By Paul Dunwell, writing for EasyFrame
© Copyright EasyFrame 2019
What this article is about
Earlier 'Frame Academy' pieces covered terminology, making a frame, gilding, choosing a type of frame, reusing old frames, choosing mat and moulding colours, and hanging large or heavy artwork. 'Frame Academy VIII' is about hanging your picture at the correct height, which is a matter of ergonomics as well as looks.
The problem
Most people hang their artwork and photography too high. In fairness, this can never be an exact science. You have to consider the dimensions of the artwork and the room, which are fixed, and also the height of other things nearby and of the viewers, which are not.
Your guests will always be of different heights (unless you are a modern-day Procrustes, and stretch your guests or cut off their legs to fit your beds, or to view your artwork at the right height!).
A rule of thumb
It may not suit everybody, but the following makes sense.
- Measure the height of the work. Turn it round and measure the flat back, which is easier than the front with its mouldings.
- Halve it. Call the result Distance A.
- Measure the cord drop. With your hanging cord in place (in Frame Academy II we recommended polyester cord, which won't stretch as nylon does, between two screw-in eyes), pull it tight as if it were hanging and measure from the cord to the top of the frame. Call this Distance B.
- Subtract B from A. Call the result Distance C.
- Add 5 foot (60 inches, or 1.5 metres) to Distance C. This gives you Distance D.
- Measure Distance D up from the floor and mark that point on the wall.
That height should be ideal, though it cannot allow for a very large work or a low ceiling. At this point also think about moving the work left or right, perhaps to balance it with other work or to allow for furnishings and lighting. When you think you have it right, put your fixing where you've marked the wall.
If the work is heavy and you cannot afford to have it fall, look at Frame Academy VII, which explains how to hang heavy art.
Conclusion
Hanging artwork at the right height matters, because you and your guests or colleagues want to enjoy it. Too high or too low, and that won't happen!
If you are framing something precious, it's always worth going straight to a professional framer like EasyFrame for advice. They can do the whole job or help with the part that has left you racked by self-doubt, and can supply much of what you need, including picture-hanging hooks and hangers as well as mounts and frames.
EasyFrame is on 01234 856 501 and sales@EasyFrame.co.uk.