious preparation to improve adhesion - leveling, grueling painting of walls and other manipulations.
Liquid Nails
You can install modular paintings on “liquid nails”.
This composition is characterized by high adhesive ability, strength and durability of the connection. It is inert to moisture and thermal changes, so it can be used in living rooms, kitchens and even bathrooms.
However, before applying “liquid nails” you should not only find out how to properly hang a modular picture, but also be sure to carry out alignment. Unlike other fasteners, this fastener does not smooth out the coating; it is applied in a thin layer, and therefore, in case of strong changes, it simply cannot catch on anything. This will not only worsen the quality of the fastening, but will also create unaesthetic distortions.
If the wall is ready and has a fairly flat surface, then apply liquid nails along the entire perimeter of the frame (if the picture is heavy and massive) or in several areas. Then all that remains is to carefully apply it and quickly level it.
Special Velcro
Special Velcro, called the Command device, resembles double-sided tape. But only they are two-part - on one part there is a sticky composition with glue, and the opposite with Velcro. One is attached to the wall, and the other is fixed to the frame.
This is a practical, reusable retainer. At the same time, it securely holds the painting and does not allow it to slide off. Plastic hooks can also be attached to Velcro.
How to hang a modular picture of, for example, 5 elements using Velcro? Simply attach part of the fasteners with an adhesive layer to the wall and part to the frame, and connect them with Velcro.
Clever clamp
Smart fixer - polymer squares that can stick to different surfaces. Even if you have no idea how to hang a modular picture on the wall, this type of mount will allow you to do it quickly and without much effort. They are reusable: after dismantling, you can simply wash them with water and use them again.
Picture spider hook
Visually, the fastener really looks a lot like a spider. It consists of a polymer hook with several durable steel nails (2 to 4 pieces). They come in different sizes, and the more nails a product has, the more firmly it is fixed.
How to properly hang a modular picture of five parts on such a “spider”? The fastener is simply driven into the wall. In this case, the material of this surface is completely unimportant.
You can dismantle the spider hooks using pliers. After this, the remaining small holes are easily masked with plaster.
Operating procedure
Regardless of the chosen fastening method, actions are carried out according to a strict algorithm. Only in this case will it be possible to hang the picture evenly and correctly, so that it pleases the eye.
- First, hang the central segment of the image (located in the middle or having the largest size). It is applied to the wall, determining the optimal level and placement. When it is decided where the central element should be, it is outlined. This will be a kind of marking.
- Now the picture is preliminarily installed and assessed to what extent it is appropriate. The canvas is also displayed horizontally and vertically. Evenness is determined by level.
- Now they move on to fastening using one of the above methods: using a special system, hooks, dowels or double-sided adhesive tape.
- Then they move from the central element to the side fragments. If displacement is provided, it must be taken into account during fastening and the component parts must be shifted accordingly relative to each other or the center.
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We attach the picture, following the correct sequence of actions
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When all the elements are in place, you can admire the result. It turns out that attaching a picture to the wall is not so difficult. And you can see how this is done in the video below.
What else is used for fixation?
Hanging holders for paintings and photos are special slats made of metal, wood, plastic, fixed under the ceiling space. They have vertical bases where the frames are installed. On these rods, modules can be moved up or down without difficulty.
How to hang a 5-piece modular picture without nails in other ways? To do this, you can use thread guides with hooks at the ends. This system is more complex; it allows you to lower and raise the canvas to the desired distance.
Traditional methods
There are four traditional ways of attaching painted canvases.
On a tree
The easiest way is to attach the canvases to wooden surfaces. In this case, you can use a hammer and nails that are driven into the wall. Canvases are also attached to wood with liquid nails and other adhesives.
On concrete
It is more difficult to attach paintings to concrete walls, since you will have to use a hammer drill or a powerful drill. These tools are used to drill holes into which fasteners will be installed.
On a brick
If you need to place a picture on a brick wall, you will have to drill holes. Since the brick surface is not as strong as concrete, any drill can be used. Screws are installed in the drilled holes, on which the canvas is hung.
On drywall
Plasterboard surfaces do not cope well with heavy loads and therefore small paintings are hung on them. They are attached using dowels.
Nuances of installation on concrete walls
How to install the module on concrete? This is a durable material and to create holes in it you need to use a drill, hammer in dowels, and only then install self-tapping screws and hang the picture. And so you figured out how to hang a modular picture of 5 parts without nails, armed yourself with a drill. Stop!
This dusty, labor-intensive and not always safe process is a thing of the past. Today you can use all of the above fasteners. They do not require labor-intensive preparation, are reliable, practical to use and have a long service life.
A few more subtleties
On average, the optimal height for placing a horizontal modular picture is one and a half meters. If the set is vertical, then the main module must be installed at this distance.
Do not combine paintings with large pieces of furniture. It’s better to set aside a separate wall for such an independent item.
When calculating the location and other parametric data, use the help of loved ones, because with both eyes you can miss something important - not maintain symmetry or deviate from the level.
A module for every home!
Let's summarize.
Modular paintings perfectly complement any interior. They are hung in bedrooms, children's rooms, formal studies, offices, shopping areas, sports and medical centers. They decorate the space, make it individual, serve for a long time, do not require special conditions for care and cleaning, do not fade and do not lose their attractiveness.
To fix modular paintings of any size and type, you do not need special knowledge or tools. All you need is a little patience, modern fastening accessories and a few minutes of free time.
Installing such a picture makes the space bright and extraordinary. You can change it to a new one if you get tired of the image or you decide to re-paste the wallpaper. There are a great variety of prints: amazing abstractions, realistic reproductions of paintings by famous artists, funny little animals and free wild animals, juicy fruits and delicate floral motifs.
