We’ve all been there, thinking we have hung the perfect gallery wall only to stand back and notice that there are several frames a bit off. You nudge and you step back only to nudge and nudge again. Well, much like picking the right front door color (if you need help with that see HERE), there’s a true methodology and science when it comes to How to Properly Hang a Picture. Georgia just hung pictures throughout her home and decided to and after the experience thought we should break down just How to Properly Hang a Picture Every Time, no matter the size or the frame.
How to Hang a Picture Right Every Time:
Why It Is Important To Do It Right
You all may have caught on at this point that we are big fans of art and the talented artists. (You can see some of G’s favorite artists HERE).
But it’s not just collecting great, meaningful art that matters. You’ve got to do your due diligence to display, so that it shines to its full potential in your home. After all, this is a meaningful investment you made.
Nothing quite updates your home and adds life to it like adding timeless photos and art. It is a great way to get maximum impact for the least amount of effort.
The Rule of 57″
The average human eye height is 57″, thus this is where we get the rule of 57″.
It is used by museums and galleries alike. It has become the essential standard for hanging all art.
But here is the really important part…
You hang the art 57″ on Center
What Exactly is “On Center?”
On center means, simply the center of the art piece should be hanging at the height of 57″.
You can use a pencil to mark exactly where 57″ mark is and this is where you will want the center of the work to be.
Steps For Putting this Rule to Use
This may all seem a bit confusing at first, but through the application, it becomes much simpler.
Step 1: Simply measure 57″ up and make a little mark with a pencil.
Step 2: Measure the height of your frame and divide by 2. Example: Say it is 12 inches high, half would be 6 inches.
Step 3: Measure the distance from your hanging wire to the top of your piece. Example: Say it is 2 inches, which is standard. That means 6 inches – 2 inches = 4 inches.
Step 4: Add 4 inches above the 57” mark and mark with a pencil.
Step 5: Hammer in your picture hanger so the hook rests on the mark.
Step 6: Hang your picture and enjoy!
Gallery Walls
Gallery walls or walls displaying groups of pictures and art can really add an amazing and personal touch to any room in your home.
It can seem overwhelming at first to place all of your artwork and photos in just the right way. But, fear not you can apply the rule of 57″ here too.
Step 1: Simply arrange all the pictures like puzzle pieces on the floor first. Playing with different arrangments until you find the one you like the most.
Step 2: Next, treat the gallery as if it is one giant piece of art. Apply the rule of 57″ just like you would to a singular piece.
Step 3: Mark your 57″ height center.
Step 4: Place painters tape the length of your “giant piece” (your gallery wall arrangement) level along this mark. You will use this as a guide for hanging all your pieces.
Step 5: Hang your centerpieces first along the line.
Step 6: Fill in with the rest of your pieces.
Sep 7: Remove the tape and step back and enjoy your beautiful, personalized gallery wall!
