The Art of Placement: Choosing the Right Height for Hanging Art and Mirrors

When it comes to interior design, few details carry as much weight as placement. A painting hung too high feels disconnected, while a mirror placed too low can distort reflection and throw off the balance of a room. This is why professional mirror hanging and art hanging matter, the height at which you hang a piece shapes not only how it looks, but how an entire space feels.

At We Hang, we’ve seen countless homes, offices, and galleries transformed simply by getting the placement right. Let’s walk through the key guidelines (and when to break them) for hanging art and mirrors at the perfect height.

The “Eye Level” Standard

The most widely used rule for art and mirror hanging is eye level. Designers typically translate this to the centre of the piece being around 150–160 cm from the floor.

Why it works:

Aligns with the human scale of a room.
Creates a natural focal point that feels neither too high nor too low.
Works in hallways, galleries, and standalone walls.

For mirrors, eye-level placement ensures reflections feel natural rather than awkwardly cutting off heads or torsos. It’s the simplest rule, but it’s also one of the most effective.

Hanging Above Furniture

When artwork or mirrors are placed above furniture, the equation changes. The piece needs to feel visually connected to the sofa, console, or bed it’s near.

Guideline: Leave 15–25 cm between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame.

Impact:

Ties furniture and art into a single composition.
Prevents pieces from “floating” too far above furnishings.
Keeps the scale balanced, especially in smaller rooms.

For mirror hanging, this is particularly important. A mirror above a console should feel like an intentional extension of the furniture, not an isolated element on the wall.

Statement Pieces & High Ceilings

Large artworks or oversized mirrors often benefit from being hung slightly higher than the eye-level rule. In rooms with tall ceilings, this helps fill vertical space and emphasise grandeur.

Where this works:

Foyers and entryways
Staircases
Rooms with cathedral or vaulted ceilings

The caution: If a statement piece or mirror is hung too high, it risks feeling out of reach. The aim is drama without disconnection. Professional mirror and art hanging services can help judge the sweet spot in tricky architectural spaces.

Groupings & Gallery Walls

What happens when you’re hanging multiple pieces together? The principle is to treat the collection as a single artwork.

The centre of the arrangement should still sit around 150–160 cm from the floor.
Gaps between pieces should feel consistent (usually 5–10 cm).
For staircases, follow the slope while keeping each grouping balanced.

Gallery walls are especially popular in Melbourne homes. Combining art, photos, and mirrors creates energy and personality — but without proper planning, it can turn chaotic. Our professional mirror hanging team often works with families and designers to build layouts that feel intentional, not cluttered.

Mirrors: Function Meets Form

Mirrors deserve their own rules, since they serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. A well-placed mirror can open up a room, reflect light, and even highlight architectural details. Poorly placed, it can feel awkward or cut reflections in unflattering ways.

Practical tips for mirror hanging:

Eye level reflection: The centre of the mirror should reflect at face height for the average adult.
Above furniture: Apply the same 15–25 cm rule used for artwork.
Tall mirrors: Full-length mirrors can lean or be mounted lower, expanding space and giving functional reflections.
Bathrooms: Ensure mirrors are mounted for usability as well as style.

With the right placement, mirrors become powerful design features rather than just practical tools.

When to Break the Rules

While guidelines help, design isn’t rigid. Sometimes breaking the rules creates the most impact.

Hanging art lower in a reading nook creates intimacy.
Placing a mirror higher in an entryway draws attention upwards.
Using asymmetry in gallery walls can feel eclectic and dynamic.

The key is context: room size, furniture scale, and the atmosphere you want to create. Professionals in mirror hanging know when to bend the rules for the sake of drama or flow.

Common Mistakes in Mirror Hanging

We often see the same errors when people attempt DIY installations:

Hanging mirrors too high so reflections cut off awkwardly.
Ignoring wall types (plasterboard vs brick) and using the wrong fixings.
Placing oversized mirrors above small furniture, throwing off balance.
Forgetting to consider light sources — a mirror should amplify light, not reflect glare.

Avoiding these mistakes is why more Melbourne locals are turning to professional mirror and art hanging services for both residential and commercial spaces.

Why Choose We Hang for Mirror Hanging in Melbourne?

At We Hang, our reputation is built on precision and design awareness. Here’s why clients trust us:

Experience – Years of handling everything from delicate antiques to oversized architectural mirrors.
Safety – We use the right fixings for every wall and guarantee secure results.
Design sense – Placement is tailored to highlight the room, not just the mirror.
Professionalism – Clear communication, punctual service, and respect for your home or business.

From apartments and family homes to galleries, offices, and hospitality venues, our mirror hanging services in Melbourne ensure every installation is both stylish and secure.

Bringing It All Together

The height at which you hang art or mirrors may seem like a small detail, but it dramatically shapes the way a room feels. Eye-level placement fosters harmony, adjustments above furniture create cohesion, and strategic use of height in larger spaces adds drama.

With the right balance — and often with professional guidance — every piece becomes an integral part of the room’s design, not just decoration on a wall.

Ready to Perfect Your Space?

Your walls deserve more than guesswork. With We Hang’s professional mirror hanging services in Melbourne, you can transform your space with confidence. From single mirrors to gallery walls, our expert team delivers precision, safety, and design flair every time.Book your mirror hanging service in Melbourne today and let We Hang bring balance and beauty to your walls.