How High Should Artwork Be Hung?

Designer Guidelines for Hanging Art at the Right Height

One of the most common mistakes people make when hanging artwork is placing it too high on the wall. When artwork sits too high, it can feel disconnected from the room and the furniture around it.

When hung at the right height, artwork feels naturally integrated into the space and becomes part of the rhythm of the room rather than simply decoration on a wall.

At Studio Elwood we often share a few simple designer guidelines that help artwork feel balanced and comfortable within the home.

The Eye-Level Rule

A helpful principle used by galleries and designers is to hang artwork so that the centre of the piece sits roughly at eye level.

This is typically around 145–150 cm from the floor to the centre of the artwork.

Hanging artwork at this height allows it to be viewed comfortably and creates a natural visual connection within the room.

Hanging Artwork Above Furniture

When artwork is placed above furniture such as a sofa, console table or bed, the artwork should sit closer to the furniture than many people expect.

A good guideline is to leave around 15–25 cm between the bottom of the artwork and the top of the furniture. This helps the artwork feel visually connected to the furniture rather than floating independently on the wall.

Hanging Large or Extra Large Artwork

Larger artworks naturally sit lower on the wall because of their scale. When positioned correctly, they often create a strong visual anchor within the room.

Extra large artworks work particularly well:

  • above sofas
  • on large living room walls
  • in entry spaces
  • in dining areas

Because of their size, they often feel best when hung slightly lower rather than higher, allowing the artwork to connect naturally with the space.

Consider How the Room Is Used

When choosing the height for artwork, it is also helpful to think about how the space is used.

If artwork is placed above a sofa, make sure it sits high enough that someone sitting on the couch will not brush against the bottom of the artwork with their head.

In busy areas where people move frequently through the room, artwork should also be positioned so it is less likely to be knocked or bumped.

A useful tip is to anchor the bottom corners of the artwork to the wall using small discreet fixings or clear bumpers. This helps prevent the artwork from swinging or becoming crooked if it is accidentally touched.

A Simple Way to Check Placement

Before committing to hanging the artwork, it can be helpful to temporarily place or lean the artwork against the wall to see how the height feels within the room.

Another helpful method is to use painter’s tape to mark the outline of the artwork on the wall so you can step back and assess the placement before installing hooks.

Taking a moment to visualise the height can make a big difference to the final result.

A Final Thought

Artwork should feel comfortable within the space and enjoyable to live with every day. When hung at the right height, it naturally becomes part of the room and draws the eye without feeling forced.

At Studio Elwood we believe art should never feel intimidating or overly formal — the most important thing is that the piece feels right within your home.

Discover Art to Live With

If you are looking for artwork to anchor your space, explore the Studio Elwood collections.

Created by Australian artist and Creative Director Tory Burke, each piece is designed to bring texture, warmth and presence into contemporary interiors.

Explore:

• Original Art
• Prints
• Extra Large Artworks

— Tory Burke, Creative Director, Studio Elwood

Choosing the right artwork for your wall can make a huge difference to how a room feels.

Visit our Art is Life guide, where artist and Creative Director Tory Burke shares practical insights on choosing artwork, placing art in living rooms and styling large walls.

Explore Guide >>