How High To Hang Art
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This timeless saying is especially appropriate for looking at art. What is one person’s definition of a beautiful classic is another person’s definition of something less than visually appealing. Yes, art is subjective when it comes to individual perceptions, but what if the beholder cannot see a piece of art because it hangs too high? If you do not know how high to hang art in your home, rest assured you are not alone.
The highest location to hang art is from the ceiling, which can enhance the visual appeal of a room and become the focal point for conversation starters. But what if the ceiling sits high above the floor? Is it wise to hang art from a ceiling more than 30 feet from the floor?
You might have heard that you should position the center of the art at eye level when you hang art. According to many art experts, many of whom operate galleries, the correct answer to the question, “How high to hang art?” is 57 inches. Other experts claim that hanging art between 60 and 65 inches from the floor is the most effective way to present a painting.
Nonetheless, understanding how high to hang art requires flexibility because you should consider how the art relates to the objects around it.
Consider How Art Relates to Everything Located Around It
Consider How Art Relates to Everything Located Around ItA standard height for hanging art does not work due to the different heights of the people viewing it. For example, someone six feet three inches tall will have a direct view of the center of a piece of art hanging 63 inches from the floor.
Another factor to consider is where you plan to hang art. For example, when hanging art in a hallway, it makes sense to position it slightly higher than the 57-inch threshold followed by many art gallery owners. This is especially true if the ceiling is higher than other ceilings in your home. For rooms with seats, such as the dining room and living room, the 57-inch threshold makes no sense. Positioning art between six and 12 inches above furniture, like a couch and sofa, represents the best strategy for hanging art in rooms with seats.
What Other Factors Determine How High to Hang Art?
The room where you plan to hang art is just one factor to consider for determining the most appropriate height. You probably have heard the phrase, “This room looks too busy.” What that means is a room has way too many objects in it, which creates a kind of chaotic ambiance. If you plan to hang art in a room with several other types of artifacts, consider hanging the art much higher than the 60 to 65-inch range.
For example, let’s assume you have placed a fantastic Peruvian vase on a table in the living room. The vase is the first object people will notice when they enter the living room. To ensure you do not diminish the positive visual impact of a beautiful painting, hang it beyond the visible range of someone admiring the appealing Peruvian vase.
Other factors to consider include size and whether a piece of art extends longer vertically or horizontally.
Learn More About How High to Hang Art
Located in Duluth, Minnesota, Walker Display has helped homeowners and business owners choose the right picture-hanging systems for over 50 years. Our unsurpassed experience can help you learn more about how high to hang art. Simply submit the short contact form to get started on your next art hanging project.