How to Hang Art: Height, Spacing and Placement Guide

Great art can look awkward if it is hung in the wrong spot. The good news is that a few simple guidelines take most of the guesswork out of it. This guide covers how high to hang art, how to work out exactly where the hook goes, how to plan a gallery wall, and the mistakes to avoid.

What you will need

• A tape measure and a pencil.

• A spirit level.

• Painter's tape, or paper templates cut to the size of your frames.

• Hooks, nails or screws, and wall anchors rated for the weight of the frame.

• A second pair of hands, which makes hanging larger pieces much easier.

Step 1: Choose the wall and the size

Before you measure anything, decide what the piece is for. A single large artwork suits a feature wall or the space above a sofa. A group of smaller pieces suits a hallway or stairwell. As a general guide, art above furniture should be about two-thirds the width of the furniture beneath it. A piece that is much smaller tends to look lost, and one that is much wider can overwhelm the space.

Hamptons Home, an original oil painting by Belinda Baynes.

Step 2: Find your centre line

Galleries commonly hang art so the centre of the piece sits about 145 to 150 cm from the floor, which is roughly eye level for most adults. Use this as your starting point for a feature wall or hallway. In rooms where people mostly sit, such as a dining room, hang the art a little lower.

Step 3: Work out where the hook goes

This is the step most people skip, and it is why so many pictures end up too high or too low. Follow this method:

1. Decide the height for the centre of the artwork, for example 147 cm.

2. Measure the height of the frame and halve it. For a 60 cm frame, that is 30 cm.

3. Add the two together to find where the top of the frame will sit: 147 + 30 = 177 cm.

4. Pull the hanging wire taut and measure how far the peak of the wire sits below the top of the frame. Say it is 8 cm.

5. Subtract that from the top of the frame: 177 - 8 = 169 cm. That is where the hook goes.

Mark that point lightly with a pencil, and check it with a spirit level before you make a hole.

Step 4: Hang, level and adjust

Fix the hook, hang the piece, and step back. Check the level from a distance, then nudge it until it looks right from where you usually stand. For small, light frames, adhesive hooks rated for the weight are a rental-friendly option. Always follow the weight rating on the packaging.

Hanging art above furniture

Above a sofa, sideboard or bedhead, hang the piece low enough that it feels connected to the furniture, usually about 15 to 25 cm above it. If the art hangs too high, there is a gap that makes the wall look disconnected. Group two or three smaller pieces so their combined width matches the furniture.

Golden Hour by Belinda Baynes, styled in an equestrian interior.

How to plan a gallery wall

• Lay the pieces on the floor first and move them around until the arrangement feels balanced.

• Keep the gaps between frames consistent, typically 5 to 8 cm.

• Anchor the group with one larger piece, such as a signed art print or an original, and build around it.

• Cut paper templates to the size of each frame and tape them to the wall. Live with the layout for a day before you make any holes.

• Start hanging from the centre piece and work outwards.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Hanging art too high. Most people place it above eye level.

• Choosing a piece that is too small for the wall.

• Using hooks that are not rated for the weight, or skipping wall anchors on plasterboard.

• Hanging art in direct sun. Ultraviolet light can fade pigments and paper over time.

• Hanging works on paper in a bathroom or damp spot, where humidity can damage them.

In Another Life, an original artwork by Belinda Baynes.

Frequently asked questions

How high should I hang a picture?

A good starting point is to place the centre of the artwork about 145 to 150 cm from the floor. Adjust slightly lower in rooms where people mostly sit.

How far above a sofa should art hang?

About 15 to 25 cm above the back of the sofa, so the art and the furniture read as one arrangement.

How do I hang heavy art on plasterboard?

Find a stud where you can, or use wall anchors or toggle bolts rated well above the weight of the frame. If you are unsure, ask a professional installer.

Can I hang art in a bathroom?

It is best to avoid works on paper in bathrooms because humidity can cause damage. If you want art there, choose a piece that is well sealed and framed, and make sure the room is ventilated.

Ready to choose a piece for your wall? Browse the original artworks or the signed art print collection.