Hanging art

Traditionally, art in a museum is hung at eye level. The effect of doing so is often different in an interior. Partly because in this setting, art is positioned in relation to furniture, different principles apply for the appropriate height.

A number of practical tips:

Standing (without furniture) or in an office environment, artworks look attractive when hung so that two thirds of the image – measured from the bottom – is at eye level . If the artwork is hung above a piece of furniture, such as a desk or sofa – which means that the work is viewed sitting down – the principle is: starting 30 to 40 cm from the piece of furniture.

Small artworks are suitable for hanging as a set, series or collage. In this case, About Art recommends 8 to 12 cm as a good distance between the works. In a collage, the distance to works hanging above must be the same.

Good to know: If works are hung one above the other in a set or series, this has the effect of making the ceiling seem higher, while hanging works side-by-side makes the wall seem wider and the room look bigger.

And as regards positioning, it is also important to make sure art is not hung in full sunlight, in an overly humid or dry environment or in the immediate vicinity of a heat source such as a candle, fireplace or central heating.