What height to hang this grouping of pictures?

13 years ago

I want to hang a group of black and white images of my family on this wall. I know the rule, but I'm looking for practical advice here.

In the first two pictures the pictures are about 14" above the top of the couch. In the third picture they are hung with the center being 5' 4". Things to consider are 1.) I have small children including a rambunctious 3 year old boy and 2.) I'm not looking to make my home a model home, but rather one we are comfortable in.

If anyone has any recommendations other than the height of these pictures, I ask that you be gentle and understand I am not interested in rearranging furniture or hanging anything else here. I don't mean to sound rude, because I do value the opinions found here, but I'm sensitive to criticism of things that I can't change. Thank you in advance!

Featured Answer

decoenthusiaste

13 years ago

Break the rules if it works for you. Here are my rules; incorporate at will when it suits you.
Rule #1 Don't let a tall man hang anything, at least not without supervision.
Rule #2 Free hanging art centers at 60" off the floor, unless that's above your head
Rule #3 Art over furniture hangs to look like it relates to the furniture, even if you have 15 foot ceilings.
Rule #4 Art near the floor is a "no-no" but can be awesome and is easy for short people to hang
Rule #5 Faux clocks don't count as art or decor, unless used to tell faux time.
Rule #6 Art groupings should hang within the bounds dictated by the furniture they're above, but pictures of tom cats will often stray outside the designated area.
Rule #7 Eye level is a standard average used by art galleries, so can I sell you this one-of-a-kind Picasso reproduction?

Just havin' fun!

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Comments (16)

PRO
Interiors International, Inc.
13 years ago
I understand the children situation. So I would say it looks good.
User
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
In terms of the rule, are you meaning that the center should be at eye level? I would do that as close as possible with also keeping out of reach of your three year old. My toddlers are both climbers so I understand what you mean! So I am thinking from your photos that would be the shorter grouping. Personally, I get very distracted by something in my house if it's hung too high, so I just use my own eye level as the general rule.

I just realized the photos you posted may be the same - at first it looked like the middle one was a little closer to the couch.
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PRO
MEAD DESIGN, LLC
13 years ago
Typically, I don't recommend hanging art above a sofa any higher than 6". So your lower pieces should be about 6" above the highest point on the back of the sofa. A great trick to keep them in place (and kids from moving them) is to flip the art piece over on a flat surface. On the bottom frame area, hammer in a small finish nail and then snip off the head. When you go to hang on hook, put your level on top- get it level and then gentle push the bottom of art into wall. It won't be moving and can be hung at the proper height. Another note, although it looks like you've already considered this, all spaces between pieces, L/R T/B to be equal. Good luck!
User
13 years ago
I've also used that double sided foam-y poster tape to keep my kids from pulling things down off the walls.
PRO
Photo Captures by Jeffery
13 years ago
Go with the arrangement in the third image you provided. As you know make sure they are secured to the wall so they don't easily fall.
yvonnecmartin
13 years ago
I agree that lower is better. Please consider centering the couch on the space and then aligning the center of the couch with the center of the coffee table. Then your room will be perfect.
Kari Palomo
Original Author
13 years ago
Sam0705 - I am only 5' 5" and when I am standing the center of the grouping (as pictured in the first two images) is not eye level. They're about 6" lower so my eye wants them to move up about 6" more. But then they're 20" above the top of the back of the couch.
Kari Palomo
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for that trick with the finish nail, Mead. I might have to stick to the sticky foam until my kids are a bit older. I can see my youngest pulling the frame out and cutting his fingers on it. He already sliced his cheek open by banging our floor lamp against the wall. We are just now venturing back into having some glass in out house!
Kari Palomo
Original Author
13 years ago
And also the pictures are hung at the same level in the first TWO pictures. The THIRD they are hung higher.
14thstreet
13 years ago
I prefer the lower, as in the first two pics. Nice space.
PRO
ASVInteriors
13 years ago
I agree for the lower . Also sticky foam is a great idea.
Kari Palomo
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the input. If I go with the lower grouping I want to make sure it's ok that they are considerably lower than the shelves on the adjoining wall. Is that ok?
mareasinger
13 years ago
Yes, it's okay! And, please post the end result!!
jandority
13 years ago
I agree, lower better, ok with shelves, would love to also see photo of finished product! Lovely
PRO
Ward Designs
11 years ago
Six inches above top of couch and equal distance between pictures. PICTURE PERFECT!!!