A beautiful print can look surprisingly ordinary if it is hung too high, framed too tightly or placed on a wall that is far too big for it. The good news is that most framing and hanging decisions follow a few simple rules. Once you know them, you can make an inexpensive print look intentional and finished.
This guide walks through the whole process: choosing a print size, picking a frame and mat, deciding how high to hang the art, spacing it above furniture and choosing the right hardware for your wall.

1. Start With the Wall, Not the Print
Before buying a frame, measure the wall or the piece of furniture the art will sit above. The most common mistake is choosing art that is too small for the space, which makes it look like it is floating without purpose.
- Above furniture: aim for art (or a group of art) that is about two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the sofa, bed, sideboard or console below it.
- On an empty wall: the art should fill roughly half to two-thirds of the open wall width you want it to anchor.
- Narrow spaces: hallways, the space beside a window or a small wall between doors usually suit a vertical piece or two small prints stacked one above the other.
A quick trick: cut paper or cardboard to the size of the frame you are considering and tape it to the wall. Live with it for a day. If it looks too small, it is too small.
2. Know the Standard Print and Frame Sizes
Printing your art in a standard size makes framing much easier and cheaper, because you can buy a ready-made frame instead of ordering a custom one. Here are the most common sizes and where they work best.
| Size (inches) | Closest metric size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 5 × 7 | 13 × 18 cm | Shelves, desks, small gallery wall fillers |
| 8 × 10 | 20 × 25 cm | Gallery walls, bathrooms, small walls |
| 11 × 14 | A3 (29.7 × 42 cm) is similar | Bedside walls, pairs, hallways |
| 16 × 20 | 40 × 50 cm | Above a desk or small console |
| 18 × 24 | A2 (42 × 59.4 cm) is similar | Living room walls, entryways |
| 24 × 36 | 60 × 90 cm | Statement piece above a sofa or bed |
Check the proportions of your artwork before you print. A 2:3 image (such as 24 × 36) will not fit an 8 × 10 frame without cropping, because 8 × 10 is a 4:5 ratio. If you are printing digital art, use the original file at around 300 pixels per inch of print size for sharp results.
3. Decide Whether to Use a Mat
A mat (also called a passe-partout) is the border of card between the print and the frame. It gives the artwork breathing room and makes even a small print look more substantial and gallery-like.
- Use a mat for small and medium prints, detailed illustrations, botanical studies and anything you want to feel classic or collected.
- Skip the mat for large statement pieces, bold modern art and posters, where a full-bleed look often feels more contemporary.
- Mat width: a border of about 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 inches) suits most prints. Larger frames can take a wider mat.
- Colour: white or warm off-white works with almost everything. Pure bright white can look stark next to warm, vintage-style art, so choose an ivory or cream mat for those.
Common pairings: an 8 × 10 print in an 11 × 14 frame with a mat, a 11 × 14 print in a 16 × 20 frame, and an A4 print in a 30 × 40 cm frame.
4. Choose a Frame That Suits the Art
The frame should support the artwork, not compete with it. Think about the style and colours of the print first, then the room.
| Art style | Frame that usually works |
|---|---|
| Vintage, still life, landscape oil-style | Warm wood, walnut or a thin gold frame |
| Botanical and natural history prints | Natural oak or light wood with a cream mat |
| Abstract, line art, modern | Thin black or white frame |
| Moody, gothic or autumn scenes | Dark walnut or black |
| Art Deco and classical | Black or brushed gold |
When hanging several pieces together, use the same frame colour (or no more than two) so the group looks like a collection rather than a random mix. For ideas, see our guide to planning a gallery wall.
5. Hang Art at the Right Height
Most art is hung too high. Galleries and designers use a simple rule: the centre of the artwork should sit about 145 to 152 cm (57 to 60 inches) from the floor, which is roughly eye level for an average adult.
Here is how to find where the nail goes:
- Measure 150 cm up from the floor and mark it lightly. This is where the centre of the frame will be.
- Measure the height of the frame and divide by two. Add that number to your mark to find the top of the frame.
- Pull the hanging wire or hook on the back of the frame tight towards the top and measure the distance from the hook to the top edge.
- Subtract that distance from the top-of-frame mark. That is where your nail or hook goes.
Example: a frame 50 cm tall has its top edge at 150 + 25 = 175 cm. If the wire pulls up to 8 cm below the top, the nail goes at 175 − 8 = 167 cm.
6. Spacing Above a Sofa, Bed or Sideboard
When art hangs above furniture, the eye-level rule gives way to the furniture itself. The art should feel connected to the piece below, not floating near the ceiling.
- Above a sofa: leave about 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) between the top of the sofa back and the bottom of the frame.
- Above a bed: 15 to 25 cm above the headboard works well. Choose lightweight frames with secure hanging, and avoid glass over a bed if possible.
- Above a sideboard or console: 15 to 20 cm is usually enough, especially if you plan to lean smaller frames or place lamps on the surface.
- Centre the art over the furniture, not the wall, if the two are not aligned.
7. Spacing Between Frames
For pairs, trios and gallery walls, keep the gaps between frames consistent. Around 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 inches) works for most arrangements. Tighter spacing makes a group read as one large piece; wider spacing feels more relaxed but can look scattered if overdone.
Treat a group as a single artwork when applying the height rules: the centre of the whole group should land around eye level, or the bottom edge of the group should sit 20 to 25 cm above the furniture.
8. Choose the Right Hardware
The right fixing depends on the weight of the frame and the type of wall. Always check the weight rating printed on the packaging.
| Frame weight | Plasterboard / drywall | Brick or concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Light (under 2 kg) | Picture hook with a thin nail, or removable adhesive strips | Masonry nail or a small screw and plug |
| Medium (2 to 10 kg) | Plasterboard anchor or a picture hook rated for the weight | Screw and wall plug |
| Heavy (over 10 kg) | Screw into a stud, or a heavy-duty anchor | Screw and plug, ideally two fixing points |
For larger frames, two hooks spaced apart keep the art level and stop it tilting every time a door closes. Use a spirit level (or a level app on your phone) before you make the final hole.
