Q I've purchased new furniture for my living and dining rooms and would like to rehang the artwork. Do you have any suggestions regarding what the appropriate height should be?
-- J. Achebe, via e-mail
A Most people hang artwork too high or too far apart, and as a result it looks lonely on the walls. This is a common dilemma for homeowners, so I've put together a few guidelines for hanging art in your home.
Above the sofa: Hang six to nine inches above the top of the sofa. The grouping or size of the artwork should be about two-thirds the overall width of the sofa.
Above a mantel or console: Hang four to 12 inches above, depending on the height of the mantel or console. If the mantel is four feet or taller, then hang four to six inches above. If the artwork (or mirror) is taller than three feet, lean it on the mantel or console for a casual effect.
In a hallway, on a landing or on a blank wall: The middle of the artwork should be 66 inches from the floor.
On a double-height wall, such as in a foyer or loft: Move the artwork up three to four inches in order to take advantage of the extra height and proportions of the space.
Up a stairwell: Follow the same rule as for hanging art on a blank wall, except measure 66 inches up from every third step, forming a diagonal line that the middle of the artwork will follow.
When grouped together, many small framed photos have the same impact as a single large piece of artwork. Start with the largest frame in the middle of the wall and surround it with the next largest frames; hang the smallest ones on the outer edges. Position the pieces no more than five to six inches apart, so they don't look disconnected. This is an attractive way to display old family photos, children's class pictures or a collection of small paintings for big impact in a room or hallway.
Read more in Homes and Interiors
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