What’s the Ideal Height to Hang Art at Home or in the Office?

Whenever I deliver a piece, one of the questions I hear most is: “Carol, what’s the right height to hang it?” It may seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference in how we live with art day to day.

A good rule of thumb to start: I like to follow a simple measure—place the center of the artwork at eye level, around 1.50 m (about 59 in) from the floor. This keeps the piece at a comfortable viewing height without strain.

Each space calls for a different approach:

• Living room: if the artwork goes above a sofa or a console, I usually recommend leaving about 25–40 cm (10–16 in) of clearance so it doesn’t feel “glued” to the furniture.

• Office: because we spend most of the time seated, it can help to hang the piece a little lower so your gaze meets the artwork naturally.

• Hallways: since our gaze is always in motion, it’s fine to hang pieces slightly higher.

Other points I consider:

• Large works: often look better a bit higher, since their size already occupies a good portion of the wall.

• Small works: need extra care. Many times they shine when grouped as a composition—thinking of the set as a single piece.

• Practical test: I always suggest holding the piece in place before drilling. It’s remarkable how your body tells you when the height feels right.

In the end

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula—there’s what makes sense for your space and how you want to live with art. My tip: experiment, adjust, observe. The artwork should be there to be seen, felt, and to bring beauty into everyday life.

A good rule of thumb to start

I like to follow a simple measure: place the center of the artwork at eye level, around 1.50 m (about 59 in) from the floor. This keeps the piece at a comfortable viewing point without effort.