You've got an empty wall, some favorite art, a good hammer and several urgent questions. How should you arrange everything? How do you position a large object so it works with the rest of the room? How can you convince a friend to do it all for you? Well, we can help with some of those things.

• Start by tracing each object onto scrap paper. Tape the cutout pieces to the wall, experimenting and rearranging to see what composition works best.
• Hang the largest piece first, at about eye level. Work outward.
• For a unified look, choose items with similar colors or frame style. Try using simple floating frames with black mats to pull your look together.
• Another way to create unity is by repeating a motif. For example, print out color or black & white copies of graphics and blow them up to different sizes. Pressed flowers and leaves are another idea.

• Small items can look sparse on a large wall, but work well when grouped in small areas. Makes sense, right?
• Don't space objects too far apart. The width of your hand is a generally good guide.
• It's usually best to place the largest object near the center, then work outward.
• In addition to hanging, try propping a few pieces against a wall and let them overlap. No place to prop? Try hanging a small shelf to display your art.
• Consider track or other spot lighting to accentuate art and add importance to a smaller space.

• Shop your hardware store for picture-hanging kits. And if you're hanging something heavy, know the weight so you can choose the proper hook.
• Your new BFF? A level. Whether you choose a laser level or the traditional box version, this is the best way to make sure your frame is even.
• Keep it in proportion. When hanging artwork or mirrors over a piece of furniture, make sure it's not wider than the piece underneath it. Also, leave no more than 6 inches of wall space between the furniture and art.
• Vertical or horizontal? The decision might be dictated by your desire to create height or to widen and elongate a space. But generally, vertical arrangements appear formal and dramatic while horizontal hangings feel more casual.