Mistake #4: Art That’s Hung with a Prayer
Art can make or break a room, but its impact is nullified when it’s hung incorrectly. The most common error is hanging artwork too high, causing it to float disconnectedly above the furniture and creating an awkward, empty space. Another frequent misstep is using pieces that are too small for the wall, making them look like postage stamps on a billboard. These are subtle yet powerful visual cues that detract from a room’s perceived value.
Properly hung art interacts with the room’s architecture and furnishings, creating a harmonious and balanced composition. It follows established principles of scale and sightlines, which is why galleries and museums have such a polished and intentional feel. To avoid these decorating errors is to instantly elevate your walls.
The Sophisticated Solution: Follow the gallery rule: the center of the artwork (or the center of a gallery wall grouping) should be hung at 57 to 60 inches from the floor. This is the average human eye level, and it ensures the art is positioned for optimal viewing and connection to the space. When hanging art above furniture like a sofa or console, leave just 5 to 8 inches of space between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame. This creates a cohesive visual unit. And remember, scale is everything. A large wall demands a large piece of art or a well-structured gallery wall to feel balanced.
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