Follow the simple rule of thumb below for happy hanging.

Aim for Eye Level

According to Hutton Kalik, founder of HK Art Advisory Group, an art acquisition and investment service, the industry standard for hanging art is to center the artwork’s focal point at eye level for the average person — typically 58 to 60 inches off the floor. This height allows most people to comfortably admire the art without craning their necks.

How To Nail the Perfect Spot:

Here’s how to figure out where to place your nail or hook so the center of the artwork ends up at eye level:

1. Measure the height of the artwork.

2. Divide that number in half.

3. Add this figure to your desired eye-level point (Kalik recommends anywhere from 58 to 60 inches). We’ll refer to this measurement as the “top of the art,” as it indicates where the top of the frame will eventually be located.

4. Now, measure the distance from the actual top of your frame down to where the hanging wire (when pulled taut) or mounting hardware sits.

5. Subtract this distance from the “top of the art” measurement to figure out where the nail or hook should go on the wall.

So, for example, if your art is 24 inches tall and you want the center of the artwork to appear at 58 inches, you would add 12 to 58 to get 70 inches for the “top of the art” measurement. And let’s say the distance from the top of your frame to the hanging wire is 3 inches. Subtract 3 from 70 to get 67 inches — that’s where your hook or nail would go.

How High To Hang Art Above Furniture

When hanging art above furniture, such as a sofa, console table, or headboard, you may need to adjust the rule slightly. “Use eye level as a rough guide to the height, but ultimately make sure the bottom of the work is at least 6 to 8 inches above the surface of the furniture,” Kalik says. For a balanced look, select art that’s at least two-thirds the width of the furniture.

Know the Rule, Then Break It

There’s an exception to every design rule. Hanging all art in your home at the same height can quickly become visually monotonous. If there’s a location that’s perfect for a specific piece of art, hang it however high your heart desires. “Making things not perfect on purpose is a fun practice to use for gallery walls, or walls that you can scatter works across the room,” Kalik says. “It helps keep the creativity flowing.”

The solution? An easy paint fix. Painting your trim and doors the same color as your walls will instantly add sophistication to your space. Here’s why tonal painting works well, according to two interior designers.

The Problem With White Trim

“White trim and doors are often considered ‘builder-basic’ because they’re the default, not the result of a considered design decision,” says Helena Clunies-Ross, an interior designer based in New York and London. Because builders often choose standard whites with little consideration for undertones or natural light, the result can feel stark and generic.

Los Angeles-based interior designer Sarah West agrees. “It tends to look off-the-shelf and lacking in warmth or nuance,” she says. “It rarely feels custom or considered.”

The High-End Alternative

Opting for a single color across walls, trim, and doors delivers a high-end effect. “It creates a more seamless, cohesive look that feels intentional and elevated,” West says.

Monochromatic paint is an especially good match for modern and transitional spaces without eye-catching architectural molding. This allows color to flow seamlessly from the doors to trim to walls, creating an enveloping atmosphere. Moody palettes — think deep charcoal, olive green, mauves, and rich taupes — make a big impact, but soft neutrals are effective too.

When White Trim Works

There are always exceptions to design guidelines, including this one. In traditional or coastal homes, crisp white trim can offer classic contrast. Likewise, if your doors and trim are made of a beautiful wood, put down the paintbrush and highlight their natural tone instead.

“[Monochromatic paint] can feel flat in very ornate interiors with highly detailed trim, where the contrast helps define craftsmanship,” Clunies-Ross says. “In those cases, introducing a different color or tone can help celebrate the architectural detailing rather than mute it.”

Shine On

When going tonal, keep the color consistent but not the sheen. Designers recommend eggshell or matte finishes on walls, complemented by a satin finish (which is hard-wearing for high-traffic areas) on the trim and doors.

“That subtle shift in sheen adds depth and light play without breaking the visual continuity,” Clunies-Ross explains. “It’s a quiet detail, but it really elevates the finish.”