9. Protect Your Prints
- Avoid direct sunlight: strong sun fades inks and paper over time. If a wall gets full sun, choose UV-filtering glass or acrylic.
- Use acid-free mats and backing: cheaper card can yellow and stain the print over the years.
- Watch out for humidity: bathrooms and kitchens can cause paper to ripple. Sealed frames or prints on canvas or metal are more durable there.
- Do not let the print touch the glass: a mat or spacer keeps a small gap and prevents sticking.
10. Room-by-Room Hanging Guide
The basic rules work everywhere, but each room has its own habits, furniture and viewing distance. Here is how to adapt them.
Living Room
The wall above the sofa is usually the main focal point, so this is the place for your largest piece or a planned group. People view it while seated as well as standing, which is another reason not to hang it too high. If the room has a fireplace, the mantel becomes the anchor instead: hang the art 15 to 25 cm above the mantel shelf, or lean a large frame on the mantel for a relaxed, layered look.
Bedroom
Calm subjects such as landscapes, botanicals and soft abstracts suit bedrooms best. Above the bed, one wide horizontal piece or a pair of matching vertical prints works well. For safety, use lightweight frames, secure two-point fixings and acrylic instead of glass where possible. Smaller pieces beside the bed can be hung lower than usual, roughly level with a person sitting up in bed.
Hallways and Stairs
In a narrow hallway you see art from close up, so smaller, detailed pieces work better than one huge print. Hang a row of frames with the same centre line for a calm, gallery-like corridor. On a staircase, keep the art at a consistent height above each step, about 145 to 150 cm measured from the step directly below each frame, so the arrangement climbs diagonally with the stairs.
Kitchen and Bathroom
Steam, heat and splashes are the main risks here. Choose sealed frames, prints on canvas or metal, or inexpensive prints you will not mind replacing. Keep art away from the hob, the sink splash zone and directly above the bath or shower. Still life, botanical and food-inspired art are natural choices for kitchens.
Entryway
The entryway sets the first impression of your home. A single medium-sized piece above a console table, with a lamp or a small plant beside it, is often enough. Hang it so the bottom edge sits 15 to 20 cm above the console.
11. Simple Layouts for Two, Three or Four Frames
You do not need a full gallery wall to create a polished arrangement. These small layouts are easy to measure and almost always look balanced.
| Number of frames | Layout | Where it works |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Side by side, same size, tops aligned | Above a bed, sofa or sideboard |
| 2 | Stacked vertically | Narrow walls, beside a window or door |
| 3 | In a row, same size and spacing | Above a long sofa or console |
| 3 | One large centre frame with two smaller ones either side | Living room focal wall |
| 4 | A 2 × 2 grid with equal gaps | Square walls, above a desk or bed |
For any of these, measure the total width of the group, including the gaps, and treat it as one artwork when you apply the two-thirds rule and the height rules above.
12. Renter-Friendly Options
If you cannot make holes in the walls, you still have good options:
- Picture ledges or shelves: one or two small fixings support a whole changing display of leaning frames.
- Adhesive strips and hooks: suitable for light frames on smooth painted walls. Always follow the weight limit and the removal instructions to avoid damaging paint.
- Leaning large art: a big frame resting on a sideboard, mantel or the floor looks intentional and needs no fixings at all.
- Picture rail hooks: older homes often have a picture rail near the ceiling; hooks and cords let you hang art without touching the wall.
13. Mistakes That Make Art Look Off
- Hanging too high: the most common mistake. Bring it down to eye level or closer to the furniture.
- Choosing art that is too small: a lone small frame on a big wall looks lost. Size up, add a mat, or group several pieces.
- Uneven gaps: inconsistent spacing between frames makes even beautiful art look messy.
- Too many frame styles: stick to one or two finishes for a calm, collected look.
- Ignoring the light: glare from a window can hide the art completely. Check the wall at different times of day, or use non-reflective glass.
Quick Checklist Before You Hang
- Is the art about two-thirds the width of the furniture below it?
- Does the print size match the frame ratio without awkward cropping?
- Does the mat colour suit the warmth of the artwork?
- Will the centre sit around 150 cm from the floor, or 20 to 25 cm above the furniture?
- Is the hardware rated for the frame weight and your wall type?
- Is the spot out of strong direct sunlight?
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should I hang a picture?
Hang it so the centre of the artwork is about 145 to 152 cm (57 to 60 inches) from the floor. Above furniture, leave 20 to 25 cm between the furniture and the bottom of the frame instead.
What size art should go above a sofa?
Aim for art, or a group of frames, that is roughly two-thirds the width of the sofa. For a 210 cm sofa, that means about 140 cm of art in total.
Should every frame in a room match?
Not necessarily, but limiting yourself to one or two frame finishes makes a room feel calm and intentional. Mixing too many colours and styles is what usually makes a wall look cluttered.
Can I hang art without drilling?
Yes, for light frames. Removable adhesive strips rated for the frame’s weight work well on smooth, painted walls. Another option is to lean frames on a picture ledge or a sideboard.
Find Art to Frame
Looking for the right piece? Browse our collections of still life wall art, landscape wall art, botanical prints and abstract and modern art, or start from the full wall art collection.



























































































