How high is too high for hanging pictures?

Hanging pictures on walls is an important part of interior decorating. Where and how pictures are hung can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of a room. One of the most common questions people have when hanging artwork is “How high should I hang this picture?”

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What is the standard height for hanging pictures?

The standard height for hanging most pictures is around 57-60 inches from the floor to the center of the picture. This eye level placement allows the artwork to be appreciated comfortably by most people.

There are a few guidelines to follow:

For single pictures or photos, the center of the frame should be at 57-60 inches high.
For grouped gallery walls with a collection of frames, the center of the entire arrangement should be at 57-60 inches.
Larger pictures can be hung a little lower, with the center at 50-55 inches.

Smaller pieces can be a bit higher, with the center at 60-66 inches.

Of course, the standard height is just a general recommendation. Feel free to adjust up or down a few inches according to your personal preference and what looks best for each piece. The most important thing is for the center of the artwork to be near eye level.

Factors to consider when hanging pictures

While the average 57-60 inch eye level is a good guide, there are a few other factors to take into account as well:

Type of picture

Photographs and portraits: These are best suited to eye level placement, as people want to see the faces at a natural viewing angle.
Landscapes and still life: You may want to hang these a bit lower than eye level, more in line with the horizon of a landscape. Closer to 50 inches high can work.
Large pictures: Big pieces make more of an impact hung lower. Try for the center to be 50-55 inches from the floor.

Small pictures: Raise dainty pieces up higher near 60-66 inches for better visibility.

Furniture and viewing distance

If you have furniture like couches, beds, or desks facing the wall, hang the art about 8-12 inches above the top of the furniture. This prevents it from feeling too high when sitting.
In entryways and hallways where people will walk right up to the art, you may want to hang pieces a bit higher, up to 66 inches or more.

On a staircase, hang pieces at eye level a few steps below where you expect people to start ascending.

Style of room

In formal spaces, keep pieces near the standard 57-60 inch eye level height for proper presentation.
In casual settings like family rooms, you can be more creative and hang art higher or lower based on what looks best.

Personal preference

If you have a tall family, consider going a bit higher. For shorter adults or kids, lower may be better.
Go by what you find the most visually pleasing for the room, even if it breaks “rules.”

When is a picture hung too high?

Hanging pictures too high is a common mistake. How high is too high? Here are some signs that your artwork may be too far from the eye:

You have to crane your neck to properly see the picture.
The picture feels disconnected from the rest of the room.
You keep walking up to it or leaning in for a closer look.

It feels like it’s floating on the wall instead of being part of the space.

As a general rule of thumb, pictures should not be hung more than 10-12 inches above standard eye level (57-60 inches).

Here are some examples of when a picture is likely too high:

The center of the frame is above 66 inches.
The bottom of the frame is above 5 feet.
There is empty wall space between the picture and furniture below it.

Of course, rooms with very high ceilings may require you to hang art a bit higher. Use your judgment based on the space. But if you find yourself straining to see it properly, it’s time to take it down a few inches.

Tips for hanging pictures at eye level

Use these handy tips for getting your pictures hung at the ideal height:

Mark the wall at 57-60 inches so you know your target height.

Use a laser level tool to mark a perfect horizontal line.
Hang a picture ledge or shelf instead of nailing into the wall. Adjustable!
Use an architectural ruler to measure distances as you arrange groupings.

Stand back frequently to check that pieces feel balanced and cohesive.
Take photos of the wall arrangement and view on your phone to double check.
Enlist someone else to give you their opinion on the height.

Getting that perfect eye level alignment just takes some measuring, testing, and tweaking until it looks right. The time invested is worth it for gallery walls that truly enhance the room.

When can you hang art higher or lower?

While abiding by the standard eye level rule is advised in most cases, there are some instances where breaking the height guideline makes sense:

Hanging a picture higher

Over a high piece of furniture, so it doesn’t clash.

In a room with extremely tall ceilings.
At the top of an open staircase.
In a foyer or entryway where people need to walk right up to see it.

To make smaller rooms feel more spacious.

Hanging a picture lower

For landscapes and horizontal scenes to align with the horizon.
Above beds, so it’s not obscured by pillows.

In kids’ rooms where viewing height is lower.
Over couches and chairs where people sit below.
To accent a lower wall if furniture takes up upper space.

Trust your instincts when choosing the height. As long as the art can easily be seen and fits the wall, go ahead and experiment with hanging pieces a bit higher or lower if it enhances the overall look.

Tips for hanging very large pictures

Extra large wall art and prints make a big impact, but can be tricky to hang well. Here are some tips:

Hang large pieces 6-12 inches lower than standard height. Aim for the center to be around 50 inches high.

Landscape orientation artwork looks best a bit lower, around 44-50 inches to align with the horizon.
Anchor very heavy pieces directly into wall studs for security.
Use cleats designed for oversized art instead of typical picture hanging hardware.

Make sure the frame extends at least 2 inches beyond the edges of the furniture below for good proportion.

Scale down everything else in the arrangement – other frames, shelves, lamps, etc. Large art deserves to stand out.

For giant statement pieces like oversized mirrors or maps, going as low as 36 inches can work well. Just don’t go so low that furniture starts obscuring the bottom.

Tips for hanging small pictures and groupings

Small pictures and groupings require a lighter touch:

Hang individual small pieces up to 66 inches high.
For grouped collections, go by the center of the arrangement, not individual pieces.

Use an architectural ruler to map out your gallery wall spacing precisely.
Mix in some larger anchors pieces to balance out small items.
Add furniture like shelves or tables below groups to ground them.

Go for more narrow groupings vs spreading tiny pieces across a wide expanse.

Petite frames can get lost on a big wall if they are too scattered out. Cluster them pleasingly in a tight arrangement at a slightly elevated height.

When should I hang pictures on the ceiling?

While it’s common to hang art at eye level, you also have the option of displaying pieces on the ceiling. Some instances when overhead artwork can work well:

To create a focal point in a room with super high ceilings.
In a ceiling recess or cove that calls for decoration.
Over a dining table or kitchen island.

In hallways, stairwells, and entryways.
In bedrooms and bathrooms for visual interest while lying down.

The main challenge is making sure ceiling-hung art can actually be seen and appreciated. Lighting is key – make sure lights illuminate the work without glare.

For safety, use very secure mounting brackets anchored into ceiling studs and check weight limits. Most ceiling art should be fairly lightweight. Very heavy or expensive pieces are better hung at normal wall height.

Conclusion

Determining the perfect height to hang pictures is more art than science. While the standard 57-60 inch eye level is a good starting point, feel free to adjust up or down according to the room, your taste, and what enhances your decor. Just avoid going so high that art feels disconnected from the rest of the space.

Use this article as a guide, but don’t be afraid to experiment with placement and throw the “rules” out if something looks right to your eye. Trust your instincts to create an eye-catching gallery wall that expresses your personal style.