Can You Hang?
When it comes to hanging artwork, there are some rules to follow; however, there are some rules to break. Overall, I trust my eye but starting with these guidelines, you can learn to start trusting your own.
Rules I follow:
1) When hanging artwork, hang it where the center of the piece is 57 inches from the floor. Keep in mind ceiling height, so gauge between 57-63 inches. I always tell clients and customers to hang it where the center of the piece is at eye level of a person who is 5’7”-5’8” (average height). If you visit art galleries, you will see this rule in perfection.
Some galleries also use an equation. Take the height of the artwork and divide it by 2. Then subtract the placement of the hardware. Take that number and add 57. For example, if you are hanging a 36”x48” piece with your hanging hardware 6” inches from the top, your formula would be as follows: 2/36 = 18, 18-6 = 12, 12+57 = 69”
I never stray from ruLe #2.
2) When this rule is not used, it’s a huge pet peeve of mine. When hanging a set do not space the artwork more than 3 inches or less than 2 apart. If they sit any farther, they create a disconnect. If you find yourself adding or subtracting inches to make it cover more or less wall space, those pieces are not meant to be there.Follow this rule for multiples and collages, but you may find in a collage that the 3” rule cannot always be followed but can be done in a fashion to keep the connection.
Exception to rule #2 is with hanging diptychs / triptychs (art consisting of 2 or more panels, that together create 1 art piece). For these, you can hang them side by side or with a 1-2” gap between the panels.
3) When hanging artwork over a piece of furniture, sure you center the artwork over the furniture and not centered to the room. This creates your focal point. With open floor plans, not all furniture pieces will center the room so create moments in the room.
Rules I break:
1) There are rules about hanging artwork too low or too high. I love the drama of a top to bottom wall of artwork. I do stay 6-12” above or below the molding/ baseboards.
2) When hanging artwork over a table, I trust my eye and may hang the piece lower than the rule. I like the story it tells as a whole rather than just a table and just a piece of artwork above it.
3) When hanging art above a sofa that is against a wall, the last thing you want is for someone to lean back and hit their head on the artwork, not because I’m worried about their head, but because I am worried about the art (lol).
Above all the rules,
trust your eye. If you get a feeling about a placement, go with it. It’s your joy you are creating.
If you have any questions or need some help, please feel free to reach out. Happy Hanging!