height for hanging artwork

photo via Martha Stewart

Which do you prefer: high-waisted or low-rise? Ever walk into a room and the artwork on the wall looks something like pants pulled up to armpits? Artwork that is hung too high is a common issue, mainly because there is a burning need to fill so much dead space. Here is a rule of thumb: keep things at eye level and dead space will disappear.

What level should artwork be hung? Gallery standard, or 57" is the most comfortable and the most aesthetically pleasing. From the floor, measure up 57" on the wall; this is where the center of your artwork will lie. If you've been hanging your photos high for many years, this height will feel very uncomfortable at first. Go with eye level which will fall somewhere between 57" and 60". When playing with smaller-framed pieces, you may have to bump them up a few inches, but resist the desire to place them anywhere above 60" as this will exaggerate their tininess the higher you go.

If you're concerned about your high ceilings, then you need bigger artwork or you need to bulk up your artwork arrangements. By hanging your artwork at eye level, it will balance the negative space and bring the ceiling down. Any higher than this and you make the room feel taller and your artwork smaller.

Comments

[Wine Dine]

Thank you for the info about standard gallery hight for art work. It does make a huge difference if your art is ballanced with the room hight.
Cheers:)
J & C