Hanging pictures in home or office often poses a challenge to the average person.  The height at which art is hung can dramatically impact the appeal and feeling of a room.   We hang art on our walls so we can enjoy what it has to offer; art provides visual interest through color, style, and size.  When art is hung improperly, it looks out of place and confuses the eye. The concept of hanging art is a simple one when you approach the subject armed with some basic information and guidelines. 

We have all walked into a home or office and had our eye go to art that was hung too high or low-it is visually distracting. In contrast, when hung correctly, we begin to notice the art, frame, and overall style of the room.

How high should you hang it - When hanging art, it's important to remember the term "line of sight".  Line of sight becomes the guideline used to locate the optimum position on a wall for a picture to be hung.  This guideline is not determined by the height of the person who occupies the space or hangs the picture, but rather the eye height of the average human.  Experts in the field of decorating recommend placing the focal point of the image at 60 inches, (the vertical distance from the floor to eye level of an average-height human).  This placement provides for a pleasing view and replicates the guideline used throughout galleries of the world.  If in doubt about the proper placement of art on a particular wall, it is recommended that you create a paper cut-out of the picture size and pin it into position.  This will enable you to visualize the location and confirm the proper height without putting visible holes in the wall.  This 60 inch guideline has been time and gallery tested and will enhance the style of the room. 

What about hanging groupings and furniture- When hanging art above or beside furniture or in groupings, there a few more simple guidelines. Keeping with the concept that art should please the eye, the proper hanging of art near furniture is important.  When considering where to hang art, keep in mind that the art piece should not exceed the width of the piece of furniture it will hang over.  In addition, the rule of hanging too high or low still applies when hanging art above a sofa, chair, or bed.  If the piece of furniture does not encroach on the 60 inch height, the above guidelines would continue to be appropriate.  How high above furniture - If the piece of furniture is taller than 49 inches, the bottom of a picture should generally be hung 6-10 inches above the furniture. 

A small picture placed above a headboard, sofa or simply hung on a wall away from furniture can be accessorized with other items that compliment the space and make the presentation pleasing to the eye.  Groupings (Suites) can be achieved by spacing the center of the grouping at the 60 inch mark and building around it.  Rule of thumb with groupings-heavier and larger items should be placed closer to the bottom with a minimum of 2-3 inches between pieces.  Once again, paper cut-outs can help visualize the space without damaging walls.

Utilizing the picture hanging techniques used by decorators and galleries alike will result in professional results without the cost of hiring a decorator.  Designer results can be accomplished with a few simple tools and a little imagination.  Remembering the 60 inch mark will put you in the picture hanging league of professional decorators.  These guidelines will arm you with the insight you need to walk into any room and identify what you can do to make a room look like a showroom!