Once people choose artwork for their home or office, they often realize that the hard part has just begun.
How do you hang your artwork? At what height? How much art is too much?
It can feel as if you need an expert. But even novice art hangers can do the job right and make a room look spectacular—just as they hoped when they picked their special piece or pieces.
The first question may seem the hardest, and often is the subject of much debate: How high should I hang my piece?
The answer turns out to be simple: Hang the piece with its center 57 inches from the floor. That reflects the eye-height of the average person. Of course, you can adjust it. But 57 inches is a rule employed by experts, as well as at galleries and museums. You also can adjust this rule slightly and as needed when hanging art close to furniture or room elements such as fireplace mantles.
The next step is even simpler: Hang your artwork from its horizontal center. Do this by measuring the back of the piece horizontally at the vertical point where the hanging materials will be fastened. The optimal vertical point is usually in the top third of the piece, allowing the piece to hang firmly on the wall.
When you have found that vertical spot, divide the horizontal length by two, and mark the back of the piece. Fasten hanging materials so they will suspend the artwork at that point.
Finally, a common question is how much art in a room is too much. Tastes vary, but a rule of thumb is to cover no more than 60 percent of a room’s wall area with art. That means leaving 40 percent blank. This rule holds for single pieces or clusters, sometimes called galleries.
Be aware that other elements in the room, such as fireplaces, mantles, and doorways, count as “covered” areas.
Hanging artwork doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a few easy steps, even beginners can achieve the master look and feel that showcases their art and properly decorates a room.