How to style and hang wall art

Hang wall art so its centre sits at roughly eye level, about 145–152 cm (57–60 in) from the floor, and leave 15–25 cm between the bottom of the frame and any furniture below it. Choose a piece (or group) that covers about two-thirds of the width of the sofa, bed or sideboard beneath. Then plan the layout on the floor or with paper templates before you put a single nail in the wall.

What height should I hang pictures?

• On an empty wall: centre the artwork at 145–152 cm from the floor. This is the height many galleries use.
• Above furniture: leave 15–25 cm between the furniture and the bottom of the frame so the two read as one group.
• In hallways and on stairs: keep the centre line at eye level as you walk, stepping each frame up with the stairs.
• Where you sit: in dining rooms and snugs you can hang slightly lower, because you mostly view the art seated.

How big should wall art be?

Art that is too small for the wall looks lost. Aim for about two-thirds of the width of the furniture below. On a bare wall, a single large print or a tight group usually looks better than a few small frames spread out. Our picture frames come in sizes from 6 × 4 in up to 20 × 30 in, so you can scale up or down.

How to hang a gallery wall

1. Choose a thread. Matching frames, a shared colour palette or a single theme keeps a mixed group tidy.
2. Lay it out on the floor. Start with the largest piece slightly off-centre and build around it.
3. Make paper templates. Trace each frame, mark where the hook will go and tape the templates to the wall with low-tack tape.
4. Keep the gaps even. 5–8 cm between frames works for most groups.
5. Hang from the centre outwards, checking with a spirit level as you go.

In a small flat, a multi-photo frame such as the white nine-photo frame gives a gallery feel with a single fixing.

Layouts that work

Single statement piece

One large print over a sofa, bed or fireplace. Simple, calm and hard to get wrong.

Pairs and trios

Two or three frames of the same size, hung in a row or column with equal gaps. Ideal above beds and in narrow spaces.

Grid

Four, six or nine identical frames in a neat grid. Smart and modern, especially with black and white photography.

Shelf display

Lean frames of different sizes on a picture ledge or mantel and overlap them slightly. Easy to change and kind to rented walls.

Choosing art for each room

• Living room: your biggest wall usually deserves your biggest piece or a gallery wall.
• Bedroom: soft colours and calming subjects; a pair or trio above the headboard.
• Kitchen: smaller prints away from heat and steam; framed prints behind glass or acrylic are easier to wipe clean.
• Bathroom: choose sealed frames and hang well away from direct splashes; good ventilation helps.
• Hallway: a run of same-size frames, or a mirror to bounce light. See our wall mirrors.
• Home office: something calming behind you on video calls and something inspiring in front.

Matching art to your walls

Grey walls suit almost anything. Warm greys like wood frames, mustard, blush and terracotta; cool greys suit black frames, navy and crisp white mounts. White walls let colourful art take the lead. Dark walls make gold, oak and white frames glow. If you love black and white art, use it in groups and add one accent colour elsewhere in the room so the scheme does not feel flat.

For ideas on the overall look of a room, from Japandi to industrial, browse our home and décor range.

Practical hanging tips

• Use the right fixing. Plasterboard needs suitable wall plugs or picture hooks rated for the weight. Masonry needs a drill and plugs.
• Check for cables and pipes before drilling, using a detector if you have one.
• Two hooks keep frames level. For larger pieces, two hooks spaced apart stop the frame tilting.
• Lighter frames are easier. Acrylic-fronted frames, like our large A4 to 20 × 30 in frames, are lighter than glass and safer in busy rooms.

Caring for framed art

• Hang out of strong direct sunlight to reduce fading.
• Avoid damp walls, radiators and spots directly above kettles or cookers.
• Dust frames with a soft, dry cloth. Clean acrylic with a microfibre cloth and a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner; never use ammonia-based glass cleaner on acrylic.
• Check fixings now and then, especially on heavier pieces.

Ready to start? Browse wall art, About Wall Art and prints and posters.

Wall art FAQs

How high should a picture be above a sofa?

Leave about 15–25 cm between the top of the sofa back and the bottom of the frame.

How far apart should pictures be on a gallery wall?

Around 5–8 cm. The important thing is to keep the gaps consistent.

Should all frames match?

No. Matching frames look calm and modern; mixed frames look collected and relaxed. Either works if something else, like colour or theme, ties the group together.

Can I hang art without drilling?

Yes. Use a picture ledge, lean frames on a shelf or mantel, or use adhesive strips rated for the weight on smooth, sound walls.

Related guides: frame size guide and home décor style guide.