We like to think that some rules were made to be broken. The general rule of thumb is to hang artwork so that the mid-point of the piece is 57 inches from the floor, as Maxwell explained here. While this generally gives us one less thing to worry about, this photograph from Elle Decoration UK reminded us that the drama of a deliberately low-hung piece can keep things interesting. Here are some great examples of breaking the rules, for all the right reasons…
Gregory at AT:LA blogged about this house, with a great example of positioning a low-hung piece successfully.
In this bedroom over at LivingEtc low is the theme for everything in the room. A well placed photograph keeps the scale and focal point appropriate with the rest of the furniture and decor.
For a bit more subtle of a touch, *visual*vamp* blogger Valorie Hart snuck a low painting next to her couch as a nice, somewhat surprising touch here.
This high-impact piece works perfectly in conjunction with a small writing desk seen in Domino Magazine.
With a pink shag rug and lots of pattern, this small image keeps the excitement condensed, allowing for a great expanse of grey above to keep the space from becoming overwhelming at LivingEtc.
And now for something completely different. A similar visual kick is achieved here by doing the opposite and hanging everything "too" high. Leslie at AT:SF featured Abbey Hendrickson’s ceiling-bound cluster of artwork. This tactic creates a great deal of drama as well, but in the other direction. Unexpected, deliberate, and effective placement of artwork can make all the difference in a room.
Need some help with your hanging? Janel just posted a great How To on hanging art easily and precisely here.
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Comments (16)
1st, 3rd, and last pictures ..mmphfff...not so sure.
The 1st one could perhaps work (for me) if the big picture wasn't there. The 3rd, my eyes hate the mirror-thingy with the dried plant on top and the last one ...well... I don't know, corners? It feels weird, disproportionate ...
My rule of thumb for hanging art:
If there's mild discomfort related to not being able to really see the details in a piece, it's hung too high -- especially if moving it down eliminates that feeling. Conversely, if you have the inner compulsion to pick the piece up because it feels like it's going to fall on the floor, or you have stoop/hunch to see it, then it's hung too low.
I noticed that some peices in the shots above feel as if they are not anchored or aligned with anything. In the living low bedroom, for example, the problem is the altar is hung too high above the bed, and the photo is hung a little too low.
If it's at seated eye-level, why not? Makes sense. The too-high example would never make sense, though. I've always wanted to hang photos of my dog's dog-friends above her bed at her eye level, about 18" off the floor.
Does not have to be gallery hung perfect but should I see too many house tours here with art hung way too high.
I'd err on hanging art too low than too high.
Helium-filled art looks silly.
only the last photo bothers me - ridiculous....
i see art hung way too high on alot of posts here - eye level rule is best, and lower over a piece of furniture.
I didn't feel like most of these were actually hung all that low; they seemed well placed in context with the furniture they were situated near.
farmhousemoderne- love that!!
In my dogs case it would be the pictures of him and he is not even conceded.
Why do picture hanging posts never mention that "eye level" is different for everyone?
I am 6'4" and my friends are 5'4". My art will always be "too high" for them and theirs will be "too low" for me.
I'm not interested in what others see. I hang my art to please me.
Fashion and art has no rules! ootz ootz ootz.
I live in a 1740's farmhouse with ceilings in the 6 1/2 to 7 foot range (some even lower), so all of our art is hung "low." Many of the rooms have eaves which go quite low, so again some the art is placed well below eye level. It hink it works really well in the context.
of course you can do anything you want - but there are some design concepts that work........if it looks good to you , do it! it's your home.
Yeah! What soyblender said.
Do we now have art height police?
right on K T G! Who stands in their home looking at art? I think that in a domestic space like one's home, art should be hung lower to consider seating & furniture. We have a low couch & therefore hung the pieces over it lower than standard eye level & they look great. The works over the dining table are hung just a tad higher & those over the media cabinet much higher due to the height of the cabinet & television. If you actually prefer your art high on the wall by all means do it as it's your home but I do notice that a good majority hang art uncomfortably too high & don't take seating into consideration. If you can't look at the details of the artwork while sitting, why bother putting it up in the first place?
Hey!
Thanks for the shout out!
xo xo