The pages of a book have a magical way of transporting us to distant worlds and times – inviting us into storylines we never could have imagined stepping into. From the comfort of a cozy armchair, we can attend a ball in 19th-century England, ride horseback through the countryside, or step through a wardrobe into an enchanting world that inspires courage.

Just as books open us up to new worlds, artwork serves as a window to a special place and moment in time. A single piece of art has the power to shape a room’s character, infusing it with life and emotion. A painting on a wall can open the window to a sandy beach, inviting warmth and calm on the coldest of days, or bring the gentle breeze of a river-side meadow into the quiet corner of a home.

As an artist, I’m passionate about creating art that cultivates peace and tranquility within a home. I understand standing in front of a blank wall can feel intimidating. When it comes to decorating, where to even begin? After all, cultivating an atmosphere of calm amid our busy lives comes down to more than just the piece of art hung in a room, but how it’s hung. Much like an actual window, the placement and scale of an art piece significantly impact the feeling of a room and the overall flow.

That’s why I’m excited to share some basic tips for hanging artwork so you can design a space that’s both peaceful and inviting to all who pass through. Before we get started, it’s important to note that preferences in art and style vary from person to person. What you have displayed at your home may not align with what I’m about to share — and that’s okay!

But if you’re looking for some guidance, join me as I address commonly asked questions and provide valuable insights so you can create a home that feels both beautiful and harmonious.

HOW HIGH SHOULD I HANG MY ART?

We’d just stepped foot into our Airbnb during our trip down south and immediately something about the house felt uncomfortable. At first, I attributed the awkward feeling to the unique taste in decor. The kitchen featured multiple sets of kitchen knives on display, with one set even taking center stage as the featured “art piece”, prominently mounted on a long magnetic strip. However, aside from the kitchen knife museum, what especially made the space feel disjointed was the artwork hung uncomfortably high all around the house.

It was evident this home had been decorated by someone taller than average. Every piece of art was hung so high on the wall we had to look “up” just to take it in. The artwork felt disconnected from the rest of the space, creating an awkward and uncomfortable vibe that wafted from room to room.

The height of any art piece hung on a wall significantly impacts a space. More often than not, art is hung too high — it’s not only this tall Airbnb owner who struggles with this concept.

I find it helpful to imagine artwork and surrounding furniture as mingling friends. They should exist together as a united front — connecting, talking, listening, and supporting one another — as friends do. Large gaps between art pieces and furniture appear awkward and disconnected, affecting the overall ambiance of the space.

Artwork should be hung at eye level, regardless of the ceiling’s height. Understanding every person’s height is different, a general rule is to hang your artwork so that the center of the piece is approximately 57 inches from the floor.

If you’re hanging a piece of art above a bed, the bottom of the picture frame should be 6-8 inches above the headboard. A common mistake is centering your artwork between the headboard and the ceiling, which typically has it too high on the wall. When hanging a painting above a couch or credenza, the bottom of the frame should be 7-10 inches above the back of the furniture.

Using these parameters to connect your artwork with its surroundings will help create balance and enhance the peaceful feeling in your home.

**Artist’s Tip - Tall or Pitched Ceilings

A common misconception is that taller ceilings mean artwork should be hung higher to make up for the greater amount of wall. Whether you have a tall, pitched, or normal 8-foot ceiling, stick with the same rule of thumb: the middle of your piece should be 57 inches from the floor. Artwork shouldn’t be displayed in the center between the floor and a tall ceiling, nor should it follow the angle of a pitched ceiling and gradually get higher on the wall.

If you feel there’s too much space between your artwork and the ceiling, consider swapping out for a larger piece, or stacking a couple of art pieces on top of each other.

And if you have a tall fireplace mantel that doesn’t allow your art to be at eye level, that is ok. Consider resting your art on the ledge instead of hanging it. This will allow the artwork (though too high) to still feel connected to the space.

WHAT SIZE ART WORKS BEST FOR MY SPACE?

The scale of your art should complement both the wall it’s placed on and the furniture below, creating balance and cohesion within the space. A piece that’s too small can make a space feel disconnected and awkward, while one that’s too large may overwhelm the room.

A good rule of thumb is that artwork should be about two-thirds the width of the furniture it’s hanging over. Whether it’s a bed, couch, or fireplace mantel, this proportion helps anchor the art piece, preventing it from getting lost over a larger piece of furniture.

If your artwork feels too small on its own, consider adding a larger mat when framing it or incorporating wall sconces on either side to balance the space. Many local and online stores sell beautiful battery-operated sconces, so you’re sure to find a pair that complements your artwork and enhances its presence in the room.

**Artist’s Tip - Testing with Painter’s Tape

Before purchasing a new piece of art for your space, test the scale using painter’s tape. Outline the shape and size of the painting with painter’s tape and leave it on display for a few days. Does it feel balanced each time you walk by? Does the orientation fit the space?

If something feels “off”, try adjusting the size or rotating the orientation of the frame.

Think of this piece of art as a new window in your room. Would you place a small window in the center of a large wall and expect the room to feel balanced? Just as a larger window better suits an expansive space, the right-size artwork can do wonders to create a sense of harmony and balance with your surrounding furniture.

WHAT ABOUT GALLERY WALLS?

Gallery walls are beautiful when pulled off and arranged into one cohesive group. For a gallery wall to enhance and not overwhelm a space, the individual pieces must be curated to complement each other in color, style, frame, size, and design.

In my artist’s opinion, gallery walls often make a space feel more crowded and disjointed. If your home is anything like mine, it’s prone to the natural clutter that accumulates with life — shoes, books, dishes, Legos, games, toys, and homework. When taking steps to curate a peaceful, inviting home, the last thing I want to do is add more “noise” to the busyness of my surroundings.

When multiple pieces of art are mingling with one another on a gallery wall along with the stacked bookcase and busy desk nearby, the room begins to feel “loud”.

So if you’re looking to bring a sense of peace into your space, I recommend choosing one larger piece of artwork instead of displaying a gallery wall. A larger statement piece provides a focal point and opens a window to invite life and rest into the room.

**Artist’s Tip - Ideas for Styling Art

In addition to a large statement piece, there are numerous ways to decorate a home with your favorite art pieces. For example, you can layer your artwork on a bookcase or display it on the entryway table to welcome all who walk through the door. For more ideas, check out my blog, 5 Different Ways to Style Art in Your Home.

By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can ensure your art is placed in a way that enhances the atmosphere and balance of your space. I encourage you not to be intimidated by the blank wall in front of you. Instead, use this opportunity to transform your home into a peaceful and inviting place with the art you thoughtfully display.

Hang a new piece of artwork and open a new window to wonder and renewal. If you’re looking for art that will add warmth and calm to your home, I invite you to explore my shop, where you’ll find oil landscapes inspired by the beauty of the world all around us.