Hanging artwork in your home can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’ve just acquired a new piece from a gallery or are curating a collection that reflects your personal taste, the way art is displayed significantly impacts how it’s perceived and how it elevates your space.
At Kennedy Contemporary, a leading Newport Beach contemporary art gallery, we not only represent nationally recognized artists—we also offer personalized art consulting in Orange County to help clients thoughtfully display their collections. In this guide, we’ll share essential tips for hanging art in your home, no matter your aesthetic or experience level.
1. Start with the Art, Not the Wall
One of the most common mistakes we see is homeowners picking a wall and then hunting for artwork to fit. Instead, let the artwork lead. Choose pieces that speak to you emotionally or aesthetically, and then identify the right place for them in your home. Whether it’s a large-scale abstract painting or an intimate drawing, its placement should highlight the work’s presence while harmonizing with your environment.
Pro tip: Many clients work with us for art consulting in Newport Beach to select pieces first, then determine where and how to display them with intention.
2. Hang at the Right Height
One golden rule of hanging art? Center the piece at eye level, which averages around 57–60 inches from the floor to the center of the artwork. This is the standard used in galleries and museums, and it creates a sense of balance and cohesion in a space.
For pieces hung above furniture, such as a sofa or console, position the artwork so the bottom edge is 6–10 inches above the furniture. This connects the artwork visually to the furniture below without overwhelming the space.
Remember: Height can vary depending on the size of the artwork and the height of your ceilings. Trust your instincts, but when in doubt, stick to the eye-level rule.
3. Consider Scale and Proportion
A common question we get at Kennedy Contemporary is, “How big should the artwork be?” Think in terms of proportion rather than exact measurements. For example, artwork above a sofa should generally be about two-thirds the width of the furniture to feel balanced.
If you’re working with oversized pieces, give them space to breathe on the wall. On the flip side, smaller works can be grouped in a salon-style or gallery wall arrangement to create impact through repetition and rhythm.
4. Create a Visual Flow
Art doesn’t exist in isolation—it becomes part of your environment. When curating multiple pieces in a home, consider how each piece relates to the others in terms of color palette, framing, medium, or theme. You don’t need to be matchy-matchy, but a visual throughline helps create flow from room to room.
In Orange County homes, where open floor plans are common, we often recommend anchoring key walls with larger works, then building around them with complementary pieces in adjacent spaces.
5. Don’t Be Afraid of Groupings
Gallery walls are a great way to showcase multiple smaller works, family photos, or a mix of mediums. When planning a grouping:
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Lay it out on the floor first to test arrangements.
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Keep spacing consistent—2 to 4 inches between works is a good starting point.
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Choose a central line (top, bottom, or center) to anchor the arrangement.
Many of our clients use our Newport Beach art consulting services to help design custom gallery walls that suit their interiors and collections.
6. Choose the Right Hardware
Using proper hanging hardware is essential not only for aesthetics but also for safety. Avoid basic nails for heavier works—instead, use:
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Wall anchors or hooks rated for your artwork’s weight
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D-rings or hanging wire for even weight distribution. D-rings are generally preferred, but require exacting measurements.
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Security hardware for valuable works or high-traffic areas
And always make sure to use a level and measuring tape—eyeballing it often leads to uneven results.
7. Use Lighting to Enhance the Work
Lighting can dramatically enhance your artwork. Natural light is beautiful but can fade delicate works over time. Instead, consider:
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Picture lights
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Track lighting
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Recessed ceiling lights with adjustable beams
Warm, soft lighting angled at 30 degrees typically works best and reduces glare. Many designers we work with in Newport Beach and throughout Orange County incorporate lighting into their art plans from the start for a polished look.
8. Reflect Your Lifestyle
Your art should reflect who you are and how you live. Don’t feel confined by traditional rules—lean into your personality and lifestyle. For example:
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Hang art lower in a reading nook to encourage intimate viewing
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Use a pop of color to liven an otherwise neutral space
Art is living and evolving, just like your home. Trust your eye and experiment.
Final Thoughts
At Kennedy Contemporary, we believe collecting and displaying art should be a deeply personal and joyful experience. As a trusted Orange County art gallery, we’re here to help you navigate everything from selecting new works to placing them in a way that enhances your home’s character and flow.
If you’re unsure where to begin—or are in the process of refreshing your space—we offer customized art consulting in Newport Beach and throughout Southern California. We’ll help you hang art with confidence and clarity, creating a space that feels intentional, inspiring, and uniquely yours.
Looking to transform your home with contemporary art?
Contact us at kennedycontemporary.com to schedule a private appointment or learn more about our consulting services.