Most people hang art too high. But, you can avoid this common mistake by following this simple formula on how to hang pictures at the correct height…every time.
How High to Hang Pictures
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First, gather your tools:
- hammer
- picture hanging kit , nails or hooks.
- pencil
- painter’s tape
- level
- measuring tape
- calculator
Tip: Be sure the hanger you choose can support the weight of your art. For really heavy art, I like to use hercules hooks. Also, keep drywall anchors on hand if you don’t have stud to nail into.
Directions for hanging artwork
- If you’re picture has two hooks (without a wire) on the back, follow this tutorial. If you’re working with a single hook, or a wire, keep reading.
- Turn your frame over and use your measuring tape to measure the height of the picture from the back. My art is 24″
- Divide this number by 2. In my example, the answer is 12″
- Find the distance between the top of the picture and the picture hanging hardware. Mine measured 6.5″ from the wire to the top of the frame.
Tip: Take this measurement from the backside of the frame. Also, if you have a hanging wire, pull it taught. You want the measurement based on how high/taught the wire will be when it’s hung on the wall.
- Subtract that number from the number you got when you divided the frame height by 2. In this example, the distance from the top of the frame to the hardware is 6.5 inches. When I divided the height of the frame by 2, I got 12. So, 12″ – 6.5″ = 5.5″.
- Add 60 to the difference. In my example, 60″ + 5.5″ = 65.5″ So, I will install the nail at 65.5″.
- Measure and mark that spot on the wall. Making sure to start at the floor, we measured 65.5″ up the wall. Mark the spot with a pencil.
- Install your hanging hardware.
Note that I placed the bottom of the hook (not the nail) on the pencil mark because that is where the wire will hang from.
Now you’re ready to hang your picture!
Tip: write the final measurement on a piece of painter’s tape and adhere it to the back of your picture for future reference. (Because if you’re anything like me, you will be moving that picture.)
- Set a level on top to make sure the picture is hanging straight.
I found this formula online a few years ago (I don’t remember the source), and have had a lot of success with it.
General Picture Hanging Tips
- The general consensus among designers is that the center of your art should hang at eye level when standing, or between 60 and 63 inches, some say 65 inches. This is particularly true for pictures hanging in a foyer or hallway.
- When you’re hanging something above a table or chair, leave no more than 12″ between the surface and the end of your frame.
- If the art is in a room where you’ll mostly be seated, like in a dining room, you can hang it on the low end of the eye level range.
- For rooms with high ceilings, try the high end of the range.
- Get help for those troublesome double hook frames.
Best Places to Find Art
The art in my home is a mix of my daughter’s artwork from school, family photographs, inherited, estate sale and thrift finds, discount stores, and pieces from Etsy.
Both Etsy and Minted are great places to find original prints at a very affordable price.
My favorite artists on Etsy are:
Clare Elsaesser – She offers original paintings and prints. I think of her work as moody. The first time I saw this one, it brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me so much of Matt and me. It’s hanging in my bedroom now.
Janet Hill Studio – Her shop offers prints, cards and stationary. Janet’s work is very colorful and whimsical with a vintage theme. This print was on my wish list for a couple of years before I finally pulled the trigger and bought it. I don’t know why I waited so long. It was very affordable.
Laura Row Studio – I recently discovered this artist. Her work is much more traditional. She sales original watercolor art, fine art prints, and stationary. I can see her art work in a girl’s room, a feminine office space, a women’s closet, or in a powder room. I’ve got my eye on this adorable print.
Art from Minted
Photo Art – Minted is a great place to turn your photos into art. This type of art is perfect for gallery walls, hallways and home offices.
Fine Art Prints – Minted partners with independent artists to give them a platform to share and sell their work. There are a lot of types and styles to choose from. From what I understand, it’s limited edition art are with only 350 prints per size and colorway.
I like Emily Jefford’s abstract landscape prints.I’ve been following her on social media for quite some time and always love seeing her latest pieces, which are available on Minted.
Children’s Art – You can find art for a nursery, child’s room and even for teenagers. I bought my daughter customized map art from Minted as a high school graduation gift to take with her to college, especially since she was moving out of state. It was a huge hit!
There’s nothing like having pictures on the walls to make a your house feel like home.
Be sure to check out my book for more decorating tips. And, before you go. grab your free printable picture hanging cheat sheet.
