Artwork often looks wrong because it is hung too high rather than because the painting itself is the wrong size. A few simple guidelines can make a painting feel much more connected to the room.
Use eye level as a starting point
On an empty wall, aim to place the centre of the artwork close to average eye level. In many interiors, a centre height of roughly 145 to 155 cm from the floor works as a practical starting range. You can adjust this depending on ceiling height, the people using the room and the surrounding furniture.
Above a sofa: connect the art to the furniture
When a painting hangs above a sofa, sideboard or console, do not treat it as an isolated object. The artwork should visually belong to the furniture below it. A gap of roughly 15 to 25 cm between the furniture and the bottom of the artwork often creates a balanced relationship.
If you are also deciding on size, read what size painting should I hang above a sofa?
Do not automatically centre on the wall
If the furniture is off-centre, the artwork may look better centred over the furniture instead of centred on the entire wall. Interior composition matters more than mathematical symmetry.
Consider seated eye level
In a dining room, reading corner or low lounge area, artwork may feel more comfortable slightly lower because people spend more time seated. Test the position from the places where you will actually view the painting.
Large paintings can sit slightly lower
Larger artworks naturally occupy more vertical space. Hanging them too high can make the room feel disconnected. A large piece often looks strongest when its centre remains near eye level and the lower part feels visually anchored to nearby furniture.
Use temporary markers
Before making holes in the wall, mark the corners with painter's tape or paper. Live with the position for a day and view it from different angles. This is especially useful when choosing a focal piece for a living room.
Browse large original paintings or see original paintings for living rooms for more interior inspiration.
The final rule: trust the room
Measurements are helpful, but they are not more important than the way the composition feels. If the painting looks connected to the furniture and comfortable from your normal viewing position, the placement is likely right.
Work out the height using Carnations
Carnations is a square original measuring 40 × 40 cm. If you choose a centre height of 150 cm on an empty wall, the top of the unframed canvas will be 170 cm from the floor and the bottom will be 130 cm. This is a starting point, not a requirement: the viewing position and surrounding furniture still matter.
To calculate the hook position, measure how far the hanging point sits below the top edge, then subtract that distance from the desired top height. Check the actual hanging hardware and any frame before drilling. Above furniture, start with the gap between the furniture and the bottom of the work and adjust the centre height as needed.
