Dream Home Makeover's Shea McGee Shares The Secret To Hanging Wall Art
While hanging wall art may sound like an easy task, most of the time, it's not. Usually, you need more than one person to really ensure the picture is in the right place. Additionally, you have to measure the wall correctly so you know the piece is centered in the area; also, it would be best if you use a level to make sure it isn't crooked.
But your picture can sometimes still look off even when seemingly doing everything right. Perhaps this is because, while it may be centered on the wall, it may not be at the right height. Luckily, Shea McGee of the Netflix show Dream Home Makeover shares her secret to hanging wall art perfectly every time. She says that "hanging artwork incorrectly at the wrong height is the number one most common design mistake," per Studio McGee. Therefore, she has set out to make sure everyone knows and follows her secret. Below is everything you need to know to hang a picture in the right place.
McGee's wall art secret revealed
Shea McGee shared with People that she typically hangs her wall art at eye level because it will give a space a cohesive and pleasant appearance. However, Elegant Simplicity correctly points out that everyone is a different height, so eye level isn't a very consistent measurement. Fortunately, McGee provides some more details. "If a piece is hanging on its own wall, 60 inches from the center of the piece to the floor is usually the magic number. If you're styling it above a sofa or console, I usually place it about 6 inches above the furniture piece," she says via People.
There are also a few exceptions to the 60-inch rule. If you're hanging artwork above a piece of furniture, place it about 6 inches above the top of the item. These pieces should also be about ⅔ the width of the furnishing item. Elegant Simplicity suggests stepping back and making sure the piece looks like it's at the right height. If you think something still appears off, lower or lift it until it looks just right. Those 60 inches should be used as a guide, not as a strict rule.
More tips for hanging wall art
If hanging a gallery wall, you'll also need to think about how far apart each piece should be spaced. "We usually hang large and medium pieces 2-3 inches apart, and smaller pieces 1.5-2.5 inches apart," Shea McGee says via Studio McGee. Also, when hanging multiple pictures together, treat all the frames as though they are one piece. Therefore, the artwork's center should be roughly 60 inches above the floor.
In addition, you know that not every wall needs art. Allowing some places to only be negative areas will give your eyes a break. For instance, Ballard Designs recommends always hanging wall art above a fireplace, as it will bring attention to this design feature. It may be a good idea to place your art slightly lower than normal in the dining room since you'll mostly be sitting down in this space. If you're hanging two pieces of different sizes next to one another, you could stagger their heights to create a more appealing look.