When decorating your living room and hanging art above your couch, you might wonder how high to place it. Here’s a simple answer:
A good rule of thumb is to position your art 4 to 8 inches above the top of your couch.
However, some designers say you can leave 8 to 10 inches if you prefer. The ideal height depends on your couch and artwork size.
How High Should Art Be Above Couch
When hanging art above your couch, follow this simple rule: place it 6 to 10 inches above the couch’s top edge. This range looks good.
Consider your couch’s size and the art’s size. A good rule is to put the artwork’s center at eye level, about 57 to 60 inches above the floor (called the “57 rule”).
For large art, you can hang it a bit higher, around 8 to 10 inches above the couch’s top.
These are guidelines, though. You can adjust the height based on your style and what looks best in your space. Don’t hesitate to try different heights until you’re happy with the display.
Here’s a quick summary of the guidelines for hanging art above a couch:
| Couch Size | Artwork Size | Distance from Couch |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Small | 6 inches |
| Small | Large | 8-10 inches |
| Medium | Small | 8 inches |
| Medium | Large | 10-12 inches |
| Large | Small | 10 inches |
| Large | Large | 12-14 inches |
Remember, these are just general guidelines and you should always use your own judgment to create a display that fits your personal style and taste.
Interplay between Couch Types & Artwork
When hanging artwork over your couch, consider the type and size of your couch. This affects the ideal height for the artwork.
- Loveseats: Hang the artwork slightly lower because they’re smaller with lower backrests. Too high, and it looks disconnected.
- Sectional Sofas: Hang the artwork a bit higher because they’re larger with higher backrests. Too low, and it may look crowded.
Also, think about your sofa’s backrest. If it’s low, hang the art a bit lower. A high backrest means hanging the art a bit higher to avoid disconnection.
Measurements Based on Types of Artwork
When it comes to hanging artwork above your couch, there are a variety of options to choose from. Here are some common types of artwork and their optimal sizes for different sized sofas:
Paintings
For paintings, the optimal size depends on the size of your sofa. If you have a smaller sofa, a 16″ x 20″ or 24″ x 36″ painting would work well. For larger sofas, you can go up to a 30″ x 40″ or even a 36″ x 48″ painting.
The reason these sizes work well is because they provide a balanced visual weight above the sofa. If the painting is too small, it can look lost on the wall, while a painting that is too large can overwhelm the space.
Photography
When it comes to hanging photos above your couch, the ideal size also depends on the size of your sofa. For smaller sofas, a 8″ x 10″ or 11″ x 14″ photo would work well. For larger sofas, you can go up to a 16″ x 20″ or even a 20″ x 24″ photo.
The reason these sizes work well is because they provide a similar balanced visual weight as paintings. Additionally, photos tend to have more detail than paintings, so a smaller size can still have a big impact.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When it comes to hanging art above your couch, there are a few common mistakes that people make. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how you can avoid them:
Mistake 1: Hanging Art Too High or Too Low
One of the most common mistakes people make is hanging art too high or too low above their couch. Hanging art too high can make the space feel empty and disconnected, while hanging it too low can make the space feel cluttered and cramped.
To avoid this mistake, aim to hang your art at eye level. This means that the center of the artwork should be approximately 57-60 inches above the floor. This is a standard height that most designers use to ensure that the art is at the right level for viewing.
Mistake 2: Not Considering the Size of the Art
Another mistake people make is not considering the size of the artwork they are hanging. If the artwork is too small, it can get lost above the couch. If it’s too large, it can overpower the space and make it feel crowded.
To avoid this mistake, consider the size of your couch and the space above it. A general rule of thumb is to choose artwork that is approximately two-thirds the width of your couch. This will ensure that the artwork is proportional to the space and doesn’t overpower it.
Mistake 3: Not Considering the Style of the Art
Finally, another mistake people make is not considering the style of the art they are hanging. If the style of the art doesn’t match the style of the room, it can look out of place and detract from the overall design.
To avoid this mistake, consider the style of your room and choose artwork that complements it. If you have a modern room, choose artwork with clean lines and bold colors. If you have a traditional room, choose artwork with classic subjects and muted colors.
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