Since K started preschool in the fall, we’ve had artwork taped onto walls and windows pretty randomly. Renovating the kitchen meant that proper display of art was low on my priority list and K was perfectly happy with things willy-nilly. Now that the major work is done and we’re finishing the paint and detail stuff, I was ready for a display solution that would make things a little more orderly. (Please note the neatened laundry area in the background. I did that just for you folks. You read blogs to live in pretend no-clutter world, right? I do.)
I wanted a flexible display that didn’t require clips, tape, magnets, or tacks.
I chose these Ghent rails
because they have a clear front to the rail and don’t conceal any edges. When does a 4yo remember to leave borders?
because they have a clear front to the rail and don’t conceal any edges. When does a 4yo remember to leave borders?
There are two ways to hang them. There’s an adhesive strip on the back. There’s also a slot that allows you to place screws into the wall and then slide the rail on. That’s the route I chose since I’m guessing we’ll want to be able to take these with us in a future move. I drew a line with a level and used two screws to start. After sliding the rail on I pushed it from side to side to add more along the same line. With only 5 screws per rail it feels secure enough to use as a monkey bar. And no doubt someone will try that at some point.
Installation was way quicker than I imagined. I think I was done in ten minutes. Not as whimsical as some of the wire and clip options, but I love how easy it is to slide papers in and out without damage, and K can help with minimal frustration.
I feel like we are now better able to discuss what to display. She has a defined space to work with and she can decide which pieces she likes most and what to take down when she has a new love.
Such a fantastic idea! Then you can take a picture of her standing in front of her creations when it gets full and then clear it off. Love this!
what a cool way to display artwork!
What brand are or what are those rails call?
that’s a brilliant way to display play school pictures. When my children were small we had a muddle of solutions (fridge magnets, blue tack on walls and so on). Finally as they grew I had three of the best in frames but having just had our kitchen redone I have secured permission to retire them to a less well used part of the house (the ‘artists’ are 30 and 26!)
This is a great idea. We are just using magnets on the door right now, but I would love something like this. Thanks for sharing. I just added a link to this post to my “art display ideas”.
http://www.sillyeaglebooks.com/2011/02/how-to-display-childrens-artwork-in.html
What a brilliant way to display art work. We just had a cork board when mine were young and it was just too small.