How to Hang Artwork in Your Home: A Simple Guide to Getting it Right

Sep 16

Standing in front of a blank wall with a hammer in hand can feel intimidating. Hanging art isn’t complicated once you know a few guidelines — but let’s be honest, there are also some not so cute mistakes worth avoiding.

The Don’ts (aka things I’ve actually seen):

Art grazing the ceiling (your guests aren’t giraffes).
Tiny art on a huge wall (like a single sticker on a fridge).
Frames tilted like they’re bracing for an earthquake. (be sure to have a solid hanging system that won’t budge if someone bumps into it!)
Art half-blocked by a couch (“furniture jail”).
Hanging something you don’t even like (it’s not just filler, it’s meant to connect).

The Do’s

Find the Right Height
The most common mistake is hanging art too high. As a rule of thumb, the center of your artwork should land between 57–60 inches from the floor — right around eye level. This creates a natural, comfortable view for most people.
Consider Scale and Proportion
Think about the wall and the furniture around it. A small piece above a large sofa may feel off-balance, while a large canvas can anchor the room. If you’re working with smaller works, consider grouping them together in a gallery wall for greater impact.
Create Balance
Artwork doesn’t exist in isolation — it interacts with your room. Use visual weight to your advantage: balance heavy furniture with bold artwork, or offset tall windows with vertical pieces.
Make it Personal
At the end of the day, these “rules” are just starting points. Art is deeply personal, and the best placement is where you will enjoy it most — where it makes you pause, reflect, or simply smile.