Hanging art can be a cinch if you want it to look professional and well-thought out. Rugs being too small is the number one design flaw in most homes, and hanging art too high is probably number two! Fortunately, there are some simple design rules that professionals use and swear by that can make it super duper easy for anyone!
According to the experts, 57 inches from the center of your picture to the floor seems to be the sweet spot for standard height. The 57-inch rule isn’t always perfect, and if it looks low, you can increase that to 60 inches for art or photographs. This rule is designed to hang pictures at eye level for the average person, so consider that it won’t be exactly at eye level for every household member.
Another way to use the 57-inch rule is to measure the full height of your picture, then divide that number in half. Add the result to 57, which will be the perfect height for the top of your frame on the wall.
The 57-inch rule doesn’t consider all situations in hanging pictures such as a stairwell, above furniture, small art, etc. but there are some other ways to measure for those circumstances.
When the 57″ rule doesn’t apply
Think of the artwork or picture you’re hanging and its relationship to its surroundings. Whether you display a framed picture over a sofa, on a stairway wall, or in the entryway, each space has unique elements to consider.
Here are tips on hanging art in your home when the 57-inch rule doesn’t apply:
Gallery walls: When working with a group of pictures or objects, think of the group as one large picture and how it relates to the bottom of the entire group with the furniture underneath it. So the center of the grouping should be around 57″-60″ from the floor or 4-6″ from the top of the furniture.
Hallways and entryways: Will you mostly be standing in the room? If so, hanging artwork a bit higher than the 60- to 62-inch center starting point may make sense–especially if the ceiling is tall.
Hanging pictures above furniture: In a room where you generally are sitting down (a dining room, living room, family room, or office), hang pictures a bit lower. Sit in a chair and have someone hold the picture against the wall, moving it up and down so you can evaluate the look. The rule here is typically 4″-6″ from the top of the furniture, especially above a sofa or chair.
Large pictures: A large framed piece over a sofa or sideboard relates more easily when hung so the bottom of the frame is positioned 6″-8″ inches above the top of the furniture. However, this doesn’t work if your art is small. In that case, consider hanging the piece with a group of other more 3D objects, such as plates, mirrors, or decorative items & souvenirs.
Small pictures: A small picture hung on a large wall can look off. Look for narrower walls and try hanging two or three small pictures vertically. In this case, the center picture will be the center of the grouping.
Rooms with high ceilings: With a ceiling up to 10 feet or more, you can go to about 62 inches from the center of the art/picture.
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Vertical art: Does the center rule apply if you hang a tall vertical picture, panel, or poster? In this case, it may be better to consider placing the art so the top third of the picture is near eye level. However, the actual height of the piece will determine the best position on the wall. Again, have someone hold it lower and higher so you can see what looks best.
For hanging: If you’re hanging artwork by yourself, cut paper templates to size for each piece of art and attach the paper cutouts to the wall with painter’s tape. This will allow you to stand back and see how the artwork’s size relates to your room and furniture. Move the template up and down to find the perfect spot before hanging the picture. Put your nails directly onto the paper then rip it off just before haning.
Gallery walls: To hang a gallery wall there are just a few “rules” because really, a gallery wall is a piece of art in and of itself. Try to hang each piece only 3-6″ apart to create a more cohesive look. Use different frames, 3D objects and types of art.
I hope this gives you a good starting guide to hanging art in your space. While many design rules are ok to break, these are some pretty great rules to follow for a more cohesive and put together look.
