The Art of Hanging Your Art
Hanging art is a skill well worth learning if you want your home to feel balanced, welcoming and thoughtfully put together. When artwork is hung well, it enhances a room. When it isn’t, it can feel uncomfortable to look at — even if you can’t quite put your finger on why.
One of the most common mistakes is hanging artwork too high. Art is meant to be viewed, enjoyed and lived with — not pushed up towards the ceiling as a last-minute filler for empty wall space.
Why Height Matters
Artwork hung too high can feel disconnected from the room and out of proportion with the furniture below it. It strains the eye and loses its impact.
A helpful guideline used by galleries and interior designers is to hang art so the centre of the piece sits at eye level.
A Simple Rule for Hanging Art
Here’s an easy way to get it right:
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Measure 57 inches (145 cm) up from the floor and mark the wall.
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Measure the full height of your artwork (including the frame) and divide it by two to find the centre point.
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Turn the artwork over and measure from the top of the frame to where the hook or wire sits.
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Subtract this measurement from the centre point.
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Add that final figure to the 57-inch mark and that is where your fixing should go.
This places the artwork at a comfortable viewing height and instantly improves how it looks in the space.
Hanging Art Above Furniture
When hanging artwork above a sofa, sideboard or table, position the bottom of the frame around 4–6 inches above the furniture. This helps the artwork feel visually connected rather than floating awkwardly above it.
Colour Isn’t Everything
People often focus heavily on whether artwork matches the colour of their décor. While colour matters, placement matters more.
Think about:
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where the artwork will be viewed from
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how it relates to nearby furniture
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whether it feels balanced within the space
Sometimes artwork stands out best when it gently contrasts with the wall rather than blending in.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Take a fresh look at the artwork in your home and ask:
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Is it hung too high or too low?
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Is it too small for the wall it’s on?
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Would it suit a different room better?
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Could it be grouped with other pieces for more impact?
Moving artwork around — even without buying anything new — can completely change how a room feels.
Hanging Artwork in Groups
In some cases, artwork looks better displayed as a collection rather than as individual pieces spread around the house. Grouping works together can create a strong focal point and bring a sense of unity to a wall.
Pay attention to spacing and balance so the group feels intentional, almost like one larger artwork.
If you’ve found these tips helpful, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Joan x