Here’s How High To Hang Pictures According to Design Experts
Decorating your home can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to hanging pictures. If you’re hanging a single canvas or a collection of photos, you’ll want to make sure they look their best on your wall.
To help you out, we’ve gathered some of the top tips from interior design experts on how high to hang pictures in your home. We’ll cover what the standard height is for hanging pictures, as well as how to adjust the height based on the size and shape of your artwork. Plus, we’ll discuss the importance of light and placement, so you can make sure your artwork or photos look nice.
General Rules
It’s important to consider a few basic rules when hanging pictures in your home or office. First, always use picture hooks and/or anchors that can hold at least two times the weight of your piece.
Second, try to keep the center of the artwork at eye level for all viewers. This generally works out to be around 57 inches from the floor.
Third, use a laser level when hanging multiple pieces together on one wall to ensure that they are straight. And finally, make sure that you leave at least 8-10 inches of space between your ceiling and artwork.
Specific Rooms
Where you choose to hang artwork may also depend on the room it is in and the purpose of the space. For example, in a bathroom, you might want to hang a lighter piece of art or some decorative mirrors higher up on the wall.
In a bedroom, you can hang lower so that it is easier to view when you’re relaxing in bed. In a living area, a larger and heavier piece of art should be at eye level. In an office space, it might be best to hang something that is inspiring and motivating directly across from the desk or chair.
Room-Specific Guidelines
When it comes to hanging pictures in different rooms around your home or office, there are certain guidelines you should follow depending on the space. If you’re hanging pictures in a hallway, arrange them at an average viewing height, which is usually about 63 inches from the floor.
You can accentuate long hallways by hanging art vertically or hanging several smaller paintings in a patterned design. If you’re hanging pictures in a dining room, remember to leave about 12-15 inches between the floor and the lower edge of your painting, as this will give enough visual breathing room for any furniture placed beneath it, such as tables and chairs.
For living rooms, stairwells, and foyers, think about displaying artwork all around for maximum impact. You can use varying heights to create more interesting placements and add some balance with opposing sides of photos and artwork.
Considerations for Different Pieces
When selecting pieces for each room, think about how they will work with existing accents like rugs and furniture colors. Try to create cohesive looks by pulling out colors from your artwork into the room itself, such as pillows, throws, and lamps — but remember not to go overboard! Keep size in mind as well.
If you have a large piece, make sure that other elements like chairs and couches don’t get lost behind them! You should also be able to see smaller pieces, so be sure to be among any furniture present (just try not to go too small as this may look cluttered).
Different Styles
Another factor when hanging artwork is its style. Traditional oil paintings often look best when you place them at eye level, while modern abstract works can sometimes benefit from going slightly higher up on the wall.
Artwork depicting landscapes often looks great when hung horizontally, whereas portraiture usually looks better when hung vertically; this isn’t always true, though, so experiment with different arrangements before deciding!
Popular styles such as collages can work well when hung together as a group. But just make sure to divide these differently sized frames into even sections horizontally or vertically using a laser level for precision.
Hanging Tips
Finally, here are some tips on how best to hang your chosen pieces:
- Always use appropriate hardware and make sure that they anchor into walls (use wall anchors if needed)
- Double-check measurements by measuring twice before making any permanent holes in your wall
- Take time arranging different pieces together in order to balance proportions
- Consider using tape or tracing paper outlines of frames so you can visualize the design before committing
- Use a laser level to position your artwork accurately
Whether you’re hanging a single piece or creating an entire gallery wall, knowing how to hang pictures can make a huge difference in the overall look of your space. By using appropriate hardware and anchoring, carefully measuring and arranging different pieces, utilizing a laser level, and visualizing with tape or tracing paper, you can create a beautiful wall of art that you can be proud of.
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