Stop Hanging Art Too High: The Eye-Level Rule
Artwork Hanging & Wall Heights
One of the easiest ways to make a room feel slightly "off" is to hang artwork too high. Art should generally relate to the people and furniture around it rather than floating close to the ceiling.
The Basic Eye-Level Rule
For a single piece of artwork, a useful starting point is to place the centre of the artwork around 145–150 cm (57–59 in) above the floor.
But this is a guideline, not a universal measurement. The ideal height also depends on the artwork, ceiling height and what sits beneath it.
When Artwork Goes Above Furniture
When hanging artwork above a sofa, console or headboard:
- Leave roughly 15–25 cm (6–10 in) between the furniture and the bottom of the frame.
- Treat several pieces arranged together as one visual group.
- Centre the group rather than measuring each frame individually.
- Consider the scale of the furniture below. A tiny picture can disappear above a large sofa.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Hanging art too high: If you have to look upward to comfortably view it, it may be too high.
- Ignoring the furniture below: Artwork should relate visually to the sofa, console or bed underneath it.
- Using one tiny frame on a large wall: Consider grouping several smaller pieces instead.
Pro Tip: Cut paper templates to the size of your artwork and tape them to the wall before drilling. It's much easier to move paper than fill a collection of unnecessary holes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should artwork be higher in a room with high ceilings?
Not necessarily. Start with eye level and adjust according to the furniture and proportions of the wall rather than simply moving the artwork higher because the ceiling is tall.
Plan Your Wall in Nooked
Build your room to scale in the Nooked Web Tool and use your furniture, doors and windows as reference points when planning where artwork will go.
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