How High to Hang Pictures (Tips for Walls, Hallways & More)

It is the common perception that a picture should be hung at eye level for a better view. However, since height is a subjective factor, interior design expertise knowledge is crucial in deciding different heights for different locations inside the home. In terms of interior design heights of the picture frames may vary depending on the location. The article will discuss the required height for a picture to be hung in a hallway, above a couch/towel bar/headboard, and a fireplace mantel.

How high to hang a picture on the wall

Generally, the rule of thumb is to place the center of the picture from the floor level approximately at 57”-63”, depending on the height of the viewer. The typical guideline to hang a picture works the same for a picture to be hung on a wall. If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to enjoy the artwork at its optimal height for viewing.

Height to hang pictures in the hallway

Hanging art in a hallway is no different from a picture than one hung on a wall. As the article guided the general rule is to make sure the center of the picture and the floor level is at a gap of 57”-63”. For the picture to be viewed in a standing position, it is recommended by design experts that the above guidelines are the ideal positioning for your artwork.

What height to hang a picture above the couch

Displaying your artwork above the couch is a straightforward way to create a focal point. However, there are few guidelines in terms of hanging pictures above a couch. It is recommended to ensure the bottom of the artwork and the back of the sofa has a fair gap of 8”-10” of space. In case if you are hanging a set of artworks, keep in mind that the measurements can vary.

It is important to be aware of the spacing of the picture if it is a set of pictures. It is recommended to leave a gap of 2”-5” of space between each piece. However, make sure the artwork fills up at least 2/3 of the length of the sofa in order to accentuate the consistency with the sofa. You can always play around pairing artwork and mixing and matching to create a perfect balance with the other elements.

Height for a picture above a towel bar

Make sure the artwork fills up 2/3 of the length of the towel bar in the bathroom. Do not hang too high or too low either. Center your artwork in relation to the towel bar for best results. There is no specific guideline to be followed to hang a picture above a towel bar. However, do take care not to hang your art too close to the towel bar itself, as it can be knocked down or damaged by hands reaching for a towel. Alternatively, for hanging a picture above a toilet make sure the art is centered approximately 56 to 60 inches from the floor.

Height for hanging a picture above a headboard

The main focal point of a bedroom is the bed and the artwork above. So, careful consideration ought to be given to the artwork that you intend to hang on the wall. Be it a grouping of pictures or one large frame, an artwork that satisfies your mind is the perfect go. An abstract painting, a black-and-white image, or a landscape photograph will do enough good.

As a general guideline, the artwork needs to fill up 2/3 of the length of the headboard to create perfect harmony. Be it oval or rectangle, as long as the artwork is at the center fulfilling the mentioned requirement of the length, the shape of the artwork will never be an obstacle.

The bottom of the frame and the top of the headboard ought to have a gap of 8”-10”. If you frame the image to the middle of the space that is left above the headboard and the ceiling, chances are that you end up with imagery that looks very isolated. To avoid such weird placements, it is important to remember the 8“-10” gap placement above the headboard.

Hanging height for a picture above a fireplace mantle

A fireplace mantle and imagery above the mantelpiece definitely add to the character and the statement of interior living. Don’t be afraid to hang large pieces or a set of artwork as long as the whole image frame covers up 2/3 of the width of the fireplace mantel. Usually framed pictures, photographs and paintings help to achieve a stunning effect overall on the fireplace mantel.

Ensure that the bottom of the artwork is at a gap of 4”-6” above the fireplace mantel. This gap helps to connect the imagery and the fireplace visually without isolating each element. The gap supposedly could vary depending on the piece of artwork and the visual effect of the fireplace mantel.