how do you hang pictures on the wall with "picture frame" molding?

Question

We just bought our house, and the previous owners put "picture frame molding" (at least that is what i think it is called) everyone. These are rectangular shaped molding on the walls at the same height you would hang pictures. The walls have just been painted, and we don't have the energy (or money) to remove the moldings. It seems that all paintings would look weird (even if they were exactly symmetrically placed). Any decorators out there who can help?

Answer 1

Just hang the pictures/artwork where YOU want them for now & remove the molding later when you recoup from "just buying the house".

FYI: A cheap, non-marring picture/wall hanging idea...
My daughter-in-law taught me that using regular straight pins (the inexpensive type used for sewing projects - w/ the heads NOT balls on end) hammer-ed in almost paralell to the wall (just leave out enough to hang frame from), you know at an angle.
We have drywall & I was surprised at the weight a couple of those pins hold...I have one huge painting that weighs probably 50 lbs (give or take) that has been hanging for a couple of years w/ just 3 of those pins...one near each end & one in the middle.
Other rooms I have moved around the artwork & no ugly nail holes or damaged walls!
LOVE IT!!!

Answer 2

Artwork hung on walls with paneling or "picture frame" moldings usually looks best in a symmetrical arrangement. That doesn't mean, however, that the artwork must conform to the size of the moldings; it can overlap if needed.

Answer 3

It's your house, take charge! two things are obvious. they are there, and you don't want to remove them. I think you have two choices, basically ignore them and hang your pictures right where you want to, on top of them. Or embrace them and place your pictures above or below them, or both. If a rude person asks why, tell them why, and ask them if they will remove them for you and repaint, or just enjoy what you have to offer