General Rule: art size Above a Sofa
Choose a pieces or pieces of art that are at least 2/3 the width of the sofa – and if the ceilings are tall (10ft +), you’ll need to go larger and lower.
How large should art behind the sofa be?
A good rule of thumb to use is that the piece of art should be at least 2/3 the width of your sofa. Quick dimensions:
- 86″ sofa: 55″ wide artwork
- 90″ sofa: 60″ wide artwork- 60×40, 60×50, 60×60
- 110″ sofa: 72″ wide
- 120″ sofa: 80″ artwork
- 144″ sofa: 96″ wide artwork
- For large pieces or collections, making sure the bottom of the piece drops below the sofa back by 6-12″ will make the it look grander & more intentional
How high should you hang art behind the sofa?
In general, artwork should be hung at a comfortable viewing level where the center is at eye level. Aim to hang the art 6″ above the sofa back, which may put it slightly higher than eye level. If the piece is 60×40 this is a good placement.
If the piece is square or larger that 40″ tall, you will “break the plane” by hanging the art at eye level such that part of the art is behind the sofa.
Sofa Placement TIP
Pull the sofa away from the wall 6-12″ to give it room to breathe. No cramming all of the furniture against the walls!
If you can, float the sofa on a rug centered in the room, it will make the room feel larger & better spaced.
Common Living ROom Art Hanging Heights
8′ ceilings: Art can typically be hung at 6″ above the sofa back.
10′ & 12′ ceilings: Art should “break the plane” and be hung at eye level, dipping below the sofa back. Make sure you are pulling your sofa away from the wall!
Vaulted/Cathedral Ceilings: Go for one large scale piece of art that is 90″+ wide and tall or a large grid of 9 to 12 pieces of art in matching frames.
The layout of the room will determine how high you should hang the art. Ideally it will be centered on a wall width wise and you may be able to go higher than usual on such a large piece.
ONE PIECE OF ART OVER SOFA
Keeping the same rule, choose a piece of art that’s 2/3 the width of your sofa & hang it at eye level or 6″ above the back if the sofa is against the wall.
Pro tip: pull the sofa out 6″ from the wall to give it space to breathe- your room will look larger!
Pair or Set of artwork OVER SOFA
Option 2: Add a set or pair of art
Gallery Wall or photo Grid Above SOFA
Gallery Wall/Grid OVER A sectional
When hanging art behind a sectional, make sure to drop below the sofa back so that your artwork isn’t floating too high on the wall.
