Wall Art And Decor
The size of your wall art, painting, or sculpture grouping should be determined by the space below it (e.g., a sofa, bed, or console) or the overall size of a blank wall.
Location Recommended Size
Formula Rule of Thumb Above Furniture
(Sofa, Bed, Credenza) The total width of the artwork (or arrangement) should be two-thirds (2/3) to three-quarters (3/4) the width of the furniture piece below it.
Example: If your sofa is 90 inches wide, your art should be between 60 and 67.5 inches wide.
On a Blank Wall
The artwork should fill 60% to 75% of the available wall space. This is the space not covered by trim, molding, or other permanent features.
Example: If a blank wall is 10 feet (120 inches) wide, your art should be between 72 and 90 inches wide.
Highlight three-dimensional pieces with directional accent lighting (spotlights or adjustable recessed lights) positioned at an angle to create depth-enhancing shadows.
- The Angle: Aim the light to strike the art at an angle of 30 to 40 degrees from the wall. This is the optimal range to emphasize texture and dimension.
- Fixture Type: Use lights with adjustable beams, such as track lighting or adjustable recessed lights.
- Color Quality: Use LED bulbs with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 90 or higher to ensure colors are accurately displayed.
Fixture Type Best For A clean, architectural look.
- Track Lighting Maximum flexibility to reposition and angle the light.
- Picture Lights Smaller, specific pieces (mounted above).
Mixing paintings and sculptures creates visual interest and texture. The key is to balance the smooth, flat surfaces of the paintings with the depth and shadows of the sculptures using two main principles: Balance and Connection.
Principles for Successful Mixing
- Prioritize Texture (Balance):Place Sculptures Strategically:
Because wall sculptures create depth and cast shadows, treat them as high-impact accent pieces. Space them out among the 2D paintings to prevent the wall from feeling too heavy or chaotic.
Balance the Weight:
Never group all the heavy (3D) pieces on one side. Distribute them evenly to achieve visual balance across the entire arrangement. - Establish a Connection (Cohesion):The Shared Thread:
Introduce a common element to unify the grouping. This is often a consistent color (a recurring blue or gold), a shared material (all pieces have a metallic element), or a frame style (all pieces are unframed, or all have simple black frames). - Consistent Spacing: Use the same tight 2 to 3-inch spacing between the 2D frames and the 3D sculptures. This forces the different mediums to be viewed as one connected design unit.
Quick Tip
Start by placing a large painting (or print) and a prominent sculpture at opposite ends of your gallery wall. Then, fill the middle space with smaller pieces, maintaining visual flow between the two anchors.
Treat the entire collection as a single piece of art. Build and finalize the arrangement on the floor before hanging anything.
Steps for a Cohesive Grouping
- Map it Out: Lay all your pieces on the floor within the size of the wall space you plan to use.
- Anchor the Center: Start with the largest or most important piece. Center this anchor piece, or place it slightly off-center to guide the arrangement.
- Maintain Tight Spacing: Keep a consistent distance between all frames and objects—ideally 2 to 3 inches (5–7.5 cm).
- Hanging Height: Once finalized, measure the center of the entire grouping and hang that point at eye level (57–60 inches from the floor).
Design Tip
- Cohesion: Create visual unity by sticking to a similar color palette, using consistent frame colors, or focusing on a shared subject matter.
Secure mounting depends on matching the item's weight to the proper hardware and anchoring into a wall stud whenever possible.
- Locate a Stud: Always use a stud finder to anchor heavy pieces (over 25 lbs) directly into a wooden stud with a long screw for maximum support.
- Use Heavy-Duty Anchors: If a stud isn't available, you must use high-rated hardware: For pieces under 50 lbs, use Molly Bolts or Toggle Bolts. For very heavy pieces (50+ lbs), use a secure French Cleat system.
- Safety Rule: Always choose hardware that is rated for at least double the actual weight of the sculpture.
A focal point is the single design element that immediately captures attention when someone enters the room. It acts as the anchor around which the rest of your furniture and decor should be arranged.
How to Create One
The easiest way to create a focal point is to use one of the room's existing architectural features, or to introduce a dominant piece of decor:
Methods, Examples, & Tips for Success :
Use an Existing Feature
A beautiful fireplace, a large window with a view, or built-in shelving.Arrange your main furniture (like a sofa or two accent chairs) to face or frame the feature.
Introduce Wall Art/Decor
A very large, dramatic painting, a bold wall sculpture, or an eye-catching mirror.Ensure the piece is appropriately sized (following the 2/3 rule) and well-lit to command attention.
Use a Dominant Furniture Piece
A striking, richly colored sofa, a magnificent headboard, or a unique antique piece.Use plain, neutral colors on the walls and surrounding furniture to let the main piece stand out.
The standard height is to position the center of the artwork or wall sculpture at 57 to 60 inches from the floor, which is approximately eye level for the average person.
Exceptions:
- Above Furniture: The bottom of the frame or wall sculpture should generally be hung 6 to 8 inches above the top of the sofa, headboard, or console table.
- Gallery Walls: Treat the entire arrangement as a single unit and center the middle of the grouping at 57–60 inches.
Wind Bells and WindChimes
Acoustics, Placement, & Care
In an open area, away from walls or other barriers, where the wind can reach the wind sail from as many directions as possible.
Hanging it from a rigid support (like a sturdy beam or an 'S' hook) ensures the entire chime doesn't sway, allowing the striker to hit the tubes more effectively.
