How High to Hang Artwork and Mirrors: A No-Fuss Guide That Gets It Right Every Time

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Wondering how high to hang artwork or mirrors? This simple guide takes the guesswork out of getting the height just right—every time.

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If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall with a picture in one hand and a hammer in the other, not knowing where to place it, you are not alone. It can feel overwhelming, but hanging artwork or mirrors at the right height can make all the difference in how a room feels. 

I’m going to show you some simple, go-to tips that will help you hang your artwork and mirrors in your home whether they are standing all on their own or above furniture. 

The Magic Number: Hang Your Art by Its Center

In general, the rule of thumb for hanging artwork is to place the center of the piece 57-60 inches from the floor. That’s the average eye level and what museums and galleries use. 

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Here are a few helpful tips that will help ensure your artwork feels balanced and intentional on the wall: 

  • If you have high ceilings, lean closer to 60 inches
  • If you have a large piece of artwork, adjust that slightly, but still anchor it visually around the center
  • Be sure to measure from the center of the piece, not the bottom or the top. 

Hanging Art or Mirrors Above Furniture or Mantels

The magic number rule is great, but when you are hanging art or mirrors above furniture like a couch, a bed, or a mantel, it doesn’t always apply. 

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Instead, hang the bottom of the frame 6-8 inches above the top of the furniture or mantel. This will help what you are hanging feel more connected to the piece below it and keeps it from feeling like it is hanging too high. 

The piece should make visual sense in proportion to the furniture. For example, a small frame hung six inches above a large sofa will look off scale. A large piece- or a well-planned grouping- will look stunning. 

Hanging Multiple Works of Art

If you are hanging a gallery wall or just multiple prints together, think of them as one visual unit. 

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Here are a few helpful tips: 

  • Anchor the center of the unit around 57 inches. You may need to adjust this if it is above furniture. 
  • Keep 3-6 inches between each piece for a clean, balanced look. 
  • Visualize the final arrangement, by laying them out on the floor first or even using paper templates on the wall. 

This is one of my favorite ways to really make an impact in a hallway or over a sofa.

Don’t Forget About Scale

Considering the scale of what you are hanging is very important. If you are hanging over furniture, your artwork or mirror should be about ⅔ the width of the piece under it. If it is too small, it will feel lost and if it is too big it can overwhelm the space. 

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If you have a smaller piece that you really love, pair it with other pieces or add an oversized mat to fill the space better.

Hanging a Mirror? Here’s What to Know

When you are hanging a mirror, you’ll use the same height and spacing guidelines, but you should always consider what is going to show in the reflection of the mirror. 

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If the mirror is going above a mantel, console table or vanity, make sure it is centered and reflecting something like a nice light fixture, a window or a pretty piece of artwork across the room. 

Whether you are hanging a single piece or a whole collection, making sure the height is right is really one of those finishing touches that pulls a room together.

Once you start using the 57-60 inch formula and adjusting over furniture, you’ll never second guess yourself again.

So grab your tape measure and start creating walls that you love to look at!

Wondering how high to hang artwork or mirrors? This easy guide breaks it down with clear tips and measurements for a perfectly balanced look.Pin

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