Why We Hang Art “Wrong” on Purpose (Hint: It’s All About Math)
I’ve been banned from discussing art ever since I made the mistake of telling an Austin street artist—known for his stunning drawings of old F150s—that he must be what they call a "pick-up artist." Turns out, that joke didn’t land (unlike the hundreds of nails I’ve driven into walls for art installations). But today, I’m breaking my art silence to share something actually useful and thankfully less corny about how to hang art the right way. Or rather, why I deliberately “break the rules” by hanging it differently.
Let’s talk about the 60-inch rule, why it works, and how the math behind it makes sense globally and for Americans alike.
Why the 60-Inch Rule Works Internationally
First, the standard interior designer's guideline is to hang art so that its center sits at 57 inches off the floor, based on eye level. But I prefer hanging art at 60 inches on center, and here's why.
The average global height tells us that the typical eye level internationally is around 60 inches from the ground. This figure is based on the combined international average height:
Average global height for men: 5 feet 7 inches (170.1 cm / 67 inches).
Average global height for women: 5 feet 3 inches (159.5 cm /63 inches).
Taking a simple average:
67+63=65 inches (or 5 feet 5 inches)
Since eye level is about 4.5 inches below the top of the head:
65 inches −4.5 inches =60.5 inches.
For the mathematically inclined (or just curious), this means 60 inches aligns beautifully with the average international eye height, making it the sweet spot for hanging art worldwide.
What About American Heights?
In the United States, the math works out a little differently. Here are the averages:
Average American man: 5 feet 9 inches (69 inches).
Average American woman: 5 feet 4 inches (64 inches).
Taking a combined average:
69 inches & 64 inches =66.5 inches on average for the US.
Adjusting for eye level:
66.5−4.5=62 inches.
For Americans, the average eye height is slightly higher at 62 inches, which reenforces why we like to hang art higher than average. But when you’re catering to diverse spaces and audiences (think homes, offices, or even international visitors), 60 inches strikes a perfect balance that serves the global population.
Why Does This Matter?
You might wonder why such precision is necessary. Hanging art at the right height ensures:
Comfortable viewing: It feels natural to look at.
Proportional design: It aligns with architectural elements like windows, doors, and furniture.
Consistency: If you hang multiple pieces, they’ll feel cohesive rather than scattered or mismatched.
How to Hang Art Like a Pro
Now that I’ve sold you (or haven’t) on the 60-inch rule, let’s revisit some top tips for art installation:
Proportion Matters: If hanging art above furniture (like a sofa), aim for the piece to be two-thirds the width of the furniture. Leave about 4-6 inches of space between the bottom of the frame and the top of the furniture.
Groupings: Treat multiple pieces as one unit. Keep consistent spacing—around 2-3 inches—between frames.
Level It: Crooked art? Not on my watch. Use a spirit level to ensure everything is straight.
Lighting: Avoid direct sunlight (it fades colors) and consider accent lighting to make your pieces pop.
The Right Tools: Invest in sturdy picture hooks or anchors—don’t rely on that rogue nail you found in the toolbox.
Final Thoughts: Hanging Art for Everyone
The 57-inch rule might still be used in galleries or museums or other establishments. But in homes, offices, and other personal spaces we serve, we proposition the 60 inches on center rule as being the most universally friendly (and accurate) height.. It respects both the global and American averages while ensuring your artwork is beautifully positioned for everyone to enjoy.
So, next time you’re hanging a piece of art, remember: breaking the “rules” can sometimes make the most sense. And don’t worry, I’ve retired my pick-up artist jokes…for now.
If you need art professionally installed in Austin Texas, we’ve got you. We obviously have a bit of an obsessive attention to detail, but hey, that will probably work to your favor if you’re a perfectionist like we are!