How High Should You Hang Pictures? A Complete Guide by Gilbert Art Services
Hanging artwork in your home or office is one of the most effective ways to bring personality, warmth and visual balance to a space. But many people struggle with one common question: how high should you hang pictures?
At Gilbert Art Services, we’ve installed thousands of pieces of art and mirrors across London and the surrounding areas. Getting the height right is crucial, as it affects the balance of the room, the way your art is viewed and even the safety of your pieces.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our tried and tested methods for picture hanging height, as well as share practical tips for different room types and layouts.
Artworks installed at height in the atrium of an office building.
Why Hanging Pictures at the Right Height Matters
When hung correctly, art enhances the overall design of a room and can even make it feel larger and more harmonious. Poor placement, on the other hand, can disrupt the visual flow and diminish the impact of your artwork.
Correct picture hanging height:
Creates balance and symmetry in a space
Draws attention to key features like furniture or architectural details
Improves the viewing experience for you and your guests
The Eye Level Rule: A Simple Formula That Works
The most widely used guideline in art installation is the eye level rule. This means hanging the centre of your picture so it’s at 150–155 cm (59–61 inches) from the floor, which is roughly the average viewer’s eye level. This may have to be adjusted where there’s furniture, fireplaces or stairs.
How to Measure It Correctly
Measure the height of your picture and divide it by two to find the centre point.
Measure 150–155 cm from the floor and mark this spot on the wall.
Adjust the picture so that its centre aligns with your mark.
This method works well for most walls and artworks, but there are situations where you’ll want to adapt the height slightly.
When You Should Adjust the Eye-Level Rule
Above Furniture - If you’re hanging art above a sofa, console table or headboard, leave 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the picture. This creates a cohesive connection between the piece and the furniture without feeling cramped.
In Rooms with High Ceilings - For very tall ceilings, you can hang your art a little higher than eye level to maintain balance.
In Spaces with Children - When hanging children’s art, or in spaces primarily used by kids, lower the pieces to match their eye level so they can enjoy the artwork.
Gallery Walls - With multiple pieces, you may vary heights to create an engaging arrangement, but keep the centre of the entire grouping roughly at eye level.
Hanging Large, Small or Oversized Pieces
Large Artworks - If the artwork is oversized, hanging it slightly lower than standard eye level often works best. It allows the piece to anchor the room and prevents it from overwhelming the space.
Small Artworks - Smaller pieces can be hung slightly higher or grouped together in a series to avoid them looking lost on a large wall.
Series or Picture Sets - For two or more works by the same artist or in the same style, hang them at the same height to create a consistent line.
Common Picture Hanging Mistakes to Avoid
Hanging artwork too high: This is one of the most common mistakes and disrupts the connection between your furniture and artwork.
Spacing artworks too far apart: When creating a gallery wall, keep the gaps between pieces consistent, ideally 5–10 cm (2–4 inches).
Ignoring furniture and room layout: Artwork should complement the furniture and architecture, not compete with it.
Not using the right fixings: Heavy pieces need professional fixings suitable for your wall type (brick, plaster, drywall or concrete).
Tips for Hanging Pictures on Different Wall Types
Drywall: Use appropriate drywall anchors for heavier pieces.
Brick or Concrete: Pre-drill holes with a masonry bit and use wall plugs.
Plaster: Be cautious as plaster can crack. Use anchors specifically designed for plaster walls.
Picture Rails: If your property has picture rails, use them for flexibility and to avoid damaging walls.
Professional Help Can Make All the Difference
Hanging pictures can seem straightforward, but when you’re working with valuable, heavy or unusually shaped pieces, hiring a professional picture hanging service is the safest and most effective option.
At Gilbert Art Services, we bring:
Over 15 years of experience in art and mirror installation
Over 1,000 successful projects completed
Knowledge of wall structures and specialist fixings
Expertise in layout and visual balance
We can also design and install gallery walls, advise on picture rail systems, and hang artworks in tricky locations like staircases or double-height spaces.
Ready to Get It Right? Contact Gilbert Art Services
Whether you’re hanging one statement piece or curating an entire gallery wall, the right placement can transform your room.
If you’re London or the Home Counties, let our experienced team handle everything for you. If you’re outside of our service area please get in touch for more information. We’ll ensure your pictures and mirrors are beautifully positioned, safe and perfectly secure.
Call us today on 07709 842 584 or email info@gilbertartservices.com to arrange a no-obligation quote.
