Hanging artwork at the right height can completely transform your space, creating a balanced and cohesive look. However, finding the “perfect” height isn’t always straightforward. At The Picture Hanging Company, we specialise in professional art and picture hanging services across Australia, including in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips on the best height for hanging pictures, covering general guidelines, room-specific recommendations, and tips for unique spaces.

The Eye-Level Rule: 145-155 cm from the Floor

A commonly recommended guideline for hanging art is the eye-level rule. This means positioning the centre of the artwork at about 145-155 cm (57-61 inches) from the floor. This height aligns with the average adult eye level, making it an effective standard for most rooms.

Why This Height Works

Positioning artwork at 145-155 cm from the floor allows it to be easily viewed without looking up or down. When art is hung too high, it can feel disconnected from the space, and when it’s too low, it may not be appreciated fully. This eye-level guideline is a great starting point for creating balance in most rooms.

Tip: Measure from the floor to the centre of your artwork to ensure it fits within this range. This rule is suitable for most settings but can be adjusted for specific rooms or furniture placements.

Adjustments for Different Room Uses

While the 145-155 cm eye-level rule is a good standard, different types of rooms may require slight adjustments based on how they’re used.

1. Living Rooms and Seating Areas

In rooms where people are mostly seated, like living rooms, artwork should be hung slightly lower to align with a seated eye level.

• Suggested Height: Position the centre of the artwork around 120-135 cm from the floor in seating areas. This ensures it’s easily viewable from a sitting position, creating a comfortable line of sight.

2. Above Furniture

When hanging pictures above furniture such as sofas, consoles, or headboards, it’s essential to maintain a close connection between the artwork and the furniture.

• Suggested Gap: Leave about 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) between the bottom of the artwork and the top of the furniture. This spacing creates a cohesive look, making the artwork feel grounded in the room.

3. Hallways and Staircases

Hallways and staircases require different approaches due to their unique viewing angles.

• Hallways: Stick with the eye-level rule of 145-155 cm, as people generally view hallway art while standing.
• Staircases: For staircases, follow the slope and position each piece so the centre stays at eye level as you move up or down. This creates a smooth visual flow that complements the incline of the stairs.

Creating a Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are a beautiful way to display multiple pieces together, but they require careful planning to avoid looking cluttered. When designing a gallery wall, treat the entire grouping as a single unit with a central focal point.

How to Arrange a Gallery Wall

1. Establish a Center Point: Decide on the focal point of your gallery wall and position this spot at eye level (145-155 cm from the floor).
2. Arrange Frames Around the Center: Begin with the largest or most central piece and place smaller frames around it, maintaining even spacing (typically 5-8 cm between each frame).
3. Test the Layout First: Lay out the frames on the floor or use paper templates on the wall to visualise the arrangement before committing to nails.

Tip: If your gallery wall is above furniture, treat it as a single piece and maintain the same 15-25 cm gap from the top of the furniture.

Hanging Large or Oversized Art

Oversized artwork can make a bold statement, but it needs to be carefully positioned to avoid overwhelming the room.

Suggested Height for Oversized Art

For large artwork, keep the centre at standard eye level (145-155 cm). If hanging it above furniture, maintain a 15-25 cm gap to visually anchor it to the furniture, keeping it from feeling like it’s floating.

Tip: If the oversized piece is meant to be the room’s focal point, centering it both vertically and horizontally on the wall can enhance its impact.

Room-Specific Tips

Kitchens and Bathrooms

In kitchens and bathrooms, wall space can be limited by cabinets, mirrors, and appliances. Smaller artwork works best in these spaces, and it’s often positioned higher to stay above countertops and fixtures.

• Suggested Height: Position artwork with its centre around 150-160 cm from the floor to suit these compact areas.

Bedrooms

For artwork above the bed, keep it close to the headboard to create a visually cohesive look without overcrowding the space.

• Suggested Gap: Leave around 15-25 cm between the bottom of the artwork and the top of the headboard, allowing for a comfortable visual connection.

Essential Tools for Accurate Hanging

Using the right tools can help you achieve a precise and professional finish when hanging artwork:

• Tape Measure: Measure from the floor to the centre of the artwork to ensure consistent placement.
• Level: A level ensures that each piece is straight. For larger pieces, a laser level can be particularly helpful.
• Painter’s Tape: Mark spots on the wall with painter’s tape to visualise placement before committing to nails or screws.

Pro Tip: If you’re worried about damaging your walls or need help with placement, The Picture Hanging Company offers expert installation services. Our team ensures your artwork is perfectly positioned and securely hung.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When hanging artwork, certain mistakes can affect the balance and harmony of a room. Here are the main pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Hanging Art Too High: Placing artwork too high on the wall can make it feel disconnected. Stick to the eye-level guideline for a cohesive look.
2. Ignoring Furniture Spacing: If hanging art above furniture, maintain a close connection by keeping a 15-25 cm gap. Large gaps can make the art feel disjointed.
3. Skipping the Layout Test: For gallery walls, always test your layout with paper templates or by arranging frames on the floor before drilling. This helps avoid unnecessary holes and ensures a cohesive arrangement.

When to Seek Professional Help

Hanging artwork can be challenging, especially if you’re working with large pieces, unique layouts, or multiple items. At The Picture Hanging Company, we provide professional installation services to help you achieve a polished and balanced look in any room.

Why Choose Us?

• Precision Installation: We use professional tools and techniques to ensure every piece is level and positioned perfectly.
• Damage-Free Hanging: Our team knows how to securely hang artwork on any type of wall, from plasterboard to brick and concrete.
• Customised Advice: We provide personalised recommendations based on your artwork, room, and style, helping you create a harmonious display.

Conclusion

Hanging artwork at the right height can make a big difference in how your space feels and functions. Following the eye-level rule (145-155 cm from the floor) is a great starting point, but adjusting based on the room and furniture can make the display even better.

For professional assistance or if you’re looking to avoid wall damage, contact The Picture Hanging Company. We offer expert installation services across Australia, ensuring your artwork is beautifully and securely displayed.

FAQs:

Q1: Can I hang pictures higher than eye level?
It’s best to stick to eye level for a cohesive look, unless working in unique spaces like staircases.

Q2: How high should I hang art above a sofa?
Keep the bottom of the frame about 15-25 cm above the sofa to maintain balance.

Q3: Should large art pieces be hung lower?
For oversized art, keep the center at eye level or slightly lower if it’s above furniture.