Galleries and museums hang art so its centre sits about 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor, roughly the eye level of an average adult. At home, the same number works on any open wall, and a couple of simple adjustments cover everything else.
On an open wall: 57 to 60 inches to the centre
Measure 57 to 60 in up from the floor and mark the centre of the piece there. In rooms with very high ceilings, you can go up to 60 in.
Where to put the nail
The nail is not at the centre of the frame. To find it:
- Take half the frame height and add it to your 57 in mark: that is the top of the frame.
- Subtract the distance from the top of the frame to the hanger.
- That is where the nail goes.
Example: a 25.6 in tall frame with the hanger 1 in below the top. 57 + 12.8 = 69.8 in; minus 1 = a nail at about 68.8 in.
Above furniture: follow the furniture
Over a sofa, console or bed, forget the 57 in rule and keep the bottom of the frame 8 to 10 in above the furniture, so the two read together. Above a mantel, 6 to 10 in. See art above a fireplace.
Groups and gallery walls
Treat a group as one large piece: the centre of the whole arrangement sits at 57 in. See gallery wall ideas.
Hallways and stairs
In hallways keep every piece on the same 57 in centre line. On stairs, keep the centre 57 in above each step so the line rises with the staircase. See hallway wall art.
Hanging with a sawtooth hanger
- One nail or picture hook is enough for most sizes. Use a wall anchor on plasterboard for 24 × 32 in and larger.
- Rest the hanger on the nail and slide the frame left or right until it is level; the teeth hold it in place.
- A small spirit level on the top edge gives you a perfectly balanced frame in seconds.
Care
Dust the frame and plexiglass with a soft, dry cloth. Choose a spot with gentle, indirect light to keep your piece looking its best.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 57-inch rule?
Hang art so its centre is 57 inches from the floor, the average eye level used by galleries.
How high should art be above a sofa?
8 to 10 inches between the sofa back and the bottom of the frame.
Should all art in a house be hung at the same height?
On open walls, yes: a consistent centre line makes a home feel cohesive.
Read the wall art size guide or find your piece.
