10+ Aesthetic Ways to Arrange Masks on a Wall - wikiHow

Co-authored by Peter Salerno and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: January 5, 2022 References

Decorative masks can add a lot of personality to your home. Whether you have one large African mask you want to show off or you've amassed an amazing collection of ornate Venetian masks, you can use them to create a beautiful wall display. Don't be afraid to get creative and show off your unique style!

1

Show off a single mask.

Hang one large mask by itself to make it a focal point. To make the mask really stand out, place it so either the top of the mask or the eyes are just a little above eye level. Leave it as the only decoration on the wall for a striking, minimalist effect, or surround it with a few other items to create a one-of-a-kind tableau.^{[1]
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- If you have an ornate tribal mask, for instance, you might place several primitive pieces around it, like a woven basket, simple tools, or other artifacts you've collected.
- If you're displaying a feathered masquerade mask, you might show it in an embellished frame, then create a gallery effect by hanging framed black-and-white photos of Venetian architecture.

2

Create a museum-like display with similar masks.

Arrange the masks in a neat line or grid if they're the same size and shape. If you have a collection of masks that are very similar to each other, you can create a striking effect by hanging them in neat rows or columns. If you have enough, hang all the masks in a grid for a really modern look.^{[2]
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Peter Salerno
Installation Expert
Expert Interview. 10 June 2019.} Make sure all of the masks are evenly spaced; otherwise, the arrangement may look messy.^{[3]
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- Consider leaving the rest of the wall bare so the masks can really stand out.
- You can also stagger the masks, which looks especially nice if you have an odd number. For example, you might line them up so you have 3 on top and 2 on bottom, all spaced evenly.

3

Show off an eclectic collection with a creative arrangement.

Group varied masks more artistically. If your masks are a variety of shapes and sizes, don't worry about making sure they're lined up perfectly. Instead, decide on the general area you want to use for your display. Then, play around with the arrangement, grouping the masks in different ways until you're happy with what you see.^{[4]
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- To make it easier to find the arrangement you like best, lay all of the masks out on the floor before you hang them on the wall. That way, you won't have to put any nails or hooks into the wall until you're happy with the layout.^{[5]
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  Peter Salerno
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  Expert Interview. 10 June 2019.}
- It can help make the collection look more cohesive if you hang a mask at each of the 4 corners of the display. However, you don't necessarily have to stay inside those 4 corners—it's fine if some of the masks go a little outside the imaginary line running from corner to corner.
- It's best to stick to a similar style of masks for your collection—like using all Tiki, African, Mardi Gras, or movie-monster masks. That way, the display will still feel cohesive even if the masks are very different in size and shape.^{[6]
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4

Add complementary decor.

Create an eclectic look by adding a few other pieces. Don't limit yourself to only hanging masks—make a fun gallery display by including items like wall art, tapestries, figurines, lanterns, or musical instruments. Try to find objects that somehow connect to your masks, but don't worry about being strict—if you feel like the items go together, trust your artistic vision!^{[7]
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- Including several different types of media will add a lot of visual interest to your mask gallery, so get creative!^{[8]
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- Don't forget—you can also display items on low shelves beneath your masks. Statues and figurines can really complement this style.
- Try to stick to a single theme, like Tiki or masquerade ball.

5

Use a picture as the centerpiece.

Arrange the masks around a photograph or painting for a unique look. Give your display a main focal point by centering the masks around a picture that fits the theme. For instance, you might use a painting of the location where the masks originated or a photo of someone wearing a similar mask to the ones you're displaying.^{[9]
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- Try to choose a picture that includes some of the same colors as your masks to help the display feel even more unified.

6

Match the room's aesthetic.

Think about how to complement the other decor in the room. For instance, if you prefer a more minimal look, you might stick to a simple mask display with just a few neatly-arranged masks. If your home has more of a cozy, lived-in feel, you might create a more complex display with a lot of visual interest.^{[10]
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- Do your best to pull in other colors from your home. For instance, you might choose masks that have colors similar to other art in the room, your favorite rug, or your furniture.

7

Paint the wall.

Hang wooden masks on a brightly-colored wall to liven them up. Many decorative masks are made of wood or are painted with neutral colors. If you really want to display your masks but you still want some color in the space, paint the wall a color that will make the masks pop.
- For instance, you might choose teal or magenta for a playful look, or you could go with burnt orange or forest green for a more classic combination.^{[11]
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- Similarly, if your masks are brightly-colored, you might prefer displaying them on a neutral-colored wall so they'll stand out.

8

Stagger masks along a stairway.

Angle the masks up your stairway to jazz up a plain space. The wall that runs along a stairway can sometimes be a boring area in a home, but this might just be the perfect spot to show off your mask collection! Use a laser level to help you find the angle of the stair railing along the wall. Then, hang the masks so either the tops or bottoms line up with that same angle.^{[12]
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- If the masks are different sizes, or if you're creating a gallery with a lot of different masks, not all of the masks have to be perfectly aligned. Just make sure the overall arrangement matches the angle of the stairs—the display will look more deliberate and balanced that way.

9

Use hooks and hanging hardware.

Use a heavy-duty wall hook to hang the mask by its wire. Most masks come with a hanging wire, ribbon, or elastic already attached. If yours doesn't have this, add your own hanging hardware by applying heavy-duty adhesive to the mask just above each eye area. Press the tabs of the hanging hardware into the adhesive and cover the whole area with masking tape. Let the glue dry for 24 hours, then remove the tape.^{[13]
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- Once the adhesive is dry, all you have to do is place the wire on a hook to hang the mask.
- If your mask doesn't have eye cut-outs, place the glue right on the indentation created by each eye. If the eyes are cut out, put the adhesive right above each eye.
- You can buy picture-hanging kits that come with the wire, the hardware to attach the wire, and the hooks all included.
- If your mask is very valuable, it may not be a good idea to alter it in this way. Consult an art professional, like a museum curator who specializes in your type of mask.

10

Display valuable masks in shadow boxes.

Use shadow boxes to create a museum-quality display. Remove the glass from each shadow box and mount or hang each mask inside of one of the frames. Then, hang the shadow boxes in a neat line or grid. Even very different masks will look like they're part of an intention collection with this approach.
- Removing the glass allows the masks to really stand out. It will also be easier to see any intricate carving.^{[14]
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11

Add foam backing to plastic masks.

Glue foam inside an inexpensive mask to create a backing. Trace the shape of the mask onto a piece of foam, then cut just inside the lines so the foam will fit just inside the edges of the mask.^{[15]
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Research source} Hot glue the foam inside the edges of the mask. Then, cut or drill a small hole into the center of the foam, about 1 in (2.5 cm) from the top of the mask. Once you've done that, you can just slip the hole over a hook or nail in the wall.^{[16]
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- This is a great option if you have a collection of plastic masks—like Halloween masks—that you want to show off.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I easily plan the arrangement of my collection?

Peter Salerno
Installation Expert
Peter Salerno is the owner of Hook it Up Installation, a professional installation company, which has been hanging art and other objects around Chicago, Illinois for over 10 years. Peter also has over 20 years of experience installing art and other mountable objects in residential, commercial, healthcare and hospitality contexts.

Peter Salerno

Installation Expert

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Lay a sheet on the ground. Measure the space on the wall where you want the artwork to go, then mark the corners of that on the sheet in painter's tape. Then, arrange the art on the sheet so you can see how it will line up together.