How High Should You Hang Wall Art?
How high should you hang wall art? It’s one of the most common decorating questions, and one of the easiest details to get wrong. Whether you’re hanging artwork in a living room, bedroom, or above furniture, placing art at the right height can be the difference between a space that feels polished and one that feels slightly off.
That’s why we’ve broken down the most common hanging scenarios into simple, easy-to-follow guidelines so you can hang your art with confidence and get a polished, designer-approved look every time.
Quick Answer: How High Should You Hang Wall Art?
Most wall art looks best when the center of the art sits 57–60 inches from the floor. When hanging art above furniture, keep the bottom of the frame about 6–10 inches above the furniture.
Table of Contents
How High to Hang Art Above a Sofa or Console
The rule:
Hang art so the bottom of the frame sits 6–10 inches above the sofa or console.
This spacing keeps the artwork visually connected to the furniture, creating a cohesive focal point rather than a piece that feels like it’s floating on the wall.
One thing to remember: Always center the artwork to the furniture, not the wall. Even if your sofa isn’t perfectly centered in the room, aligning the art to what’s below it creates a more polished, designer-approved look.
How High to Hang Art Above a Bed
The rule:
Hang art so the bottom of the frame sits 6–10 inches above the headboard.
This keeps the artwork feeling anchored to the bed while still allowing enough breathing room on the wall.
Helpful tips:
- Taller headboards look best when art is hung closer to 10 inches above
- Shorter headboards can stay closer to the 6–8 inch range
How High to Hang Art Above a Fireplace
Fireplaces naturally draw the eye, which makes art placement here especially important.
The rule:
Treat the mantel like furniture and hang art so the bottom of the frame sits 6–12 inches above the mantel.
Design notes:
- Higher mantels look best when art sits closer to 6 inches above
- Avoid pushing art too high toward the ceiling; it can break the visual connection and make the piece feel detached
The goal is to keep the artwork grounded to the fireplace, not hovering above it.
How High to Hang a Gallery Wall
Gallery walls feel more effortless when you think of them as a single statement piece.
Keep it simple:
Treat the entire gallery wall like one large work of art.
Gallery wall guidelines:
- Keep the center of the arrangement at 57–60 inches from the floor
- Space frames 2–3 inches apart for a clean, curated feel
This approach keeps the gallery balanced and prevents it from creeping too high or spreading unevenly across the wall.
How High Should You Hang Wall Art Cheat Sheet (Save This)
Quick reference:
- Center height: 57–60 inches
- Above furniture: 6–10 inches
- Above a fireplace: 6–12 inches
- Gallery wall spacing: 2–3 inches
Save this guide for your next refresh, rearrange, or gallery wall moment because great art deserves to be hung just right.
Conclusion: Hang Art with Confidence
Hanging wall art doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. Once you know the right heights, everything else falls into place: art feels balanced, furniture feels grounded, and your space comes together effortlessly.
Whether you’re styling a single statement piece or building out a full gallery wall, these simple guidelines help your artwork look intentional and well-placed in any room.
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FAQ: Wall Art Hanging Height
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How high should you hang wall art?
Most wall art looks best when the center of the frame is 57–60 inches from the floor, which aligns with average eye level and creates a balanced look.
How high should art be hung above a sofa?
Art above a sofa should be hung so the bottom of the frame sits 6–10 inches above the back of the sofa to keep it visually connected.
How high should art be above a bed?
Artwork above a bed should be placed 6–10 inches above the headboard, with taller headboards leaning closer to 10 inches.
How high should art be hung above a fireplace?
Hang artwork above the fireplace so the bottom of the frame sits 6–12 inches above the mantel. Higher mantels typically look best closer to 6 inches.
How high should a gallery wall be hung?
A gallery wall should be treated as one large piece, with the center of the entire arrangement at 57–60 inches from the floor and 2–3 inches between frames.
Is it okay to hang art higher than 60 inches?
In most rooms, hanging art higher than 60 inches can feel disconnected. Exceptions include very high ceilings or vertical wall layouts.
Should art be centered on the wall or the furniture?
Art should be centered to the furniture below it, not the wall, for a more intentional and designer-approved look.
Does wall art height change for large pieces?
Large artwork follows the same height rules but should prioritize visual balance, especially when anchoring furniture or filling open wall space.