Hanging Artwork like a designer
6 Foolproof Tips for Hanging Artwork Like a Designer
Hanging artwork can instantly transform a space—pulling a room together, adding personality, and creating that curated, “finished” feeling we all love. But getting it right isn’t always as simple as hammering a nail into the wall. A few thoughtful guidelines can make the difference between art that elevates your home… and art that just feels “off.”
Here are six designer-approved tips to keep in mind when hanging artwork in your home:
1. Follow the 57-Inch Rule (Most of the Time)
Designers often hang art so that the center of the piece sits at 57 inches from the floor—roughly eye level for the average person.
This helps create a consistent, balanced feel throughout your home.
Tip: In rooms with tall ceilings, resist the urge to hang artwork higher. The goal is harmony, not filling vertical space.
2. Scale Matters More Than You Think
One of the most common mistakes is choosing art that’s too small for the wall.
A good rule of thumb: artwork or a grouping should take up two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall or furniture width it’s above.
Over a sofa? Choose a piece or grouping that’s at least 60–75% of the sofa’s width.
Oversized art almost always looks better than undersized art.
3. Create Visual Connection to Furniture
Artwork should feel anchored to the space, not floating in the middle of nowhere.
When hanging above furniture, aim to place the bottom of the piece 6–8 inches above the top of the furniture.
This little detail helps tie the whole vignette together, making the room feel intentional and finished.
4. Plan Your Layout Before You Commit
If you’re doing a gallery wall or multiple pieces, don’t guess as you go.
Try one of these planning methods:
Lay everything out on the floor first
Cut kraft paper into the size of each piece and tape them to the wall
Use painter’s tape to map out spacing
This gives you time to adjust and play with your arrangement before picking up a hammer.
5. Mind the Spacing
Even the best art collection can look chaotic if the spacing is off.
A general guideline: keep 2–3 inches between pieces in a gallery wall.
This creates consistency without feeling cluttered.
For large pieces, a little more breathing room is okay—but avoid big gaps that make pieces look disconnected.
6. Hang With the Room’s Purpose in Mind
Think about how you use the room and how you want it to feel.
In living rooms: balance the visual weight with furniture.
In bedrooms: choose calming or meaningful pieces.
In hallways: think vertical arrangements to guide the eye forward.
Near task areas: avoid glare from lighting or windows.
Art isn’t just decoration—it’s storytelling. Let it support the mood and function of your space.
Final Thoughts:
At the end of the day, your home should feel like you.
These guidelines provide structure, but the best artwork choices are the ones that make you smile every time you walk by. Trust your eye, take your time, and enjoy the process—designing your home is meant to be fun.