Christine Schwalm Design

One thing that really makes me crazy as a designer is when artwork is hung way too high.  You know, those pieces that are sort of floating in mid air, with nothing around them.  Does a professional basketball player live there?  Because that is not "eye level" for us regular height people. 

And while we're on topic, the correct way to hang pictures is to use those rings on either side with picture hooks--don't use the wire.  Honestly, I don't know why it's there because it just gives people the wrong idea.  Click on the picture above to read the NY Times article that goes into some detail about the correct method for hanging different types of artwork.

After 2 years as a Merchandiser, I've learned a few things about how to hang artwork.  In the beginning, I avoided it at all costs because I just couldn't figure out what to do.  But here are a few things I've learned that helped me.

1. Eye level means the center of the picture is about 60" from the ground.  This will seem low, but trust me, it's right.  The average height is about 5'8" (for men and women, combined) so this works out well for just about everyone.

2. Artwork hung over a sofa or other furniture should be about 4-6" (but no more than 8") from the top of the piece.  I don't care how high your ceilings are.  Art hung over furniture needs to relate to that furniture.  For more height, hang a grouping.

3. For groupings, have either all of the tops or bottoms of frames hung at the same height.  It's an easy way to create a clean horizon line that's more pleasing to the eye.

4. Walls smaller than 36" should more often than not be left bare to avoid the "crowded" look.  Better to group several small pieces together than hang them piecemeal througout a room.

I've got a few more tricks up my sleeve, but I've got to keep some secrets, right?  How else will I get all you wonderful people to hire me.