One of the first things I notice when going into people’s homes is that the artwork is usually hung too high. You practically have to crane your neck to see it. This is probably one of the biggest mistakes made in hanging artwork. Here are some general tips in avoiding the most common misconceptions and mistakes in hanging artwork in your home.

1. Yes, it should be ‘eye level’, but not if your ceilings are really low (typical is 8 – 9 feet) and not if you are really tall. If the wall were cut up vertically into four sections (going from bottom to top) then think of the art being in the third quadrant (counting from the floor).
2. If it’s a grouping of art then you need to treat the whole collection as one piece. Start and stop it where it makes the most sense, as if it were one.
3. Balance and scale are important. If you are hanging artwork over a large sofa then the artwork should be roughly the same size as the sofa. If it is a large wall then hanging one small piece in the middle of the wall would be out of balance – out of scale – out of proportion. Take a look at the pictures below. This is a great example of “too small” for the space.

General Rules to Follow

These are some general rules for how high or how big the art should be. Remember, if your walls are really tall then you can go higher and if your piece of furniture is really low then consider going lower to help engage that whole space. But generally try to fill as much space on the wall as you can, allowing for a space around the pieces so they aren’t crammed towards the furniture, wall or molding.

It is pleasing to the eye if art is hung around 8″ above a piece of furniture, give or take. You don’t want it to hit your head so typically 6 – 10″ gives you enough clearance to do that.

I’m sure that galleries have a rule about the middle of the piece being at eye level but often that does work, but if there is no piece of furniture below it then it might need to come down. Don’t be afraid of going lower. Consider the space you need to fill then place it 6 – 8″ above the piece of furniture and see how it looks. The artwork and the piece of furniture should relate to each other and live near enough to each other that they collectively engage the whole wall together as a unit. Often, if there is a huge gap in between it will look disjointed.

Artwork Hung Properly Over a Couch

New Work

Well, I finally finished “Green Pastures”. What a labour of love. Not all paintings go according to plan but with diligence, faith and hard work it all came together and I was thrilled with the results. Something a little different for me as I don’t usually add clouds or work with “greens”. However, I have been so desperate to see colour and blue skies this spring I couldn’t resist. Plus, it is always good to stretch ourselves out of our comfort level. This painting is now available at Loft Gallery in Thornbury for sale 36 x 60 $2800

https://www.facebook.com/janetliesemersart

Have any questions? Contact me