Hanging a painting may seem simple, but the right hanging height is important to do justice to the artwork. In this blog, we discuss handy guidelines and practical tips to make sure your artwork hangs perfectly, whether in the living room, hallway, bedroom. Personal taste and space also play an important role here.
The rule of thumb: 145-150 cm
A general rule often applied is to hang the centre of the painting at a height of about 145-150 cm. This is, in fact, the average eye height of a person standing upright. By keeping this height, you ensure that the artwork is clearly visible without having to look up or down, which makes the viewing experience much more pleasant.
How to determine the right hanging height
- Measure the height of your painting.
- Divide this height by two to determine the centre of the painting.
- Add this number to the hanging height of 145-150 cm and subtract the distance from the top of the painting to the hanging point. This will give the exact spot for the hook in the wall.
With this method, you can hang any painting at the right height, regardless of its size.
Consider the room
In addition to the standard rule of thumb, it is important to consider the function and layout of the room in which the painting is hanging. In living rooms, where people often view the artwork sitting down, it can be useful to hang the painting a little lower, for example at 120-130 cm. This way, the work remains clearly visible from a sitting position as well. In corridors or rooms where people usually stand, the standard height of 145 cm usually remains ideal.
An artwork should also be in proportion to the surrounding furniture and walls. For example, do not hang a small painting too high above a sofa, otherwise it will appear to be floating. Always try to match the work to the furniture to create a balance in the room.
Hanging groups of paintings
If you want to hang several artworks together, for example in a gallery arrangement, you can still stick to the 145-150 cm rule of thumb. Instead of hanging each painting individually, determine the centre of the entire composition. This ensures that the arrangement remains harmonious as a whole.
A good tip is to vary the distances between the paintings and the sizes of the artworks. This adds dynamism to the wall and makes it visually interesting without looking cluttered. Just make sure that the distances between the works are not too big, so that together they form a whole.
Special situations
Not every room is the same, and sometimes you need to deviate from the standard rules. In rooms with high ceilings, for example, it may be better to hang a painting a little higher to balance the proportions of the room. In a bedroom, on the other hand, you can hang the painting a little lower so you can look at it properly from your bed.
The size of the painting also plays a role. With large paintings, it may be better to hang the centre a little higher for more impact. Small artworks, on the other hand, are often better hung lower so as not to get lost on a large wall.
Hanging by feel
Not every room is the same, and sometimes you need to deviate from standard rules. In rooms with high ceilings, for example, it may be better to hang a painting slightly higher to balance the proportions of the room. In a bedroom, on the other hand, you can hang the painting a little lower so you can look at it properly from your bed.
The size of the painting also plays a role. With large paintings, it may be better to hang the centre a little higher for more impact. Small artworks, on the other hand, are often better hung lower so as not to get lost on a large wall.
The perfect hanging height for a painting is not an exact science, but following the 145-150 cm rule of thumb is a good starting point. This guideline can be adjusted according to the space, the size of the artwork and your personal preferences. By playing with these factors, you will ensure that the painting makes the right impact and gives the room a pleasant atmosphere. Want advice or help styling your interior? At Umo Art & Design, we are ready to help you with professional advice and an extensive collection of artworks.
Whether you follow the rules or your gut, the important thing is that your artwork will hang in the perfect spot and complement your space.
