Hanging Wall Art Correctly: Achieving the Perfect Eye-Level Alignment
Decorating your home with wall art can transform a space, adding personality and visual interest. However, to maximize the impact of your artwork, it's essential to hang it at the correct height. One widely recommended guideline is to position the centre of the artwork approximately 150 cm (about 59 inches) above the floor. This height typically aligns with the average human eye level, creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing display. Here are some tips to help you hang your wall art correctly.
Why 150 cm?
The average human eye level is around 150 cm from the floor, which means most people will be able to appreciate the art comfortably without having to look up or down. This guideline helps to ensure that the artwork is easily viewable and harmonizes well with the room's overall design.
Steps to Hang Wall Art at the Right Height
Measure Your Artwork: Start by measuring your artwork and marking the centre on the back of it.
Account for Hanging Hardware: If your artwork uses wire, D-rings, or sawtooth hangers, you’ll need to adjust for the distance from the hardware to the centre of the artwork. Measure this distance and add it to the 150cm.
Mark the Spot on the Wall: Add the distance of the hardware to the 150cm and mark the wall.
Hammer in the Nail: Using a level to ensure accuracy, hammer in the nail or install the wall anchor where you’ve marked. Make sure it is secure enough to support the weight of the artwork.
Hang the Artwork: Place the artwork on the nail or hook, making sure it is level. Step back and view it from various angles to ensure it looks right.
Tips for Different Arrangements
Groupings: When hanging multiple pieces in a group or creating a gallery wall treat the entire grouping as one large artwork. You can use the same method and start with hanging the centre art piece first, positioning its centre 150cm from the floor and building your gallery wall around it.
Tall Walls: In rooms with very high ceilings, you might need to adjust the height slightly upwards to maintain balance and proportion with the space.
Furniture and Fixtures: If hanging art above furniture, such as a sofa or console table, leave about 15-25 cm of space between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame to maintain visual harmony.
Hanging wall art at the correct height ensures that it enhances your space rather than overwhelming it. By positioning the centre of your artwork approximately 150 cm above the floor, you can create a visually appealing arrangement that aligns with the average human eye level, making your home both beautiful and inviting. Remember, while guidelines like this provide a good starting point, the best height can also depend on your specific space and personal preferences. Happy decorating!
