Putting awards on display is not always expected. Some people do not always know how to tastefully do so without making it seem they are showing off. In reality, awards are an acknowledgment of having achieved something and should be proudly displayed. A wooden plaque award is often considered very tasteful and goes well with just about any room décor. They are typically dark-colored with the wooden frame often being the brightest aspect. Here are a few tips for hanging them up in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Test The Layout
If you have other wall hangings like clocks and artwork on the same wall, it is a good idea to test out how they will look before actually hanging them up. You can do this simply by clearing some floor space in front of the wall and laying out the different wall hangings to see what visual effect you get. It can also guide you on spacing so you leave adequate room for each item to be shown to its best advantage.
Stick Substitutes
If using the floor does not give you a good enough idea of the final result, simply use tape and paper. Cut the paper to the size of each wall hanging and tape it where you plan on hanging it. This should give a clearer picture of what to expect when it comes time to put hammer to nail. This can also help ensure you hang up the wooden plaque at an appropriate eye level.
Choose The Right Tone
Depending on the visual effect you are going for, you may want to be careful of the type of wood you choose for your plaque. You will find that a walnut plaque is darker than one made using oak. Even the same variety can have varying shades. The grain patterns can also vary, making it necessary to do a little research to see what tones will best fit your needs.
Group Your Wall Hangings
It can be odd to place a military award or certificate amid watercolors. Group your wall hangings in categories. For official awards like certificates and military awards, place them together. Then have other artwork of a similar type grouped separately. If you feel the result is not suitable, you can break them up into sections and split them into smaller groups carefully spread across the wall. If you feel you have too few pieces overall, consider adding something else to fill up the empty space, like a mirror or banner.
While wall hanging is the simplest way to display awards, you may also opt to set them on shelving in display cases, on a fireplace, or on a piano. You can even purchase an easel for this purpose. Test out different display options to work out what works best.