Interior Designers Guide to Hanging Artwork
“How do I hang artwork so it actually looks right?”
Here's the thing about hanging artwork — it's not rocket science, but it does require a bit more thought than "this wall looks empty, let's fill it." When done right, art doesn't just decorate your space; it transforms it. It creates mood, tells your story, and makes your home feel genuinely yours. Art makes a home feel lived-in and intentional.
Our designers have put together a guide on hanging and lighting artwork to help you, before you put holes in your walls!
The Eye-Level Rule (With a Twist)
Everyone talks about hanging art at eye level, but whose eye level exactly? The magic zone is typically 145-155cm from the floor to the centre of your artwork. This feels natural for most people and most spaces.
But here's where it gets interesting: when you're hanging something above furniture, forget about strict eye level. Instead, create a visual conversation between your art and what's below or in front of it.
Size Matters More Than You Think
That tiny print floating above your massive sectional? It's not working. As a general rule, your artwork should span about two-thirds the width of the furniture beneath it.
Small art has its place, but it needs the right context. A delicate drawing can be stunning in a powder room or a soft oil painting on a bedside table.
Lighting for Artwork
This is where most people drop the ball. You wouldn't buy a gorgeous piece of art and then hide it in a dark corner, yet so many of us forget about lighting entirely. The right lighting doesn't just illuminate your art — it brings it to life.
Wall sconces flanking a large piece can bring a subtle glow.
A ceiling-mounted directional light can quietly frame a canvas.
A picture light can create that old-world, gallery feel (perfect for hallways or above consoles).
Light Temperature
Stay warm.
Cool white light (5000K+) can flatten textures and make artwork feel clinical. We typically use warm white (2700–3000K) to bring softness, mood and a natural warmth to the tones in both the artwork and surrounding space.
Glare & Glazing
If your artwork is behind glass or highly textured, be mindful of glare.
Use directional lighting or matte finishes to avoid harsh reflections.
Sometimes soft side-lighting or diffused ambient lighting is better than direct spotlights.
Integrated Lighting
Downlights or track lighting can be positioned during the design phase to double as ambient and art lighting. If you have special pieces that you know where you want to put it, be sure to think about lighting during your electrical planning.
In more traditional or layered spaces, a brass picture light or sculptural sconce can add detail and function.
If you're investing in art, factor lighting into your budget. Trust us on this one.
The Power of Empty Space
Not every wall needs something hanging on it. Sometimes the most sophisticated choice is restraint. Empty walls give your eye a place to rest and make your chosen pieces feel more intentional.
We're particularly fond of leaving transitional spaces — hallways, stairwells — relatively bare, or adding just one understated piece where the light naturally falls. It creates a sense of calm and prevents your home from feeling cluttered.
Leaning Artwork
Some of our favorite styling moments happen when art isn't hung at all. A framed piece leaning against the wall on a console, shelf, or even the floor creates an effortlessly chic, lived-in feeling. It's also practical — you can easily swap pieces seasonally or as your collection evolves.
You can see how we have done this at our Beach Haus project featuring two large paired pieces leaning on the fireplace mantle.
Framing: Our Tips
Never underestimate the power of a good frame. It can make or break how your art sits within your space. We lean toward simple, natural box timber frames with clean float mounts that let the artwork breathe rather than compete for attention.
Trust Your Instincts
At the end of the day, hanging artwork is part science, part art, and part gut feeling. You want it to feel balanced within the room and authentic to you. The "rules" are guidelines, not gospel.
Take your time. Live with pieces for a while before committing to nail holes. Move things around. Ask for opinions, but remember that you're the one who has to look at it every day. The goal is for the artwork to feel considered, not disconnected from all the other pieces in the room.
