Art has the power to completely change a room, but where you place it on the wall matters just as much as the piece itself. Whether you’re showing off a textured oil painting, a calm wabi-sabi canvas, a colorful masterpiece, or a bold abstract, getting the height right is key. Let’s talk about how to do it — and make your space look like a gallery!

Standard Rule: 57 to 60 Inches to Center

A good starting point is to hang your painting so that the center of the artwork is about 57–60 inches above the floor.
This standard works because it matches the average person’s eye level.

Quick Note:
If you’re hanging multiple pieces together (like a gallery wall), still treat the center of the entire arrangement around 58 inches.

Best Heights Based on Room Type

Living Room:
Above couches, hang paintings so the bottom edge is about 6–8 inches above the sofa back. Textured oil paintings especially benefit from this because side lighting brings out the details.

Bedroom:
Above a bed, aim for the bottom of the frame to be 8–10 inches above the headboard. Wabi-sabi oil paintings work perfectly here, adding a peaceful, earthy touch.

Dining Room:
Because you mostly view art while sitting, you might want to lower the center slightly — about 55–58 inches — especially for colorful oil paintings that make a lively dining space.

Office or Study:
Abstract paintings are great in workspaces. Keep the center around 57–59 inches, unless you’re mainly seated, then maybe drop an inch lower.

Hallways and Staircases:
Art at eye level keeps spaces dynamic and connected. In staircases, follow the rise: keep the center 58 inches above each step’s landing line if possible.

Style Matters: Adapting to the Painting

• Textured Oil Paintings: Center at 58–60 inches, under good natural or accent light to show off the surface magic.
• Wabi-Sabi Oil Paintings: Lower them slightly, maybe around 56 inches center, to create a rooted, meditative feel.
• Colorful Oil Paintings: Keep them eye-catching by hanging at regular eye level (58 inches) and choose walls where natural light floods in.
• Abstract Oil Paintings: Flexible! Taller vertical abstracts can center around 60–62 inches for a dramatic modern feel.

Design Tricks for Better Placement

• Mind the Furniture:
  Art should relate to the furniture. Above a console or sofa, the painting should be about 2/3 the width of the furniture underneath.
• Create Visual Connection:
  If you’re hanging a series of textured or colorful small paintings, treat them like one piece. Keep 2–4 inches spacing between frames.
• Balance Wall Space:
  Large wall? Go for larger art or groupings. Tiny wabi-sabi paintings can get lost if they’re all alone on a huge blank wall.
• Use Templates:
  Before hammering nails, tape paper templates on the wall at the intended height to get a visual check.

Small Mistakes That Make a Big Difference

• Hanging too high makes rooms feel disconnected.
• Hanging too low makes spaces feel heavy.
• Ignoring the furniture line (like sofa tops or bed headboards) can throw off the entire balance.

When you hang your oil paintings with thought and care, they don’t just decorate — they breathe life into your space. Take a little extra time to get the height right, and you’ll feel the difference every time you walk into the room!