Hanging artwork at the correct height can completely change how a room feels and how your pictures are viewed. This guide explains the 57 rule and other professional hanging tips to help you display artwork with balance and confidence.
What Is the 57 Rule for Hanging Pictures?
The 57 rule for hanging pictures is a simple guideline used by galleries and professional framers to ensure artwork is displayed at the ideal viewing height. The rule states that the centre of your artwork should sit 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor.
This measurement is based on the average adult eye level, making it the most comfortable height for viewing artwork in homes, galleries, and exhibitions.
Rather than measuring from the top or bottom of the frame, the 57 rule focuses on the centre point of the artwork, which is where the viewer’s eye naturally rests.
Should Art Be Hung at 57 or 60 Inches?
You may see some advice suggesting 60 inches instead of 57, and this is where confusion often arises.
- 57 inches is the standard used by galleries and professional framers
- 60 inches is sometimes used in homes with very high ceilings or modern, open-plan spaces
For most rooms, especially living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms, 57 inches remains the safest and most visually balanced choice. If your ceilings are over 9 feet high, you can increase slightly, but consistency across a space is more important than the exact number.
What Is the Magic Number for Hanging Pictures?
The “magic number” is simply 57 inches to the centre of the artwork. This keeps artwork aligned with natural eye level and avoids the most common mistake, hanging pictures too high.
If your artwork is large or includes a mount, always measure from the entire framed piece, not just the image itself.
Common Picture Hanging Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a good frame, poor positioning can affect the final result. Some of the most common picture hanging mistakes include:
- Hanging artwork too close to the ceiling
- Measuring from the top of the frame instead of the centre
- Ignoring furniture placement below the artwork
- Mixing inconsistent heights across a gallery wall
When artwork is hung too high, it can feel disconnected from the room and lose visual impact, something we regularly help customers correct when designing made-to-measure frames.
How Far From the Ceiling Should the Top of a Picture Be?
There’s no fixed measurement from the ceiling, but as a general rule:
- Leave at least 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) between the ceiling and the top of the frame
- Always prioritise centre height, not ceiling distance
This ensures artwork feels grounded in the room rather than floating unnaturally above eye level.
What Is the 2/3 Rule in Art?
The 2/3 rule in art is a composition principle often used when hanging artwork above furniture such as sofas, sideboards, or beds.
The rule suggests that the artwork should be around two-thirds the width of the furniture beneath it, helping maintain visual balance. When combined with the 57 rule, this creates a clean, professional look often seen in interior design and galleries.
Getting the Perfect Fit With Made-to-Measure Frames
Correct hanging height works best when your frame fits your artwork precisely. Made-to-measure frames ensure the proportions, mounts, and glazing all work together, making accurate placement easier and more visually striking.
At The Picture Gallery, we design frames and mounts around your artwork, not the other way round, helping you achieve a gallery-standard finish at home.
Final Thoughts
The 57 rule for hanging pictures is simple, proven, and easy to apply. By focusing on centre height, avoiding common mistakes, and choosing the right frame size, you can transform how your artwork looks in any space.
If you’re unsure about sizing, mounts, or framing options, professional made-to-measure framing removes the guesswork and ensures your artwork is displayed exactly as it should be.