Yes, wind chimes and wind bells can absolutely be hung indoors, especially when they are valued as decorative pieces of art, like the handcrafted items from Lago Luna Originals.
While any chime hung indoors will primarily function as decoration—remaining mostly silent unless in the path of a strong draft or open window—Lago Luna's metal art pieces offer additional benefits:
- Artistic Display: Many customers choose to display our wind bells and chimes as high-quality, three-dimensional kinetic art which provides visual texture and focal points to a room even when stationary.
- Manual Sound Activation: For those moments when you desire the bell's tone, indoor placement allows for easy, direct, manual activation (tapping the wind sail). This provides the benefit of their calming sound only when desired, without the randomness of outdoor wind.
- Protection and Preservation: Indoor placement offers the best possible protection from the elements (rain, snow, extreme temperatures), ensuring the metal finish and other components remain in pristine condition for decades.
A wind chime uses multiple suspended tubes or rods to create a melodic harmony or sequence of notes, while a wind bell typically features a single bell with an internal clapper to produce one primary, resonant tone. Chimes are often tuned to a musical scale, whereas bells focus on a singular, sustained vibration.
It's generally recommended to bring chimes inside or into a sheltered area during severe wind storms or harsh winter weather (heavy snow, ice, or extreme cold) to prevent physical damage, excessive wear on the suspension cords, or material brittleness.
In an open area, away from walls or other barriers, where the wind can reach the wind sail from as many directions as possible. Even slight changes in location can make a big difference.
Hanging it from a rigid support (like a sturdy beam or an 'S' hook) ensures the entire assembly doesn't sway, allowing the striker to hit the body or tubes more effectively
Most metal bells and chimes can be cleaned gently with a damp cloth, mild soap, and water. (Do not use harsh cleaners or abrasives).
Wooden parts, particularly on bamboo chimes, benefit from a periodic application of a protective oil (like Danish, teak, or lemon oil) or varnish to slow the natural aging process and protect against moisture.
The "Art-in-Metal-Mediums" Movement
It is a movement led by Marc Staples to redefine metalwork. Instead of viewing metal merely as a material for tools or fabrication, this movement elevates it to the status of fine art, deserving the same reverence as painting or sculpture.
He views metal (steel, bronze, copper) as a sculptural
medium with limitless artistic potential. His philosophy is to move beyond
utility and use metal to create emotionally resonant, conceptual art.
Our mission is to transform lives through art. We believe
that integrating beautiful, handcrafted metal art into everyday living spaces
fosters well-being and elevates the human experience.
These are intentional marks of hand-craftsmanship. Unlike
mass-produced items, our work is made by hand using time-honored techniques.
Small variations and unique patinas are proof of the artist's touch.
We believe it is both. Lago Luna Studio bridges the gap,
elevating fine craft to the level of fine art. We prioritize artistic intent
and beauty just as much as the technical skill required to shape the metal.
General Questions
Yes, absolutely! We welcome commissions for unique, one-of-a-kind art creations for homes, offices, and commercial spaces. Marc Staples handcrafts innovative pieces from concept to creation, utilizing modern and traditional metal fabrication techniques.
What We Offer
We can bring your vision to life, working with a variety of materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, bronze, and mixed media. Our custom capabilities include:
- Sculpture: Fine art sculpture, site-specific installations, and fountains.
- Architectural Metalwork: Gates, partitions, and specialized detailing.
- Decorative Art: Wall art, lighting, wind bells, windchimes, and garden ornaments.
Our Approach
Marc's innovative designs are characterized by clean, flowing lines and elegant forms, ensuring the art complements any environment, from small courtyards to bold modern architecture. We are also experienced in collaborating with architects and project managers during various phases of construction for large-scale, site-specific projects.
Ready to start?
Please Contact Us to discuss your unique design idea and begin the commissioning process.
We ship to all 50 states in the United States. We currently do not ship internationally.
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover), as well as secure payments through platforms like PayPal and Shop Pay
All in-stock items typically ship within 1-3 business days of placing your order. This processing time is separate from the shipping time (or carrier delivery time). For out-of-stock, custom or made-to-order pieces, please refer to the specific lead time noted on the product page. Or contact us to ask for estimated time frames.
Our delivery timeline has two components:
Fulfillment/Production Time and Shipping Carrier Time.
Our Fulfillment and Production Timelines vary depending on the item's current stock status and whether it is a custom design:
Item StatusFulfillment/Production Time
In-Stock Items
1 to 3 business days before shipment.
Out-of-Stock Items (Normally stocked)
1 to 2 weeks before shipment.
Custom Wall Art or Lighting Orders
10 to 12 weeks before shipment.
New Custom Design & Production Services
Fulfillment time will be provided per individual estimate.
Please Note: Our fulfillment and production times above do not include the transit time once the package is with the shipping carrier. Shipping carrier times are subject to many variables beyond our control.
We meticulously package all our pieces, but if your item arrives damaged, please contact-us within 48 hours of delivery. Include your order number, customer information, and clear photos of the damage to both the item and the packaging so we can promptly arrange a replacement.
Due to the unique, handcrafted, and individual nature of every piece we create, Lago Luna Originals does not offer returns, exchanges, or cancellations on any orders. All sales are final.
We take great care to ensure our product descriptions and production timelines (see: How long will it take to receive my order?) are clear so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing.
What if my artwork arrives damaged?
We meticulously package all our pieces. However, if your item arrives damaged in transit, we will promptly arrange a replacement. (See: What should I do if my artwork arrives damaged?) for the full policy details and required steps to file a claim within 48 hours of delivery.