“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls,” Pablo Picasso once said.
Art has the power to transform a space, evoke emotions, and tell a story. However, even the most stunning pieces can lose their impact when hung incorrectly.
Here’s why getting it right matters, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Mistake 1: Hanging Art Too High
One of the most prevalent mistakes designers spot is artwork hung at eye-level – for giants. Many homeowners assume that the center of the piece should align with their line of sight, resulting in art that floats awkwardly above furniture.
How to Fix: As a general rule, the center of your artwork should hang approximately 55-60 inches (4 ft 9 in – 5 ft) from the floor. This height is the usual “museum standard,” which creates a comfortable viewing experience for most people. (ref)
When hanging art above furniture, leave a 4-8 inch gap between the top of the piece and the bottom of the frame.
Mistake 2: Disregarding Scale & Proportion
Another common blunder is choosing artwork that’s either too small or too large for the wall space. Tiny pieces can get lost on expansive walls, while oversized art can overwhelm a room and make it feel cramped.
How to Fix: Consider the scale of your wall and furniture when selecting artwork. A good rule of thumb is to choose pieces that cover 50-75% of the available wall space.
For example, a 40-inch wide sofa would pair well with a 30-inch wide painting hung 6 inches above it.
Mistake 3: Mismatched Frame Styles
Mixing and matching frame styles can add visual interest to your walls, but haphazardly combining different colors, materials, and thicknesses can create a disjointed, chaotic look.
How to Fix: Choose frames that share at least one common element, such as color, material, or style. If you’re displaying a collection of mixed-media artwork, consider using the same frame for all pieces to create a cohesive look.
Alternatively, select frames in complementary colors or varying shades of the same hue for a harmonious yet diverse display.
Mistake 4: Uneven Spacing & Alignment
Inconsistent spacing between artworks and misaligned frames are surefire ways to make your walls look sloppy and unprofessional. Even slight variations in alignment can be glaringly obvious to the trained eye.
How to Fix: When hanging multiple pieces, use a laser level and measuring tape to ensure even spacing and perfect alignment. Aim for 2-4 inches of space between each frame.
For a foolproof hanging method, try the “paper template” trick: Trace your frames onto kraft paper, cut out the shapes, and arrange them on the wall with painter’s tape until you find the perfect layout.
Mistake 5: Neglecting the Negative Space
Many homeowners focus solely on the artwork itself, forgetting that the negative space around it is equally important. Cluttered, overcrowded walls can make a room feel small and overwhelming.
How to Fix: Embrace the power of negative space by leaving ample room around each piece of art. A good guideline is to keep at least 6-12 inches of empty wall space between the outer edges of your frames and any adjacent walls, windows, or doorways.
This breathing room allows each artwork to shine and prevents your walls from feeling cluttered.
Mistake 6: Ignoring the Room’s Overall Aesthetic
Hanging art that clashes with your room’s color scheme, style, or mood can create visual discord and detract from the overall design.
How to Fix: Consider your room’s existing color palette, furniture style, and ambiance when selecting artwork. Choose pieces that complement or contrast with your decor in a pleasing way.
For example, a bold, abstract painting can add a pop of color to a neutral room, while a serene landscape can bring a calming touch to a busy space.
If you avoid these common art hanging mistakes and implement these designer-approved tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning, well-balanced walls that showcase your unique style and elevate your home’s aesthetic.
Read Next:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.