How High Should You Hang Artwork?

How High Should You Hang Artwork?

Artwork hung at the wrong height can throw off an entire room’s balance. Too high, and it feels disconnected; too low, and it crowds the furniture. Whether you’re hanging a single statement piece or designing a full gallery wall, positioning your frames at the right height instantly makes a space feel more cohesive, polished, and intentional.

The classic "gallery standard" is to place the center of the artwork at around 145cm (57 inches) from the floor, roughly average adult eye level. This creates a natural viewing experience whether you’re standing or seated nearby. It's a simple rule, but one even seasoned decorators sometimes forget.

When hanging art above furniture, like a sofa, headboard, or console table, it’s important to leave about 15–25cm of space between the furniture and the bottom of the frame. This anchors the piece visually to the furniture without it feeling like it’s floating aimlessly up the wall.

When You Should Break the Rules

Not every space fits standard measurements. Stairwells, for example, demand that artwork follows the line of the stairs rather than sitting flat at eye level. Similarly, homes with double height ceilings often look better when art is placed a little higher than normal to match the scale of the room. The key is to stay visually connected to the space’s architecture.

When designing gallery walls, treat the collection as one large piece. Imagine an invisible rectangle around the group of frames and center that as you would a single piece of art.

Common Hanging Mistakes to Avoid

• Hanging too high
• Neglecting scale (art too small or too big for the space)
• Skipping the level and relying only on your eye

Always use a spirit level or laser to ensure a clean, straight finish.

Final Thoughts

If you're unsure, map it out on the wall first with painter’s tape, or lay everything on the floor to plan your design before drilling. For perfect results, and to avoid unnecessary holes or wall repairs, it’s worth booking a professional.

Need help hanging artwork perfectly in Brisbane?

Contact Hang My Art today for expert, clean, and precision hanging services.