Chapter VIII · Service I · The Concierge

The Art of Hanging

Size, proportion, orientation, spacing — everything you need to place art with confidence.

Part I · The golden rule

The 57-Inch Rule

The global standard for art placement. Hang so the centre of your artwork sits at 57 inches from the floor — the average standing eye level. Every gallery in the world uses this rule.

57"

Centre from floor

±3"

Flexibility

✗ Too high

Above eye level — no connection to the room

✓ 57 inches

Centre at eye level — anchors the room naturally

Part II · Sizing

Start with the furniture,
not the wall.

The wall is simply the backdrop. The furniture beneath your artwork is the real reference point. Measure that first — the right size follows immediately.

Above sofa

Width × 0.65

72" sofa → ~47" artwork
84" sofa → ~55" artwork

Above bed

Width × 0.75

60" queen → ~45" artwork
72" king → ~54" artwork

Console table

Width × 0.60

48" console → ~29" artwork
60" console → ~36" artwork

Part III · Gallery layouts

The right arrangement
for every wall.

Each layout has a different mood and a different ideal wall. Choose based on the space — not just the artworks.

Linear

Frames aligned horizontally at the same centre height. Works best above a long console or sofa. Clean, modern, easiest to execute.

Salon-Style

A mix of sizes arranged organically around one large anchor piece. The outer boundary should equal ⅔ of the furniture width beneath it.

Staircase

Frames stepping diagonally up the wall, each 6–8 inches higher than the last. Vertical artworks in a set of three follow the pitch of the stairs perfectly.

Grid

Uniform spacing in rows and columns. All frames the same size. Equal gaps throughout. Precise, architectural, and formally elegant.

Part IV · Sets & pairings

Some artworks are born
to live together.

Knowing when to use one piece versus two or three is one of the most underrated decisions in art placement.

Pair of 2 · Vertical

Two tall artworks,
side by side.

Verticals are most powerful in pairs — symmetry and height beside a bed, flanking a mirror, or framing a doorway.

Beside a bed — one each side at equal centre height. Each: 25–30% of bed width.

3–5" gap between. Same frame finish on both — always.

Set of 3 · Vertical

Three tall artworks —
the staircase set.

The definitive arrangement for staircases and corridors. Step each piece 6–8" higher than the last.

On a staircase — step each 6–8" higher. Equal spacing throughout.

All three must share a common palette or subject.

Gallery wall · Mixed

Many pieces,
one composition.

Gallery walls need a clear anchor — one larger piece everything orbits. Lay it on the floor first, photograph it, then transfer in masking tape before any nails go in.

Start with the anchor — slightly left of centre. Never from a corner.

2–3" between every piece. Total arrangement = ⅔ of sofa width.

Pair of 2 · Horizontal

Two horizontals —
stacked or side by side.

Stacked above a console, two horizontals create a strong architectural column. Side by side, they span a dining wall with quiet authority.

Stacked — same width, centred, 3–4" apart vertically.

Side by side — combined width = ⅔ of dining table length.

Part V · By room

The right scale for
every space.

The right orientation and scale depend entirely on the wall and the furniture beneath it.

Living room

Horizontal or square, single or pair

65% of sofa width · 6–8" above sofa back

Bedroom

Horizontal above, verticals beside

75% of bed width · 4–6" above headboard

Foyer & hallway

Vertical — pair or set of 3

Tall formats command entry walls naturally

Staircase

Vertical set of 3, stepped ascending

Step each 6–8" higher · follow stair pitch

Dining room

Horizontal, single statement

65–75% of table · centre at 48–54" seated

Home office

Square or horizontal, focal piece

On the wall you face · width ≤ desk width

Part VI · The hang

Five steps to hanging it right.

Sizing and placement are the decisions. These five steps are the mechanics that turn the right choice into a perfectly hung artwork.

Find your centre point

Mark the horizontal centre of the wall space above your furniture — not the room centre. This is where the artwork's horizontal midpoint aligns.

Mark 57 inches from the floor

The centre of the artwork — not the top edge. If above furniture, the gap rule (6–8" clearance) takes priority over the 57" rule when they conflict.

Calculate the hook position

Measure from the artwork top to the hanging wire when taut. Subtract from your centre-height mark. That's exactly where the nail goes. All Arte'Venue frames include this measurement on the packaging.

For sets — mark all positions first

Never hang piece by piece. Mark every nail position with masking tape before driving a single nail. Step back, check proportions, adjust — then commit.

Spirit level — always

Even a 1° tilt is visible the moment you step back. A spirit level app on your phone is all you need. Every Arte'Venue frame arrives with the hook already fitted — just find your nail position and hang.

Chapter VIII · The Concierge

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The Art of Hanging

The 57-Inch Rule

Start with the furniture,
not the wall.

The right arrangement
for every wall.