Picture hanging is not exclusive to certain spaces, but in every type of space, there are certain ways in which decor and art affect its design. Among these picture hanging spaces, productive spaces are no exception.

Productive picture hanging spaces are defined by their function as working and learning spaces, and their hanging needs are often practical in addition to being aesthetic and decorative. They are also divided by their accessibility; some are private or semi-private, while others are more open and publicly accessible.
These open spaces for productivity will be our subject for this article: which places they are, the purpose artwork serves in them, and various ways we can hang pictures and utilize picture hanging hardware in these spaces. Let’s dive right into it!
Table of contents
Open Productive Spaces as Picture Hanging Spaces
Classrooms, corporate offices, home offices and studies—these are places for productivity that are also prime spots for hanging pictures and decor. And belonging to this list are spaces that are open and shared by a community: libraries, community centers, university hallways, and coworking spaces.
Libraries are found in schools, universities, city centers, and other institutions. They are frequented by students, researchers, teachers, exam-takers, readers, and anyone looking for a peaceful space to study and work. Community centers are similarly localized and host a range of activities like public meetings and campaigns, volunteer initiatives, and celebrations. The hallways, corridors, and foyers of universities are often the sites of event or festival booths, information booths, and exhibitions. Co-working spaces, on the other hand, are communal areas for professionals to work in. In each of these spaces, communities are built and fostered.

The impact of design via artwork and picture hanging hardware aligns with each space’s function and community. So, how can you hang pictures and use hanging solutions to achieve this environment—one that is flexible, relevant, and stimulating—in these open productive spaces?
Picture Hanging in Open Productive Spaces: Hardware to Decorate and Organize
We’ll look at picture hanging ideas and methods for open, productive spaces that are not only ideal or most effective, but also creative. We also won’t limit ourselves to picture hanging, but also explore how we can maximize the uses of picture hangers and hooks to make these learning and working spaces more practical and worthwhile.
Libraries, university hallways, and community centers
For exhibitions, gallery walls, and photo events/competitions:
Brass gallery rods

If you’re hosting an exhibition or event involving art in these spaces, we recommend brass gallery rods for creating an expansive display that is also easy to adjust and reorganize. Brass rods will also be perfect for a gallery wall curation in the library or community center. This hanging system can accommodate a range of picture and frame sizes, whether it’s children’s artwork or photographs by aspiring or professional photographers in the community. Best of all, the use of these rods limits permanent alterations to a wall.
For books, small pictures, notebooks, pamphlets, and brochures:
Mini easel

In the library and community center, reading and lounge areas will benefit from mini easels. They easily prop up a book or notebook while reading and are also great for displaying magazines, informational pamphlets, and event brochures. You can use them for decor too and showcase small pictures, ceramic plates, and sculptures.
For most art pieces:
Strap adjustable hangers

One of the most important things for decor and picture hanging in these busy, open productive spaces is adjustability. A library can host a number of exhibitions that call for different arrangements. Similar activities in a university hallway are just as dynamic, so adjustable hardware like strap adjustable hangers is a convenient hanging solution. They keep displays looking professional and easy to adjust when needed, with a precise level of adjustability.
For large paintings, mirrors, and other decor:
Mega strap hanger

If a space is housing an ultra-heavy piece or two, the picture hanging hardware needs to be top-notch so it doesn’t come crashing down, especially in a productive space with many daily visitors. This is where the mega strap hanger comes in. This frame hanger has a weight rating of 200 lbs and is also compatible with similarly bulky mirrors and wall decor.
For signs and posters:
Sign standoffs

Room signs, directions, promotional posters—mount them in professional standoff displays that are perfectly modern-looking, seamless, and tamper-proof. Sign standoffs help you visibly designate a room, guide visitors to certain areas, formalize announcements, post notices, and highlight event posters. You can even mount art prints using standoffs.
For protecting valuable items:
Security kits

You may have items or pieces of art that are highly valuable or fragile, such as antiques and other works being preserved. Libraries and university hallways are high-traffic areas, so any displays of valuable art will be more vulnerable to damage or theft. Protect them using a security kit, which is special hardware that locks artwork to the wall and adds an extra level of security to your displays.
Coworking spaces
For seasonal decor and vertical gardens:
Drop ceiling hooks

Often, coworking spaces in commercial buildings are fitted with drop ceilings. Did you know these ceilings provide excellent real estate for decorations that change with every occasion and season? With the help of drop ceiling hooks, you can make your co working space lively, vibrant, or relaxing—whichever fits the mood or time of year. They can also help you greenify these spaces, vertical style. Just hang a planter here and there on hooks and voila!
For floating shelves and cabinetry:
Star drive wood screw

Shelves and cabinets are storage solutions that never fail, and you can customize them with all-purpose woodworking screws like the star drive wood screw. A floating shelf shows off some style while also being functional—you can showcase unique items, trinkets, and artwork, as well as store a little paperwork, a notebook or two, or a book.
For all kinds of boards:
French cleats

Coworking spaces cater to many different types of professionals, from solo freelancers to small startup teams and established brands. One may need a collaborative area, another a quiet zone to work in, and others a big meeting room. Writing boards like blackboards and white boards can be essential to these work rooms. In the pantry, you can use a pegboard or two to organize utensils and other essentials and keep them easily accessible. Hang these boards without worry using powerful French cleats.
For a noise-free workplace:
Bumpers

With soothing, pleasant artwork and plenty of shelves and cabinets in place, you can get productive in a beautiful and practical environment. But in these busy open spaces, you can’t avoid some level of disturbance at certain parts of the day, although it’s possible to anticipate and minimize them. Try placing bumpers in these potential disruption points, such as wall art to prevent tilting pictures, cabinet corners to muffle loud slams, and items like keyboards and vases to cushion them while in use.
Final thoughts
Open productive spaces such as coworking areas and libraries are unique picture hanging spaces because of their purpose. People gather in these spaces to create, work together, and build communities. The artwork displayed here is often curated to stimulate, and many pieces of hanging hardware are able to go above and beyond their usual picture hanging applications. What about you? How do you use your picture hangers and hardware to support your work or study routines?
Share your thoughts in the comments below. Happy hanging!
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