To center art on a wall, you need to find the exact middle point horizontally and determine the desired vertical placement. According to one method, you mark the height using a pencil, then measure to find the middle of the wall from end to end, and mark where the two points meet. That's where the middle of your artwork should go!
Understanding Wall Centering
Centering artwork involves positioning it equidistant from the left and right edges of the wall (horizontal centering) and often at an aesthetically pleasing height (vertical placement). The method described above focuses on finding the precise horizontal middle.
Step-by-Step Horizontal Centering (Based on Reference)
Here's a simple breakdown of how to find the horizontal center point using the provided method:
- Determine Desired Height: Decide how high you want the middle of your artwork to be on the wall. A common guideline is to place the center of the art at eye level, which is typically around 57-60 inches from the floor. Mark this height lightly on the wall with a pencil.
- Find Wall's Horizontal Middle: Measure the total width of the wall from one end to the other. Divide this measurement by two to find the halfway point.
- Mark the Center Point: Starting from one end of the wall, measure across to the halfway point you calculated in step 2. Mark this point on the wall with a pencil.
- Locate Artwork's Center: The point where your desired height mark (from step 1) intersects with the wall's horizontal middle mark (from step 3) is where the middle of your artwork should go! This gives you the precise center point for your piece.
"Mark the height using a pencil, then measure to find the middle of the wall from end to end, and mark where the two points meet. That's where the middle of your artwork should go!" - Reference Instruction
Adjusting for Vertical Placement
While the reference focuses on the horizontal center based on the wall's width, vertical placement is equally important for aesthetics.
- Eye Level: As mentioned, placing the center of the art at average eye level (57-60 inches) is standard in galleries.
- Above Furniture: If hanging art above furniture like a sofa or console table, ensure there's adequate space (typically 6-12 inches) between the bottom of the frame and the top of the furniture. The center of the art should still ideally align with eye level or the wall's vertical middle above the furniture piece itself.
- Overall Wall Scale: Consider the total height of the wall. On very tall walls, placing art too low can look awkward. On shorter walls, placing it too high can feel cramped.
Using the horizontal center point you've marked, you can then adjust your vertical measurement from the floor to ensure the artwork's center aligns with your chosen height.
Practical Tips for Hanging
- Use a Level: Always use a spirit level or laser level to ensure your artwork hangs straight horizontally.
- Consider the Hanging Hardware: The hanging hardware on the back of your art (wire, D-rings, sawtooth hangers) will affect where you place the nail or hook on the wall relative to the marked center point. Measure the distance from the top of the frame down to the hanging point.
- Test Placement: For larger pieces or gallery walls, you might consider creating a paper template the size of your artwork to tape to the wall first, helping you visualize the placement before making holes.
By carefully measuring and marking both the horizontal center of the wall and your desired vertical height, you can ensure your artwork is perfectly positioned.
