Dear Leanne: I have a question about hanging pictures. What is the best way to hang pictures so that they don't need to be adjusted all the time?

I have a number of pictures that I have hanging in my back hall but every time the door shuts the pictures go crooked. Also, I am not sure if I have spaced them properly. How high and low should a collection be displayed on a wall?

A: There's a science to the art of hanging pictures but you don't need to go back to your high school text books for this one. If you did, however, you would find that your picture -- if hung on picture wire -- would be most secure if you use two hooks rather than one.

Simply measure the back of your picture and divide the width in thirds. Place the hooks (on the wall) at each third interval. An interesting point about this method is that even if the two hooks are not perfectly even, your picture can still be easily adjusted to ensure that it looks straight. The two hooks provide greater stability against the shock and vibration caused when a door closes.

When you are attempting to group several pictures on the same wall, create templates of each item out of paper first. This way you can place the templates on the wall in advance before you begin to commit to screwing or nailing the hangers on your wall.

When grouping pictures you must consider the complete space you are dealing with -- wall and floor. This will guide you when determining how high or low you can go.

The goal of hanging any picture, regardless of it being considered a single item or placed in a grouping, is to see each item. There isn't a specific upper or lower height recommendation that fits for all scenarios.

The farther you can step back to view the group, the lower or higher the photos can go. It is also important, however, to consider the size of the photos.

Smaller photos are best viewed at eye level whereas larger pictures can be placed higher on the wall. Pictures hung too low run the risk of being damaged.

In a back hallway you are likely limited by the floor space that allows you to step back and view the collection. I suggest you hang the midline of the higher items at eye level with the middle of the lower items somewhere around your waist. This is a general rule for pictures with lengths or widths approximately 40 centimetres (or less).

As to the proper spacing between pictures, there is no exact rule. All art needs breathing space around it. This is where placing the paper templates on the wall, and adjusting their positions to provide a sense of balance, offers the best solution.

Dear Leanne: Having read recently that valences are back in style for window treatments, I was wondering if I should consider this for my kitchen nook area. The nook is made up of five large windows that sit in a bay. The kitchen table fits into this space.

What I'm confused about is that this bay window has a bulkhead at the top and the windows fit into this shape. Would a fabric valance be too much with the bulkhead?

A: Valences are indeed beginning to reappear in designer showcases. For those who didn't know, yes, window valances have been missing from the best-dressed window arena for several years now -- but they're back.

Rather than flouncy fabric toppers, we are seeing a resurgence of a tailored and sleek style. The current trendsetters are flat panels with simple pleats at the corners and, for longer treatments, in the centre point.

One very popular style is the structured upholstered valance. These offer a tailored and sophisticated finish to a room. They look fabulous in a complementary fabric to the draperies, rather than matching the draperies exactly.

This is convenient if you were planning to update your look without replacing all of your treatment. Simply select a fabric that works with your existing coverings.

Now for the question of whether these are a good idea for your kitchen nook. That depends on how much space you have between your window and the bulkhead, which I am imagining creates the ceiling for this window.

Valances look best on windows that have extensive height or in rooms with high ceilings.

Valances do add a finishing touch, but they also have the potential of blocking the view and natural light.

For a window treatment to establish balance, it cannot overpower the window. Unless your nook offers soaring windows or has at least 25 cm between the top of the window and the ceiling, I think a valance may be too much.

The bulkhead acts as a valance already, so I suggest you keep the kitchen simple with inside-mount blinds.

Leanne Brownoff is an Edmonton interior design consul tant who welcomes your questions at leannebrownoff.com. Answers will be featured in her column as high volumes prevent individual e-mail responses. Also follow Leanne at twitter.com/LeanneBrownoff