Best Ways & Measurements for Hanging Artwork and Mirrors

When it comes to hanging artwork and mirrors, there’s a ‘sweet spot’ that works in most spaces - but it’s not one size fits all. Think of these measurements as a designer’s rule of thumb, with plenty of room for exceptions depending on your piece, your space and your personal style.

 

General Guidelines

●      Eye-Level Rule: Center of artwork at 58 - 62"  from floor (best for pieces 6 - 36" high)

●      Works for average heights (approx. 5’2" - 5’6")

●      Not to the bottom of frame, measure to the center

●      57" Rule: More rigid, but often too low for many spaces

●      Adjust based on artwork height, what’s below it, and the room’s sightline

 

Empty Wall

●      6 - 36” high pieces: Center at 58 - 62"

●      36 - 48” high pieces: Center at 48 - 56"

●      Taller than 48”: Center shifts back toward 58 - 62"

●      For oversized or floor to ceiling art, consider proportion to wall height and visual weight

 

Above Furniture

●      Furniture shorter than 30”: Use 58 - 62" center guideline

●      Furniture taller than 30”: 4 - 8" between top of furniture and bottom of frame

●      Link furniture and art visually with accessories

 

Above Wainscoting

●      Standard wainscoting (36” high):

○      Art center 58 - 62" from floor or 4 - 6 inches above wainscoting top (for pieces 30”+ high)

●      Higher than standard wainscoting: Use proportion; tall art may not fit remaining wall space

Bathroom

●      Above toilet: Center at 58 - 62" (toilet: 30” high)

○      Exception: Long/narrow art: 6 - 8 " above toilet lid

●      Above towel bar:

○      Low towel bar (42” high): Art should be taller (24”+) to fill space; center at 58 - 62"

○      Higher towel bar (48” high): Art no more than 30” high, hung 6" above bar

Dining Room

●      Above buffet/bench: 30” high: 4 - 8" above furniture

●      Lower than 30”: Center at 58" to connect visually with furniture

●      Empty dining room wall: Center over table/fixture at 60" (for art: 36” high)

Above Sofa or Sectional

●      8 - 12" from top of sofa to bottom of art/mirror.

●      Adjust for ceiling height:

○      8' ceilings: 8"

○      9'+ ceilings: up to 12"

●      Artwork width: Aim for 3/4 width of sofa or larger

Above Headboard

●      4 - 12" from top of headboard to bottom of art

●      If no headboard: Use 58 - 62" center guideline

●      Ideal width: 3/4 width of bed or wider

Gallery Walls

●      Treat as one large piece (measure total height & width, including spacing)

●      Gallery height 24 - 36”: Center at 58 - 64"

●      More than 36” tall: Center at 48 - 56"

●      Above sofa/furniture: Follow same 8 - 12" above rule

●      Keep at least 6" from ceiling (especially with 8' ceilings)

 

Above Fireplace Mantel

●      4 - 8" inches between mantel and bottom of art/mirror

●      Shorter mantel = more flexibility (but max 10")

●      Consider scale, art should balance mantel width and height