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How High to Hang Pictures: Design Expert Rules

Get the Perfect Height Every Time

art print hung over a couch

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

You're not alone if you're unsure how high to hang pictures and art on your walls. Getting it right does not require guesswork; use a formula developed by design experts, making hanging pictures a cinch. You only need to make adjustments based on the other furniture in the room or the size of the artwork you're hanging. These tips offer helpful ideas and designer secrets for getting the best look when hanging artwork.

What Is the Correct Height to Hang Pictures?

According to the experts, 57 inches from the center of your picture to the floor seems to be the sweet spot for standard height. The 57-inch rule isn't always perfect, and if it looks low, you can increase that to 60 inches for art or photographs. This rule is designed to hang pictures at eye level for the average person, so consider that it won't be exactly at eye level for every household member.

Another way to use the 57-inch rule is to measure the full height of your picture, then divide that number in half. Add the resulting number to 57, which will be the perfect height for the top of your frame on the wall (place the nail here).

The 57-inch rule doesn't consider gallery walls, art above furniture, or large or small frames. Thankfully, there are other methods to hang pictures in these situations.

When to Break the 57-Inch Rule for Picture Height

A better approach is to weigh a few different factors to determine the proper height to hang pictures. Think of the artwork you're hanging and its relationship to its surroundings. Whether you display a framed picture over a sofa, on a stairway wall, or in the entryway, each space has unique elements to consider. Also, take the time to try out various heights and locations before you punch holes in the wall for picture hooks.

Here are tips on hanging art in your home when the 57-inch rule doesn't apply:

  • Gallery walls: When working with a grouping of pictures or objects hung on a wall, think of the grouping as one large picture and relate the bottom of the entire grouping to the furniture underneath it.
  • Hallways and entryways: Will you mostly be standing in the room? If so, hanging artwork a bit higher than the 60- to 62-inch center starting point may make sense–especially if the ceiling is tall.
  • Hanging pictures above furniture: In a room where you generally sit down (a dining room, family room, or office), hang pictures a bit lower, so they can be enjoyed at a lower viewing angle. Sit in a chair and have someone hold the picture against the wall, moving it up and down so you can evaluate the look.
  • Large pictures: A large framed piece over a sofa or sideboard relates more easily when hung so the bottom of the frame is positioned six-to-12 inches above the top of the sofa back or tabletop. This won't work, however, if your artwork is very small. In that case, consider hanging the piece with a grouping of other objects, such as plates, mirrors, or decorative items.
  • Small pictures: What about hanging small pictures? A small picture hung on a large wall can look out of balance. Look for narrow walls (such as the spaces between two doorways or windows) and consider hanging two or three small pictures in a vertical line. In this case, treat the center picture as the center of the grouping.
  • Rooms with high ceilings: When ceilings are 8 feet to 9 feet, consider hanging the artwork a few inches higher, about 60 inches. With a ceiling up to 10 feet or more, you can go another few inches to about 62 inches.
  • Vertical art: Does the center rule apply if you hang a tall vertical picture, panel, or poster? In this case, it may be better to consider placing the art so the top third of the picture is near eye level. However, the actual height of the piece will determine the best position on the wall. Again, have someone hold it lower and higher so you can see what looks best.
  • Use templates: If you're hanging artwork by yourself, cut paper templates to size for each piece of art and attach the paper cutouts to the wall with painter's tape. This prep work will allow you to stand back and see how the artwork's size relates to your room and furniture. Move the template up and down to find the perfect spot before hanging the picture.

Where Not to Hang Pictures

Never hang valued pieces of art in places where they can get damaged. Avoid hanging prized artwork in direct sunlight. The UV radiation can cause fading, cracking, and warping.

Also, if the temperature or humidity of a room fluctuates dramatically, like in a bathroom, kitchen, basement, sunroom, garage, or attic, be mindful of what artwork you place in those rooms. Instead, consider using framed prints, photographs, or laminated posters that are moisture-resistant materials or made of metal, glass, or acrylic.