Pro Tips for Art Hanging

As I reflect on the process of decorating a home, I’ve found that one of the most intimidating aspects is hanging artwork. The where and why often elude clients, leaving beautiful pieces tucked away in closets simply because they don’t know what to do with them. The fear of placing art incorrectly can create even more angst than the act of hanging the art. Then comes the question, who will hang it? If the husband takes on the task, disagreements may arise over height, placement, or method, adding another layer of uncertainty. To complicate matters further, not everything can be secured into studs. Homes in The Villages often have metal interior studs, making it difficult to find stable support for heavier pieces. While decorating has no steadfast rules, certain guidelines can bring order to the process. Read along to discover key tips that will help you master the art of hanging art somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  How high do we hang artwork on a blank wall?
When I ask this question at my seminars, the audience’s response is always the same: “eye level.” But that begs the question, whose eye level? My husband is 6’3″, while I am 5’4″. Whose height should set the standard? The general guideline for hanging pictures on a blank wall is to place the center of the artwork 60 inches from the ground. Measuring from the floor to the center of the piece ensures consistency, since artwork comes in various sizes. This height may seem low at first because pictures are often hung too high but give yourself a moment to adjust, this placement creates a stronger visual connection between the artwork and the surrounding furniture.
While it’s perfectly fine for art to be hung slightly lower, it rarely works well when placed higher. And of course, this is a guideline, not a rigid rule, it applies to most pieces, but not all.

  •  Art above a grounded wall
A grounded wall is one that features a chair rail or a piece of furniture, creating a sense of visual weight at the lower portion of the space. This grounding effect influences how artwork should be placed above it to maintain balance and harmony. When hanging art above a grounded wall or above furniture, allow six to twelve inches of space between the bottom of the frame and the grounding object. This includes sofas, where the artwork is typically positioned twelve inches above to prevent heads from leaning back and touching the picture. In some cases, particularly with taller sofas, adjustments may be necessary, but this depends on the specific height and layout.
These are not rigid rules, because in decorating, rules are always meant to be broken.

  •  Three inches down
If you realize your artwork might be too high but don’t have a tape measure, lowering it by three to four inches is a simple way to correct the placement. This adjustment is the most common change in homes, as pictures are often hung too high. Moving them down by this amount typically brings them closer to the recommended 60-inch center height, creating a more balanced and visually appealing display.

  •  Hooks matter
Choose the right hooks when hanging your pictures. We recommend using a professional-grade hanger by OOK, known for its durability and minimal impact on walls. This style of hook uses two to three small pins to support the artwork, distributing the weight effectively. If you happen to place it incorrectly and need to reposition the piece, the marks left behind are barely noticeable, making adjustments easy and stress-free.

  •  Have an easy patch system ready
We like pre-made spackle in a stick with a spatula as a cap. It fills holes quickly without any mess or mixing.

  •  Everything does not have to be in a stud
When placing furniture and centering artwork above it, I don’t worry about where the studs are located. I trust that my 50lb hook will in fact hold a fifty-pound picture. If you hang artwork on an appropriate hook weight don’t worry about it, it will hold. Often, I encounter overhanging with huge screws and yes, mollies to hold a simple 50lb picture.

  •  Follow directions
If a piece of art comes with two separate hooks, this indicates that each hook is intended to be hung on its own hanger. This method evenly distributes the weight and offers more stability than the traditional wire approach. Most artwork includes hanging instructions on the back, and it’s a good idea to follow those guidelines for the best and safest results.

  •  Group like art together for visual impact
If you have a set of pictures, make sure to hang them as a group. The eye naturally enjoys seeing similar items arranged together, rather than scattered across a space.

  •  Overlooked Space
In spaces like narrow hallways where placing furniture isn’t practical, artwork can serve to define the area. One effective approach is to stack a series of pictures four in a vertical row is a simple yet striking arrangement. This repetition creates a strong visual impact, drawing the eye and giving presence to an otherwise overlooked space.
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Before and After Pics Below