Hanging artwork in a home can be an easy task and might seem self-explanatory. However, I have a few guidelines to follow that will ensure you don’t run into any unexpected trouble and that all your pieces look coherent. Whether you are hanging massive centerpieces or smaller frames, you generally want to follow the same rules.
Photo Credit Studio McGee
The 57 Rule
Most people have the tendency to hang artwork too high. The center of a framed piece of artwork should be 57 inches above the ground—the average eye level. This means that the center of your art piece (not the hook) should be 57″ from the floor. This 57″ standard represents the average human eye-height and is regularly used as a standard in many galleries and museums. It also creates balance in the home because all of your art will share a visual midline.
Photo Credit Studio McGee
Hanging Above Furniture
Nothing looks more beautiful than a gallery wall or piece of artwork hanging above your sofa. This is such an easy way to bring a room to life and look straight out of a magazine. If you’re hanging art above a sofa, allow for 8-10 inches above the sofa back, even if this breaks the 57″ rule. This will allow space to make sure you don’t bump into your artwork while sitting down. It also isn’t too high; when this happens, it can make a space seem a bit awkward.
Photo Credit Studio McGee
Gallery Wall Guidelines
If you’re working with a collection of art, it’s important to treat that collection or gallery as one piece to achieve a balanced look. The artwork should be two-thirds the size of the sofa or sideboard. If you are hanging multiple pieces in a group, make sure the heavier pieces are at the bottom left and the lighter pieces are at the upper right, with mid-sized pieces placed in between. If you have one large piece and a few smaller pieces, hang the large piece toward the middle as a focal point and go from there. Leave 2-5 inches between each frame for proper spacing.
Photo Credit Studio McGee
Helpful Hanging Tips
Before you start any project in your home, it is good to have a game plan. Mapping out your designs is key to success, and you don’t have to be a professional to do so. Before putting holes in your wall, I suggest mapping out your area with painter’s tape. This will save a lot of headaches and ensure you like the placement of your frames. I would also invest in a pack of smaller nails if your artwork is lightweight. Almost always use a stud finder before placing larger pieces to avoid damaging your walls.
I hope these tips were helpful and that you can confidently hang your artwork. Time to start filling up some of that negative space in your home, so let me know in the comments if these tactics helped you! If you are unsure where to start, you can find some great artwork pieces here.