Hanging Art

Racheal
Apr 8, 2016
3 min read

The age old problem of how to hang artwork and photos at the right height and the best arrangement...how do we? Humans have been hanging "art" for centuries and still there are people who do it too high, too low, or all over the place. So here's the general rule of thumb...center your piece or grouping around 57-60" from the floor. How did I come up with that? I did not...designers and galleries all over the world use this guideline (yes, there are exceptions) to hang their art. So, let's think about why it works...

The average person is just over 5 feet tall (60 inches +/-) and their eye level would then be around 57 inches. Art is viewed best at eye level and it is best to hang the center of the piece at the average eye level of 57-60 inches. I happen to be 5'5" and my eye level is 60". I can hang art all day without a tape measure because my eye level is near the perfect height. Now, there are exceptions....

Never let your art float too far above a table. Bring it down closer to the tabletop to make it a part of the grouping. It works the same with a mantel...bring it close to the top of the mantel, not flying 12 inches above.

When you're working with a wainscoting, you need to choose, above or over top (like the wainscoting is just wall). I have seen rooms that look fabulous with all the art above the wainscoting, but it works because all the pieces follow the same rule. Make your decision and go with it.

Groupings or gallery style...keep it simple. Find a common thing for all portraits or pieces. It might be that they are all in the same colored frame, all the same size frame or they could all be black and white photos. There needs to be one thing that unifies the grouping. Once you have your pieces selected, find the center piece of the group and hang that one with our rule of 57"-60". Then all the other pieces move up or down, side to side from there. When you look at the unit as a whole, it will have the center point at the correct viewing height.

If you are still stuck, higher a professional to come in and hang all your art and photos. It will save you the headache and you will enjoy your pieces sooner than later.

The vignette shows how the artwork is hung closely to the top of the console, so that it feels connected to the entire grouping. Also note that it is hung on top of the millwork paneling.

Some people think they need a piece that fits inside the panel.

Imagine it's just wall and hang your piece over the top.

The collection of maps is placed closer to the mantel instead of floating between the quarter round windows. This makes the artwork feel a part of the fireplace mantel and it's accessories.

This grouping is layered nicely and shows how using the same frame finish and same color matte creates a simple and unified display.

Another great example of a balanced, unified grouping. Same frame and matte, hung over the paneling, and close to the top edge of the sofa. Also notice the spacing between each piece is uniform.