Helpful Hints
How to display and hang Artwork
How high?
- In hallways and entries, hang wall art at average standing eye level, about 5’6” from the floor.
- For a large piece, hang so that the center of the piece is about 5’ from the floor
- In living and dining rooms you are likely to be seated, hang wall accents closer to sitting eye level.
- Allow at least 6’ under hanging art directly above a sofa or dining table. It should be high enough to avoid crowding the furniture, yet low enough to enjoy the full effect.
- When hanging two or more works together, such as tapestries and figurative art pieces, mentally divide the wall horizontally in thirds and position the art within the lower two-thirds.
Proportional Representation
- Generally, large works of art balance larger pieces of furniture and vice-versa, but don’t be afraid to mix things up.
- A straight line isn’t always desirable. Try hanging several works above a sofa with a curved back, following the curve in positioning the art.
- When grouping wall art separate them by at least 2”
- Odd-numbered groupings (3, 5, etc.) tend to be more pleasing to the eye than a symmetrical even-numbered arrangement.
Hammer Time
- Decide where you want to hang the wall décor.
- Measure artwork to locate its center.
- Lift up the wire up with one finger like it hangs on the hook and measure from the wire to the top of the frame.
- Mark the wall where you want the top of the frame to be and measure down the number of inches that you measured from the wire to the top of the frame. Then mark that place for the nail.
- For a grouping, lay all the pieces first on the floor or a table. Then measure for the top of your grouping, placing the remaining pieces in relationship to the top piece.
- Use hangers specifically designed for the weight of your wall art. A large or heavy piece may require two hangers, so use a carpenter’s level to make sure they are aligned. Use wall studs or special dry wall hangers for added strength and security. Use masonry screws for brick walls, and molding hooks for plaster walls.
- To hang art from picture-rail molding (near the ceiling, typically in older homes), use molding hooks, S-hook hardware, and a decorative chain or cording.
