How to Hang Art at the Right Height (Without Overthinking It)

If you’ve ever stepped back, looked at your art and thought “Why does this feel… off?” chances are, it’s not the artwork itself. It’s the height.

Hanging art at the right height is one of the most common styling mistakes I see in homes. And the good news? It’s also one of the easiest things to fix once you know what to look for.

This isn’t about strict rules or design jargon. It’s about creating balance, flow, and a home that feels visually calm and considered.

The Golden Rule: Eye Level

Here’s the simple guideline I always start with:

The centre of your artwork should sit at approximately eye level, around 150–165cm from the floor.

This rule works because it aligns with how we naturally view art in galleries and public spaces. Your eye doesn’t have to travel up or down to “find” the piece — it just feels right.

The biggest mistake I see?People hanging art based on wall height instead of eye level, which almost always results in art being hung too high.

If in doubt, grab a tape measure and mark the centre point before you commit.

Hanging Art Above Furniture (Sofas, Consoles & Beds)

This is where things often go wrong.

When hanging art above furniture, the art should feel connected to what’s below it — not floating in the middle of the wall.

A good rule of thumb:

• Hang art approximately 15–25cm above the furniture

• Keep the artwork visually centred over the piece below

  
  

If the gap is too large, the furniture and artwork start to feel like two separate elements rather than one cohesive moment.

Common Art Hanging Mistakes I See All the Time

If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone:

• Hanging art too close to the ceiling

• Hanging art based on where the hook already is

• Choosing artwork that’s too small for the wall

• Treating each piece individually instead of considering the wall as a whole

  
  

Art doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need to feel balanced.

What About Gallery Walls?

Gallery walls can feel intimidating, but the same principle applies.

Instead of focusing on each individual frame, think about the overall centre of the entire arrangement.

A few tips:

• Lay everything out on the floor first

• Keep spacing between frames consistent

• Anchor the gallery around a central line at eye level

  
  

Once the centre is right, the rest usually falls into place.

When It’s Okay to Break the Rules

Like all styling guidelines, there are moments when flexibility works better than rigidity.

You might bend the rules when:

• Hanging art on a staircase

• Styling a dramatic feature wall

• Working with oversized or statement artwork

  
  

In these cases, the goal is still balance, just achieved in a slightly different way.

pic via Architectural Digest

Final Thoughts

Hanging art at the right height isn’t about being technical or fussy. It’s about helping your home feel calm, cohesive and considered.

If you’re ever unsure, trust this:

• Start at eye level

• Step back

• Adjust until it feels balanced

  
  

And remember, you can always move it. Styling is a process, not a one-shot decision.

If you’d like help pulling everything together or want a second set of eyes on your space, my e-styling services are designed to give you clarity and confidence before you commit.