The Art of Hanging Art: A Guide to Keeping Your Walls from Looking Awkward

Let’s face it—hanging art is an art in itself. Get it wrong, and suddenly your room feels like a scene from a lopsided dream. But fear not, because the fine folks at Nadine Stay have gifted us this foolproof “How-To” guide, and we’re here to break it down with a little fun.

Rule #1: No More Floating Frames

Ever walked into a room and thought, why is that painting so lonely way up there? That’s because artwork should be a cozy 6-8 inches above your furniture, not hovering like a ghostly apparition. The “DON’T” example shows a sad, disconnected painting. The “DO” example, however, brings the artwork and console together like peanut butter and jelly—deliciously balanced.

Rule #2: Eye-Level is Your Best Friend

You know those tiny frames people hang way too high, forcing you to crane your neck like a confused giraffe? Yeah, don’t do that. The center of your artwork should be 57-60 inches from the floor—right at that sweet spot where you don’t need to do an impromptu workout just to appreciate the art.

Rule #3: Keep Your Couch Happy

If your couch had feelings, it would definitely be upset by awkwardly spaced art. Too small, and it looks like an afterthought. Too spread out, and it just feels lost. The key is to space artwork 3-4 inches apart and let it fill about 2/3 of the sofa’s width. The “DON’T” example? Chaos. The “DO” example? Chef’s kiss.

The Final Takeaway

If you’re guilty of any of these “DON’Ts,” don’t panic. Just take a step back, grab a measuring tape, and channel your inner art curator. Your walls (and your guests) will thank you. Happy hanging!