HOW TO
THE RIGHT WAY TO HANG WALL ART
There’s no question that wall art makes the perfect addition to any room. It adds personality, dresses up blank walls, and pretty much completes the whole look. But one thing you might be asking is: What exactly is the right way to hang wall art?
Well, the good news is that we have the easy answers. Read on for no-fail guides to get it right every single time.
1. Picking the right size
The first rule is that your artwork should span two-thirds the width of the furniture that it hangs above. So, for example, if you’re hanging a single piece of artwork above a nine-foot-wide sofa, your wall art should be roughly six feet wide.
2. Finding the right height
In general, artwork should be hung at eye level. However, since everyone’s height varies, a safer bet is to hang your wall décor so that the midpoint is about 60 inches above the floor. It should also sit about four to six inches above the furniture, so keep that in mind when choosing the height of your artwork.
3. HANGING MULTIPLES
When hanging multiple pieces of art, the easiest trick is to treat them as one single piece, and then follow all the same rules. Therefore, the collective pieces should span two-thirds of the furniture, with the midpoint hitting at 60 inches above the floor. The additional thing to keep in mind here is to keep about two to five inches of space in between each piece.
4. GALLERY WALLS
Once again, you’ll want to want to treat the collective group as a single piece and follow all the same rules. However, in this case, keep the space between each piece to just one or two inches. Gallery walls look best when each piece is close to the next, and it will also give you more room to use more artwork.
5. SHELVES
Love the layered look of shelves? Just keep following all the same rules for the right way to hang wall art. When using a single shelf, hang the shelf so that it’s about four to six inches above the furniture. Then, layer on artwork in various sizes, so that the midpoint of the biggest piece sits around 60 inches above the floor.
If you’re using double shelves, simply hang the highest shelf at 60 inches above the floor. Then, hang your lowest shelf so that it’s about four to six inches above the furniture. Be mindful to choose smaller pieces to layer, since you’ll have less height.
Creative Ways to Display Wall Art
Elevate your space by thinking beyond traditional placements for wall art. Create a stunning gallery wall by grouping pieces of different sizes and styles, adding personality to living rooms and hallways. For a more eclectic look, mix and match frame materials like wood and metal, or layer smaller artworks within larger frames for a modern, artistic touch.
Don’t limit wall art to conventional spaces—try displaying pieces on doors, staircases, or even in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms using water-resistant frames. Mirrors also make a stylish addition, doubling as functional décor by reflecting light and making rooms feel more spacious.
For expert guidance on proper placement and techniques, check out this art hanging guide by Emily Henderson.
CITY Interiors