5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hanging Wall Art
Hanging wall art can completely transform a space. It’s an opportunity to inject personality, inspiration, and style into your home. But getting it right? That’s another story. Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or just getting started, even small missteps can make your wall art look out of place. The good news? With a few hanging art tips and a little planning, it’s easy to avoid common pitfalls. Here are five mistakes people often make with wall art installation, and how to solve them.
1. Hanging Art Too High
One of the most common, and avoidable, mistakes is hanging artwork too high on the wall. A piece that's way above eye level can feel disconnected from the rest of the room. The general rule of thumb? Hang your art so that the centre sits about 145 to 152 cm from the floor. This guideline reflects average eye level, making your art easy to enjoy at a glance. If you’re hanging art above furniture, such as a sofa or console table, the bottom of the piece should sit 15 to 20 cm above the furniture. This creates a visual connection between the art and your space, making everything feel cohesive.
2. Choosing the Wrong Size for the Space
Scale matters when it comes to wall art. A piece that’s too small for your space can look lost, while oversized art might overwhelm a smaller room. A good rule to follow is to measure your wall and aim for your art to fill about two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture below it. For instance, if your sofa is 230 cm wide, a piece of art (or a cluster of smaller pieces) that measures 150 -175 cm wide will achieve the perfect balance. Still unsure? Lay out your art on the floor or create paper mockups to visualise how it’ll look on the wall. Then commit to the installation.
3. Ignoring the Layout
When it comes to wall art installation, your layout matters. Randomly scattering pieces on the wall without a cohesive plan can make your space feel cluttered. Whether you’re hanging a single piece or creating a gallery wall, take the time to map out your design. For gallery walls, a consistent spacing of 5 - 8 cm between each frame helps create a unified look. Arrange your pieces on the floor first, experimenting with different setups until you find the perfect layout. Using painter's tape to mark your chosen arrangement on the wall can save you from regrets later on.
4. Skipping Proper Hanging Methods
It might be tempting to grab the nearest nail or command hook and wing it, but improper wall art installation can lead to crooked frames, damage, or worse—falling artwork! Always use the right hanging hardware based on the weight and size of your piece. For lightweight art, standard nail hooks often do the trick. For larger or heavier pieces, opt for wall anchors, screws, or a picture hanging system for extra stability. And don’t forget a level. Crooked art, no matter how stunning, can throw off the whole look of your space.
5. Forgetting About Lighting
Cusco Minimal Abstract Art Framed Print
Great wall art deserves great lighting. A common mistake people make is hanging art in poorly lit areas, where its details are lost in shadows. Proper lighting can make your artwork pop and bring out its vibrancy. Consider placing art near windows for natural light, or install picture lights, track lighting, or wall-mounted fixtures to highlight your favourite pieces. Just remember that direct sunlight can fade colours over time, so if it's exposed to a lot of light, UV-protective glass is a smart investment.
Final Thoughts on Wall Art Installation
Hanging wall art doesn’t have to be intimidating. By avoiding these common mistakes and keeping these hanging art tips in mind, you can create a space that feels polished, cohesive, and undeniably “you.” Whether you’re tackling a tricky gallery wall or focusing on one statement piece, thoughtful wall art installation ensures that your decor stands out in the best way possible. At Mylo & Cole, we offer stunning prints that are ready to hang, taking the guesswork out of decorating with art. Explore our collection today to find the perfect piece for your space, and happy decorating!