The Art of Hanging Wall Art: Creating a Gallery Wall That Tells Your Story

If you're struggling with figuring out the perfect height to hang your artwork, you're definitely not alone! Our customers often send us their photos, and I've seen some fabulous gallery wall set-ups... and some not so great.

Let's start by discussing some common mistakes people make when hanging wall art, and then we'll share some helpful tips.

Common mistakes in hanging art

1. Spacing a set of prints too far apart: When hanging a set of pictures or a gallery wall, it's important to space the pieces correctly. For example, if we were hanging a set of three 8x10 inch wall prints, a 1-3 inch distance between each is ideal.

2. Choosing artwork that is too small for a large wall: A small picture on a large wall can look out of balance, so it's important to choose art that's appropriately sized for the space.

3. Hanging art too high or too low: Art that is hung too high or too low can look out of place and throw off the balance of the room.

4. Hanging art without considering lighting: The lighting in a room can have a big impact on how your art looks. It's important to think about the natural light and the placement of light fixtures when deciding where to hang your pieces. Additionally, keep in mind that artwork can fade over time if it's exposed to direct sunlight.

Luckily, we've got some tips and designer secrets to help you out.

How to hang wall art

First up, we recommend hanging your artwork so that the center of the piece is about 57 inches from the floor. However, this isn't a hard-and-fast rule, and you can adjust the height depending on the size of the piece and the space you're hanging it in.

One popular tip is to hang artwork at eye level, but that can vary depending on whose eye level you're going by. Instead, consider how the artwork relates to its surroundings. For example, in hallways or entryways where you'll mostly be standing, you might want to hang your artwork a bit higher. But in rooms where you'll be sitting, like the dining room or family room, you can hang your artwork a bit lower so you can enjoy it from a lower viewing angle.

A possible gallery wall design. The possibilities are endless.

Another thing to consider is the size of your artwork. For larger pieces, you might want to position the bottom of the frame about 6-12 inches above the top of a sofa or table. And if you're working with a group of pictures or objects, think of them as one large picture and relate the bottom of the grouping to the furniture underneath it.

If you're still not sure, try making paper templates of your artwork and sticking them to the wall with painter's tape. That way, you can stand back and see how the piece looks in relation to your room and furniture before committing to hanging it.

So there you have it, some helpful tips to get your artwork looking its best on your walls. Don't be afraid to try out different heights and locations before you start hammering in those picture hooks!