So you’ve got the artwork, the frames, and the hanging hardware – you’re ready to get started on that gallery wall. But, how high should you hang your frames? 🤔💭
Have you asked yourself…
- How high should I hang my frames?
- How high above furniture should a picture hang?
- How far from the ceiling should you hang art?
- What is the 57 rule for hanging pictures?
- What is the formula for hanging pictures?
First off, good thinking! It’s important to consider the height when placing your wall art, not only can the wrong art be visually unappealing, but it can throw off the flow and style of your space. Keep reading to learn about some general guidelines when it comes to hanging your frames at the right height, as well as some special cases when it’s ok to nix the rules!
Why Height Matters
Before we dive into the “do’s and don’ts”, it’s best to understand why the height of your frames matters so much! Hanging an art piece too high or low can set the room off balance, creating an optical illusion of sorts or even creating an uneasy feeling in some people. In most cases, where a piece is hung too high, the ceiling of the room will feel much lower, creating a cramped feeling.
Hang it too low and you run the risk of bodies bumping into works. However, If you’re creating a gallery wall for a child or pet to enjoy – we whole heartily support this! 💕 How sweet!
Hanging Height Rules
There are just a few suggestions and guidelines when it comes to hanging your frames…
General Guidelines
- The center of your image, frame, or art piece should be at your eye level. This is commonly called “The 57 Rule” meaning that the midpoint or center of your frame should be roughly 57 to 60 inches from the floor.
- Hanging artwork above a couch or table? The recommended measurements are 6 to 8 inches above the furniture piece.
- If you’re creating a grouping or gallery wall, the center of your collection should be at eye level, following the 57 rule. The rest of your gallery images can be staggered and aligned as you please!
Special Cases
- Adding some art to a staircase? We suggest hanging your frames at the same height as your railing or 57 inches up from each step, depending on placement.
- If you’re decorating a playroom, nursery, or child’s room, hang the wall art at their eye level – your little art critic will appreciate it! (Especially if the artwork is their own!) 👧🎨
- If you’re decorating an open floor plan or loft with high ceilings, try hanging picture frames 67-70 inches from the floor. If this still doesn’t look or feel right, try bumping it up another 5 to 10 inches. (Geez, those are some high ceilings! 😱)
So… What’s The Right Height?
Now that you’ve got the guidelines and suggestions masters, you may be wondering if common rooms in your house have their own rules. Keep reading to learn some tips and tricks for your next room re-design!
Hanging Pictures In A Living Room
The living room tends to be the biggest open space in a house, so creating and keeping a consistent style flow is super important! We recommend sticking to the following guidelines when it comes to hanging pictures in a living room:
- Create space, and avoid clustering your wall art too close together on large walls. Grouping is fine and dandy, but let your frames breathe!
- Use a big art piece on your largest wall to create a focal point and anchor the room, then fill in gaps with smaller pieces.
- If you’re hanging pictures or artwork over a couch or other seating arrangements by your wall – sit first and check your headspace before you commit. Knocking down a frame and bumping your head isn’t fun!
Hanging Pictures In A Hallway
Hallways can be tricky, especially if they are particularly narrow, but we have the solution for this often-overlooked decor space!
- Hang your frames in a straight horizontal line if the hallway has no twists or turns; this creates nice crisp lines and goes with the natural flow.
- Have a winding hallway? Create more visual interest with staggered frames or hanging pictures in alternating frame heights like a chevron pattern.
- Is your hallway narrow? Mix in mirrors! Bounce some light around and create the illusion of more open space.
Hanging Pictures In A Bedroom
We love some good bedroom wall art but keep in mind, this is where you do most of your relaxing, so it’s best to keep things cool and calm. 🧘♀️
- Hang art at eye level – while you’re seated in bed! You’ll be able to glance up and gaze at your (incredibly well-placed!) artwork or photos all while lounging on your bed – Nice! 👍
- We highly recommend choosing calming colors like light blues, greens, and lavender when selecting photos or artwork to place in your bedroom. Save the wild stuff for more active spaces like the kitchen or living room!
- Top off your bedroom gallery wall with fun tapestries or fairy lights to create a dewy and dream-like effect. Perfect for crawling into bed for a snooze! 😴
Hanging Pictures In An Office Or Professional Setting
A professional space deserves a polished and put-together look. Take a look at the following to get the right style:
- We love a funky staggered gallery wall, but save that for the break room. Use clean lines and modern-style frames to keep things strictly business.
- Avoid using photos and stick to motivational images or artwork. Unless you’re framing a photo of the whole team – Teamwork makes the dream work! 👏
- Hang frames at eye level – while seated! Much like our bedroom tip, most of the time in an office is spent seated. (ignore this rule if your office is using stand-up desks.)
Final Thoughts
When adding wall art and frames, keep in mind the most important rule is to ensure the center of your picture frame is at eye level so it can be appreciated by everyone! Not much of a rule follower? No worries! Your space means your rules, decorate as you see fit and things will fall into place. Hanging wall art is a great way to add personality and fun vibes to any room – no matter if you follow the 57 rule or not!
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