Decorating 101: Hang-Ups

Although decorative elements such as mirrors and frames get all the attention, anchors stoically hold everything in place. In fact, anchors are so quiet that you may not have heard of them at all. So we'll spread the news: These devices are inexpensive, easy to use, and available in an array of styles to suit many weights and surfaces.

Pictures in high-traffic areas, such as halls and entryways, often end up askew. Remedy this with self-adhesive Velcro tabs in 1/4- or 1/2-inch sizes. Remove the backing from both sides of two tabs without separating the Velcro layers; stick one on each of the lower corners of the frame. Hang the picture level, pressing the base firmly against the wall.

The French don't just store favorite trays and platters; sometimes they hang them. All it takes is a wide ribbon, a brass ring, and a pretty picture hook.

A hardworking bulletin board is, quite literally, pretty as a picture when covered with cheerful fabric, then placed in a frame and hung from a wide ribbon. The frame is painted to complement the fabric, which makes a perfect background for favorite photographs and letters, along with the more prosaic matters of life such as the phone bill and the grocery list.

A frameless oval mirror hung on ribbon in a bedroom is part wondrous window, part vanity glass.

Just because an antique platter or plate is broken doesn't mean it needs to be thrown out. Its patterned border can be use as the decorative frame for a hanging mirror.

In the garden, latticework is assembled into trellises to form an attractive armature for climbers such as roses, clematis, and morning glories. Indoors, these crisscrossed strips of lath look just as fitting when they are used to make jaunty frames for pressed flowers. Suspend them from chains, and display alone or in casual groupings.

Display family photos on this line of ribbon instead of the tradition 5-by-7 frame. You won't need a hammer and nails to display them!

An enormous pet photograph is an unusual yet fun way to cover a wall. The blowup will always look appropriate in a child's room or playroom, but for an unexpected twist try it in a more formal living room or kitchen.