Housely
When it comes to hanging paintings, many people struggle with this bit of interior decorating. There are several key factors which cause the struggle, including things as diverse as what kind of frames are on the paintings, what shapes and sizes of furniture will be in any given room and simply how much wall space is available. One of the biggest problems is that people come in all different heights, so what looks good to a taller person may not work at all for someone shorter. But interior designers have some guidelines for hanging paintings which can provide some practical solutions.
Common Solution #1: Avoid Hanging Paintings Too High
Follow this formula:
- Step A: Turn the painting over and measure the painting’s height on the back side.
- Step B: Divide the number for the height by 2.
- Step C: Measure the distance from the top of the hanging hardware to the top of the painting.
- Step D: Measure from the back side. If there is a hanging wire, pull it tight. This will give the measurement as if the painting is already hanging on the wall.
- Step E: Subtract the number from Step D from the number from Step B.
- Step F: Add 60 inches to the number from Step E.
- Take the number from Step F and use it to mark the wall. Measure starting from the floor.
- Install the hanging hardware. Place the bottom of the hook (not the nail) on the pencil mark on the wall.
- Hang the painting.
- Write the wall measurement on the back of the painting for reference during future moves.
Common Solution #2: Proper Placement of Paintings Above Tables and Chairs
Follow this rule:
When placing a painting above a table or a chair, simply leave no more than 12 inches between the surface of the table or chair and the bottom end of the painting.
Common Solution #3: Overcoming the Eye Level Rule
One of the most famous guidelines for hanging painting is the eye level rule, which basically states that the preferred method for hanging is to be sure the halfway point is at eye level. This rule’s obvious flaw is that everyone has a different eye level. A 6’ 2” tall man is going to see things much differently than a 5’ 6” woman. In this case, finding the average middle ground and making adjustments for the walls and space available is the practical solution.
Common Solution #4: Taking into Account Where the Painting Will Live
Rooms generally have different functions. Rooms where people will be primarily sitting should have artwork grouped so that it is visible while seated. Rooms where people will be standing should have artwork arranged to that people can view it while standing. Artists usually use the Rule of Thirds as a starting spot for creating pleasing arrangements in different circumstances.
The Rule of Thirds means that every visual space will be cut into thirds. So, a painting or a wall will be divided into three areas. Consider a painting which is three feet high, and divide it into thirds using imaginary horizontal lines across the entire painting. Do the same thing with the walls in the room. Hang paintings in the area which is two thirds up the wall. The two thirds imaginary line will be the starting line for deciding whether or not the painting looks good hung from the bottom of its frame, or perhaps from halfway up the painting. Depending on the wall, other décor and furniture in the room, the painting will have a place near or on the two thirds imaginary line where it looks right. The Rule of Thirds works for every wall and every painting. The trick is to finesse each one within the space where it will live, and that’s where personal preference comes into play. There is no one correct way, but the Rule of Thirds is the solid starting point for all interior decorators.
Common Solution #5: The Average Height Measurement
Interior decorators know this solution because it is a simple one that anyone can use easily. Because it is known that most people tend to hang artwork too high, decorators make certain that paintings are hung low enough to be seen using the 5’3” rule. Hang paintings at 5’3’’ to the center of the piece. This measurement comes from the eye level height for an average person. This measurement is to be used even when the ceilings in the room are very high. The main point is that artwork is meant to be seen, and not used to fill up extra space high in the room. If the ceiling seems too high for the painting, then consider using a larger one. Decorators recommend using a different structural piece to fill areas such as high vaulted ceilings, opting for things such as large scale sculptures without fine details.
Common Solution #6: Stand Back and Take a Look
Regardless of the common rules and formulas interior decorators use for placing paintings in any room, the final solution requires standing back and taking a look at the proposed arrangement. Being sure things are properly placed once any rule is used as a starting point means to view the painting as part of the entire room. Asking a friend to help hold artwork and mark walls is a good idea at this point. Adjust the artwork right or left and make sure it looks right. Then, make small pencil marks on the wall where the artwork will hang. Mark the wall at the center top point of the artwork’s position on the wall. Move the artwork away from the wall, and use the measuring solutions to find the place where the hanging hardware will be inserted in the wall. Use heavier hardware for heavier, larger paintings or be sure to find a stud in the wall for nails and screws whenever possible.
For creative groupings, try resting a smaller painting on a mantel or setting it on a table with a painting stand. Allow the painting to live in its new space for a while to see if it works well. Give it time in its new location to see if it’s the best one. If not, it can always be moved to someplace new. There’s no hard and fast rule about it. Combining these interior decorator solutions with personal preferences and choices is an easy way to hang paintings at the best heights.
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