A Guide to Hanging Artwork
Displaying artwork is one of the simplest ways to make a home feel more personal and considered. But knowing exactly where and how high to hang a piece isn’t always as intuitive as it seems. From finding the right placement above a sofa to creating a collected gallery wall, a few thoughtful details can make all the difference.
HANGING ART ON AN EMPTY WALL
When hanging artwork on a blank wall, we typically aim to position the center of the piece about 60 inches from the floor. This puts the artwork roughly at eye level and creates a natural sense of balance within the room. Keeping a relatively consistent hanging height throughout your home can also help spaces feel connected as you move from one room to the next.
Another detail we love to consider is picture lighting. Whether hardwired or battery-operated, a picture light can highlight a favorite piece while adding another layer of warmth and dimension to the room. It’s a simple detail that can make an art display feel that much more intentional.
HANGING ART ABOVE FURNITURE
When hanging artwork above a sofa, console, or bed, scale is just as important as placement. As a general guide, we look for artwork that spans about two-thirds the width of the furniture below it. This helps the two elements feel connected rather than having the artwork appear as though it’s floating on the wall.
For placement, aim to leave approximately 4 to 6 inches between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame. Artwork that is too small or hung too high can make an arrangement feel disconnected, while the right proportions help anchor the entire space.
CREATING A GALLERY WALL
A gallery wall is an opportunity to bring personality into a space and create something that feels collected over time. The key is finding the right balance between variety and cohesion.
For a more eclectic look, mix artwork in different sizes, styles, and frame finishes. Sketches, paintings, family photographs, and textural pieces can all work together to create depth and interest. While each piece doesn’t need to match, there should be a common thread—whether that’s the color palette, frame style, subject matter, or simply the overall feeling of the collection.
Before hanging, we recommend laying everything out on the floor first. This gives you the freedom to play with scale, spacing, and composition until the arrangement feels balanced.
LEANING + LAYERING ART
Not every piece of art needs to be hung. In fact, some of our favorite displays come from leaning and layering pieces for a more relaxed, lived-in feel.
Try leaning a framed piece against a mirror on a console, layering artwork along a mantel, or placing a smaller piece in front of something larger. These unexpected moments can make a room feel less formal and more collected.
You can also pair a larger leaned piece with a smaller work hung nearby to create an asymmetrical arrangement. The goal isn’t for everything to feel perfectly placed—it’s to create a display that feels thoughtful, personal, and as though it has evolved naturally over time.
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