Why Doesn’t My Art Look Right?
You’ve purchased an art piece that feels perfect—the colors and subject matter
match your taste, and you’re excited to hang it. But once it’s on the wall, something seems off. Your room doesn’t feel quite right, or the artwork doesn’t look as good as you expected. What went wrong?
Common Challenges When Hanging Art
This is a common issue that I’ve heard many times over the years. Often, the problem isn’t with the style or color of the art, but with its scale and placement. If the artwork is too small, too large, or hung too high, it creates a disconnect between your furniture and the visual flow of the room. You might not consciously notice it, but your eye keeps wandering, trying to “settle” somewhere. Instinctively, you sense something is wrong, but you can’t pinpoint what it is.
Simple Rules for Hanging Art
There are a few simple guidelines I use to help you make minor adjustments that can make a big difference.
Single Piece Above the Sofa: The outer dimensions of your artwork should
be about one-half to two-thirds the width of your sofa. Position the bottom
edge of the art approximately 10-14 inches above the back of the sofa. This
creates a visual connection between the art and the sofa, while allowing
enough space to “breathe.”
Multiple Pieces Above the Sofa: When grouping art, you can extend the width to three-quarters the width of your sofa. Avoid making the arrangement the same width as the sofa, as it will feel too tight—especially if there are floor or table lamps nearby.
Achieving Visual Harmony
Once your art and furniture are visually connected, the entire space feels calm, cohesive, and finished.
Tips for Choosing Art Online
Choosing art online can be particularly challenging. Having the option to ask for
advice before making a purchase can save you headaches later. If only the piece
had been ordered a bit smaller or larger!
Just reply with a photo of your space and/or the art you’re considering, including
all specifications—or even better, a link. I can recommend the appropriate size
and point out anything else you should consider.