Most people know what kind of art they like and how they want to build their collection. But have you ever bought a new piece of artwork and then not been sure where and how to hang it? The right placement can make all the difference between a work that looks okay and a work that becomes the focal point of a room and a conversation starter. Our in-house art experts give you tips and tricks on how to hang your artwork here.
Location
The first step is to choose the location wisely. Not every place in your house is suitable for art. It might seem like an brilliant plan to hang your work above the fireplace or the radiator, but this can be tricky for its condition. Direct sunlight can affect your artwork as well, especially works on paper, because the sun can discolour and fade the materials. Our experts advise to choose a place that has the right lighting and that is safe for your artwork.
Our experts advise to choose a place that has the right lighting and that is safe for your artwork
Eye Level
The ideal height for an artwork is at precisely human eye level. But since not everyone has the same height, the eye level can vary. Therefore, we recommend to aim for the average, which is 155 cm from the floor. This measurement is used by many renowned museums and art galleries all over the world as a standard height.
Finding the Centre
Now we have an average height, but that doesn’t mean you should start hanging the work at 155 cm. The exact centre of your artwork should be at the 155 cm mark not the top or the bottom. When you measure from the middle, all your works - whatever size or shape - will be aligned on the same level. Exceptions should only be made when the work is placed above a high piece of furniture.
Our experts recommend hang your artworks at the average height, which is 155 cm from the floor
Too Low?
Many people hang their works much higher. The height of 155 cm may seem to be too low, but why would you put your work in a place that is less visible? You want your art to get the maximum attention. By hanging your artwork at eye level, it's much closer to your furniture and integrates effortlessly into your decor. You will have a consistent room with a harmonious flow instead of different elements next to each other.
Measuring Tricks
Now you know the theory, let's discuss the practice of hanging an artwork. Mark 155 cm, measured from the floor, on the wall on which you wish to hang your artwork with a light pencil. The next step is to measure your artwork from top to bottom and divide the total number by 2. This is the centre of your work. Measure the distance between wire that will hold the piece to the wall and the the centre of the work, and add this amount to the 155 cm. This is the height at which you will want to drill your hook into the wall. By following these instructions, your artwork will hang in the perfect spot.
Tip tip: Use a spirit level to check if your work is actually straight
Hanging and Fixing
Remember that you can't always trust your own eyes when it comes to hanging artworks. Always check if your work is actually straight with a spirit level. And to make sure your work doesn’t come off the wall easily, don’t use a single screw in the middle, but one on both sides instead.
And voila, your work is hanging on the wall. When you follow these tips and tricks, your artwork will be hung safely and looking stunning, creating a harmonious style. If you're feeling inspired to hang more works and grow your collection, have a look at our Art & Prints auctions for a global selection of artworks. Anyone can participate in Catawiki’s online auctions; you only need one account to bid, buy and sell. Create your free account today and explore our weekly auctions curated by our team of in-house experts.
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