At FSID, we are often asked: “What is the optimal height for art?”
Not sure how high to hang art on your walls? You’re not alone! Most people tend to hang artwork too high, which can make it look like it is floating up toward the ceiling. The good news is there are many options for hanging your artwork so avoid the too-high hanging blunders and use my tips with helpful ideas and designer secrets for getting the best look for hanging artwork.

You may have heard that you should hang artwork so the center of the picture is at eye level.

Right away you may be confused, especially if you’re 5 feet tall and others in the house are over 6 feet tall. Also, does this eye level rule apply to all sizes of art or just large sizes? What about a grouping of several pieces of framed art? What if you are hanging a painting over a sofa – should it be hung at the same level as when the picture is used in a hallway? Approximately 60 to 65 inches from the floor to the center of the art is a place to start.

Begin to think of the artwork you are hanging as it relates to everything around it. Whether you hang a framed picture over a sofa, on a stairway wall, or in the hall, each of these spaces will have elements to consider.

• Will you mainly be standing as in an entryway or hallway? If so, it may make sense to hang artwork a bit higher than the 60-65 inch center starting point –especially if the ceiling is tall.
• In a room where you generally sit down like 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.
• A large framed piece over a sofa or sideboard relates more easily when hung so the bottom of the frame is positioned 6 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 in a group of other objects such as plates, mirrors, or decorative items.