A common and effective approach to hanging art around your house, particularly for single pieces or horizontal arrangements, is to focus on placing the artwork at an optimal viewing height.
The General Rule for Hanging Art
As a general rule, when hanging art on an open wall, especially for a single piece or multiple pieces placed horizontally, the recommended practice is to hang the art so that:
- The center of the piece is 60 inches from the floor.
This measurement serves as a standard guideline used by galleries and designers alike.
Why Hang Art at 60 Inches?
Following the 60-inch rule ensures the artwork is placed roughly at the average eye level of someone standing. This height allows viewers to comfortably appreciate the piece without having to look up or down excessively, making the art feel naturally situated within the space.
Applying the Rule
Here’s how to practically apply the 60-inch rule:
- Locate the Wall: Choose the wall where you want to hang your art.
- Measure from the Floor: Measure 60 inches up from the floor using a tape measure and make a light pencil mark.
- Find the Art's Center: Determine the vertical center point of your artwork.
- Calculate Hanging Hardware: Measure the distance from the top of your artwork down to where the hanging hardware (like a wire or hook) will rest when hung.
- Mark the Hanging Spot: Subtract the distance measured in step 4 from 60 inches. This final number is the distance from the floor where the top of your hanging hardware needs to be placed on the wall. Mark this spot.
- Install Hardware: Install your wall hook or picture hanger at the marked spot.
- Hang Your Art: Carefully hang your artwork, ensuring the center of the piece aligns with the 60-inch mark you initially made.
This method helps create a visually balanced and comfortable viewing experience for your art collection.
