Choosing the right artwork is only half the equation. Placement matters just as much.
Even a beautiful piece can feel awkward if it's hung too high, too low or disconnected from the furniture around it. In fact, hanging artwork too high is one of the most common decorating mistakes interior designers see.
The good news is that a few simple guidelines can help your artwork feel balanced, intentional and perfectly suited to the room.
Start With the 145cm Rule
Professional galleries and museums often use a simple rule when hanging artwork:
The centre of the artwork should sit approximately 145–155cm from the floor.
This generally aligns with average eye level and creates a comfortable viewing experience.
Of course, this rule isn't absolute. In homes, artwork often needs to relate to furniture as well as wall height, so adjustments are sometimes necessary.
Hanging Wall Art Above a Sofa
The wall above the sofa is usually the most important artwork location in the home.
Rather than measuring from the floor, focus on the relationship between the artwork and the furniture beneath it.
A good guideline is to leave:
- 15–25cm between the bottom of the artwork and the top of the sofa
- Artwork width should be around two-thirds to three-quarters of the sofa width
When artwork sits too far above the sofa, it can feel disconnected from the furniture and make the room feel unfinished.
For larger living spaces, oversized artwork often creates a stronger focal point than multiple smaller pieces grouped together.
Explore our Living Room Wall Art collection for artwork designed specifically for larger feature walls.
Hanging Wall Art Above a Bed
Bedrooms generally suit a slightly softer approach.
Artwork should sit close enough to the headboard to feel connected while still leaving some breathing room.
A good starting point is:
- 20–30cm above the headboard
- Centred over the bed
- Roughly 60–75% of the bed width
Large coastal scenes, soft florals and calming abstract artworks are particularly popular choices for bedrooms because they help create a relaxed atmosphere.
Browse our Bedroom Wall Art collection for inspiration.
Hanging Artwork Above a Sideboard or Buffet
Dining rooms often feature artwork above a buffet, sideboard or console table.
In these situations:
- Leave approximately 15–25cm between the furniture and the artwork
- Choose a piece that feels proportionate to the width of the furniture
- Wider landscape or panoramic artwork often works particularly well
A common mistake is hanging artwork too high because the wall feels large. In reality, keeping artwork visually connected to the furniture usually creates a more balanced result.
Hanging Wall Art in a Home Office
Home offices tend to have less furniture anchoring the artwork, so the traditional eye-level rule becomes more useful.
Aim for:
- Artwork centre around 145–155cm from the floor
- Position artwork where it remains visible from your desk
- Avoid hanging pieces so high that they disappear from your normal field of view
Landscape artwork, contemporary abstracts and architectural imagery often work particularly well in workspace settings.
What About Large Wall Art?
Large wall art follows the same placement principles as smaller pieces, but scale becomes even more important.
When hanging oversized artwork:
- Maintain the same 15–25cm spacing above furniture
- Don't automatically raise artwork because it is larger
- Allow the artwork to visually anchor the room
Many people assume larger artwork should sit higher on the wall, but the opposite is often true. Large pieces usually look best when they feel connected to the furniture and architecture around them.
Our Large Wall Art collection includes oversized fabric prints up to 300cm wide, designed to create statement feature walls without overwhelming the space.
Common Wall Art Placement Mistakes
Hanging Artwork Too High
This is by far the most common mistake. If you have to tilt your head upward to comfortably view the artwork, it's probably too high.
Choosing Artwork That's Too Small
Even perfectly positioned artwork can feel underwhelming if it's too small for the wall.
Ignoring Furniture
Artwork should relate to nearby furniture whenever possible. Treating artwork and furniture as separate elements often creates an unbalanced look.
Filling Every Empty Wall
Not every wall needs artwork. Strategic placement often creates more impact than trying to decorate every available surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should artwork hang above a sofa?
Leave approximately 15–25cm between the top of the sofa and the bottom of the artwork.
How high should artwork hang above a bed?
A gap of around 20–30cm above the headboard usually creates the most balanced appearance.
Can artwork be hung too high?
Yes. Artwork that sits too high often feels disconnected from the room and furniture around it.
Should large wall art be hung higher?
Not usually. Large artwork should follow the same placement principles as smaller pieces and remain visually connected to nearby furniture.
Final Thoughts
The right placement can make artwork feel like a natural part of the room rather than something simply attached to the wall.
Start with eye level, keep artwork visually connected to furniture, and resist the temptation to hang pieces too high. A few small adjustments can completely change how artwork looks and feels within a space.
Explore our Large Wall Art collection to discover statement pieces designed for Australian homes, living rooms, bedrooms and commercial interiors.