Debbie says
Good tip to know! Thanks for sharing.
Debbie 🙂
Sharon ت says
Hope it comes in handy!
CAS says
I have a great hint — have a housekeeper! I do not, but wish I did have one to do that vacuuming three times a week that I’m supposed to be doing!
Okay, funny-stuff aside, I have to keep a schedule. For me, that means a hand-written schedule & list that I renew each week on Sunday night. Even though there are only 2 adults (& one cat) in our home now, I still need my schedule & list to maintain things around here. I HAVE to be flexible, because my hubby is retired now & his more spontaneous personality sometimes clashes with my more structured self…lol!
CAS
Sharon ت says
I’d LOVE a housekeeper too! I am terrible at keeping a schedule. I like structure, but I’m such a free spirit. I have yet to find the balance.
Sharon ت says
I wish I had one, too, Cas! As much as I love structure, I’m terrible at following schedules.
Audrey Zumwalt says
Great tip on hanging a picture … I never measure … just hang it, but I will do my math and try this next time.
Audrey Z.
Sharon ت says
Audrey, I doubt you need to do the math. I just got so tired of moving pictures up down and around and decided to try something new.
2bytwin says
This is a fun blog to read, good work
tjeck out mine ?
http://www.2bytwin.com
love from Denmark
Teresa says
Thank you for this awesome idea! I absolutely LOVE this method for hanging pictures. My husband and I always disagree on how high to hang them (I’m short so I don’t want to crane my neck every time I want to look at a picture) and they always look either too high or to low on the walls. The Math wiz in him will love being able to use numbers to get the correct height and I’ll love not straining my neck to look at the artwork.
Mrs. Hines says
I’m short, too, Teresa. So, I can relate to not wanting to crane your neck.
I was so excited when I found this formula…it really makes a difference. Let me know how it goes with your husband. 😉
Anonymous says
Who is the artist of the man and woman sleeping? Where can
I get it?
Mrs. Hines says
Hi,
The artist is Clare Elsaesser and you can find her as well as this print on her Etsy shop. https://www.etsy.com/listing/123266558/november-16-x-16-giclee-art-print?ref=shop_home_active_6
Mindy says
I’m bad at Math. Lol, so tomorrow I’ll be headed to the store for butcher paper!! Or maybe the ugly wrapping paper stashed in the closet!! Thank you!!!!
Mrs. Hines says
Hi Mindy, Math isn’t my strong suit either, LOL. I say use up that ugly wrapping paper. 🙂
Anonymous says
So it is 5 ft to the center of the picture??
Mrs. Hines says
Yes. Five feet from the floor.
M-La says
Well smack me silly this works BRILLIANTLY! I don’t usually comment on these things, but this really helped me out. I had a HUGE arched mirror (sort of a church window jobbie) and I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. Que your page via pinterest… I accounted for the curve in the formula and I think the mirror looks stunning. Probably the best hung piece in the whole house (of course it’s in the guest bedroom lol). Thanks so much for sharing!
Mrs. Hines says
Thank you for sharing that…I love success stories! And I’m so glad you are getting to enjoy the mirror. I’d love to see a picture.
P D F says
After doing my measurements. I had to stop and ask if this works for a home with high ceilings?
Mrs. Hines says
I would say yes. The goal is to hang the center of the art at eye level for
Mrs. Hines says
Yes. The goal is for the center of the art to hang at eye level (sitting or standing depending on the room), so that it can be seen and enjoyed. So, I say go for it. 🙂 I’d love to see pictures once you hang your art.
Dave says
Is the 5′ initial height ideal for everyone? What about someone who is over 6′ tall? Wouldn’t they be looking down at the pictures. So, the question is this; is the 5′ initial height really based on the eye level of the individuals?
Mrs. Hines says
Hi Dave,
The initial height is based on the height museums use which generally works for most people Another thing to take into consideration is you’re not always standing.
Anonymous says
You lost me at “Find the distance between the top of the picture and the picture hanging hardware. “
Mrs. Hines says
Let me see if I can help. Assuming your picture or photo is in a frame, turn the frame over to the back. Start your tape measure at the top of the frame and measure down to the top of the attached hanger. It’s usually some type of hook.
James Mccormick says
This works perfect everytime!!