The challenge of incorporating artwork into your home isn't just about finding pieces you love; it's also about determining the right way to hang them. With a multitude of options in terms of style, size, shape, colour, and orientation, the initial step of bringing artwork home is relatively straightforward. However, the daunting task lies in placing it on the wall properly. When artwork is hung at the correct height and scale, complimenting the room and its furnishings, it elevates the space. This article provides guidelines for choosing the right size and orientation of artwork and offers insights into placing it correctly on your walls.
How High Should You Hang Artwork?
A common mistake when hanging pictures is placing them too high. Framed prints should be positioned close to furniture to create a cohesive unit and low enough on the wall for comfortable viewing while sitting or standing.
Proper Height: Aim for your artwork to hang at eye level or slightly lower on an unobstructed wall. The general rule is to have the centre of your artwork between 57 and 60 inches from the floor. The placement of your hook or nail should be higher than this based on your hardware. Factors such as room usage, ceiling height, and family height influence whether you choose the lower or upper height range.
Over Furniture: Maintain a space of 6 to 8 inches between the bottom of the frame and furniture, ensuring art and furniture visually appear as one unit. Adjust the height based on furniture height and ceiling proportions.
Grouping Art: When hanging two or more pieces together, the centre of the grouping should be between 57 and 60 inches from the floor, regardless of orientation or arrangement.
Specific Measurements and Locations:
Consistency is key when hanging artwork in various rooms. Different rooms and furniture placements have specific guidelines:
Above a sofa: Hang around four to six inches above the back of the couch.
Hallway: Aim for the 60-inch on centre height.
Above a bed: Maintain six to eight inches above the headboard for balance.
Over a nightstand: Keep a space of six to eight inches between the frame and furniture.
Over a fireplace: Allow between three and seven inches between the mantelpiece and bottom of the frame for comfortable viewing when seated.
In a dining room: Hang slightly lower than usual as you'll be sitting down.
Selecting the Correct Size Art:
Ensure your chosen art's size is proportionate to the space, wall, or furniture it adorns. Over furniture, the artwork should ideally be about 2/3 the width of the piece beneath it.
Over a console, dresser, bed, or sofa: Aim for art to cover about 2/3 of the furniture's width.
Over a fireplace: Match the art size to the fireplace opening or two-thirds the width of the entire fireplace.
Art to Wall Ratio: Choose smaller pieces for narrow walls and larger art for larger walls. Use a guideline of 0.57 times the wall width to determine the ideal width of your artwork.
Choosing the Right Orientation of Art:
Match the orientation of your artwork with the space you are filling. Artwork can hang vertically (portrait) or horizontally (landscape). If the art and wall space have different orientations, use multiple pieces to compensate.
Spacing Between Multiple Pieces of Art:
Maintain a balance between closeness for unity and enough space for individual appreciation when hanging multiple pieces. Groupings should be 3 to 4 inches apart, ensuring consistency in spacing.
Hanging Art Over Decorative Wall Treatments:
Consider the decorative moldings or wall treatments when hanging artwork. The trim should act as a frame around your artwork or be an accent behind it. Ensure symmetry with gaps in woodwork or paneling.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently hang art and decor to enhance your space effectively.
