This is my first article in a series of helpful hints from an artist. If there is anything you’ve always wanted to ‘ask an artist’ please let me know. I look forward to answering your questions and already have some requests on topics involving art appreciation and decorating a rental property with art.
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Finding the right height for the pictures in your home can really enhance the enjoyment of your art.
Overall, the main thing is not to hang your art too high. You shouldn’t have to crane your neck to look at it.
The first rule of thumb is that the mid point of the painting should be around eye level. Find the average eye level measurement for the main viewers in the household.
“Gallery height” is said to be 57 inches (145cm) above the ground as a recommended general mid-point for paintings.
The next thing to take into consideration is how the space is used. In a hallway where people are likely to be standing the pictures would be hung higher than in a dining room where people would tend to be seated.
You also need to take into consideration the height of the ceiling and the space around the artwork and the size of the artwork chosen.
If you are hanging a painting over a couch or piece of furniture or the mantle piece you want to visually connect the two, so the bottom of the painting should be between 6 and 12 inches above the item of furniture.
Before putting any hooks in the wall you can attach a piece of paper the size of the artwork on the wall with tape and live with it for a few days. This trick also works well if you are hanging multiple pieces on the wall.
Just for fun, take a quick audit of what’s currently hanging on your walls and see how it measures up!