How High Should You Hang Picture Frames and Mirrors? A Simple Guide
Adding art and mirrors to your walls can transform a room, but it’s easy to get the placement wrong. Too high, and the space feels disconnected. Too low, and it feels cramped. Here’s a simple guide to make your walls look balanced, stylish, and harmonious.
1. The General Rule of Thumb for Wall Art
The easiest way to find the perfect height is to aim for eye level. Most designers agree that the center of your artwork or mirror should sit about 57–60 inches from the floor. This rule works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, and hallways—anywhere you want your pieces to feel naturally balanced and visually comfortable. Hanging at eye level creates a cohesive look throughout your home and ensures your art feels like an intentional part of the space, not an afterthought.
Center of the artwork or mirror: 57–60 inches from the floor
Works in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and hallways
Ensures a natural, comfortable viewing height for most people
2. Grouped Frames and Gallery Walls
When styling a wall with more than one piece, treat the entire arrangement as a single artwork. Start by finding the center point of the group and hang it so the middle sits around 57–60 inches from the floor for a balanced look. Keep 2–4 inches of space between frames—close enough to feel cohesive, but with just enough breathing room for each piece to stand out. Step back and adjust until the grouping feels visually balanced within the wall and surrounding furniture.
Treat the group as one large piece and find the center point
Spacing: 2–4 inches between frames keeps the wall feeling cohesive
Step back to make sure the grouping feels balanced on the wall
3. Hanging Art Above Furniture
When hanging artwork or mirrors above furniture, aim to create a sense of connection between the two. Leave about 6–12 inches of space between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the piece. Avoid hanging too high—the artwork should feel anchored to the furniture below, not floating apart from it. For taller pieces or rooms with lower ceilings, make subtle adjustments to maintain balance and proportion.
Leave 6–12 inches of space between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the artwork
Avoid placing pieces too high — they should feel connected to the furniture below
For tall furniture or low ceilings, adjust slightly for proportion
4. Mirrors
Mirrors bring both function and light to a space, but height still matters. As a general rule, hang the center of the mirror at eye level, or slightly higher if you want to capture reflections or natural light. Larger mirrors can serve as statement pieces that anchor a room, while smaller mirrors can be thoughtfully grouped for a layered, decorative effect. Always consider the furniture below and the mirror’s intended purpose—whether it’s for everyday use or simply to reflect the beauty of your space.
Hang center at eye level, or slightly higher to capture reflections or light
Large mirrors can act as a focal point, while smaller mirrors can be grouped
Consider furniture underneath and the mirror’s purpose (decorative vs. functional)
5. Quick Tip for Irregular Spaces
Not every wall follows the same formula—and that’s okay. For unique layouts or challenging spaces, use painter’s tape to outline your artwork before committing to a spot. Step back and view it within the room’s full context—lighting, furniture, and sight lines all play a role. Adjust until it feels balanced and natural. In the end, trust your eye—it’s often the best guide for creating a space that feels just right.
Use painter’s tape to outline the artwork before hanging
Step back and see how it looks in the room’s context
Adjust until it feels balanced — trust your eye
takeaway
Hanging art and mirrors correctly instantly elevates a room. By following these simple rules, your walls will feel intentional, balanced, and beautifully styled. Whether it’s a single statement piece or a gallery wall, proper placement makes all the difference.