How to Properly Hang and Display Your Wall Art

Introduction: Why Proper Art Display Matters 

Wall art can completely transform the atmosphere of a room. A blank wall feels empty and unfinished, while carefully chosen and properly displayed artwork brings warmth, colour, and personality into a home. Whether you’re a homeowner in Auckland designing your forever space or a renter in Wellington trying to personalise a temporary flat, art makes your environment uniquely yours.

However, even the most striking canvas print or framed photo can lose impact if it’s not displayed properly. Hang artwork too high, and it feels disconnected. Place it off-balance, and the entire room feels unsettled. Worse yet, improper hanging can lead to damage — to both your artwork and your walls.

The good news is that you don’t need to be an interior designer to get it right. With a few proven guidelines and smart techniques, you can display your wall art beautifully, safely, and without stress.

Preparing Your Walls Before Hanging

1. Check the Wall Surface 

Before you even pick up a hammer, take a close look at your walls:

• Painted plasterboard: The most common in NZ homes, but prone to damage if you use nails without anchors.
• Brick or concrete: Strong, but requires masonry drill bits and screws.
• Wood panels: Generally sturdy but can splinter if the wrong nails are used.

Choosing the Correct Height for Art

The 57-Inch Rule

Designers worldwide use the “57-inch rule,” which sets the centre of the artwork at 145 cm (57 inches) from the floor — the average human eye level. This creates a natural viewing line in most rooms.

Adjusting for Different Spaces

• Living Rooms: If furniture like sofas or sideboards sit beneath your artwork, lower the placement so the artwork feels connected to the furniture.
• Dining Rooms: Consider seated eye level. Hanging art slightly lower creates balance while people are sitting.
• Hallways and Stairs: Keep artwork at consistent eye level as people walk past, or align pieces with stair angles for flow.
• Above Furniture: Leave 15–20 cm of space between the top of your furniture and the bottom of the artwork.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Don’t hang artwork too close to the ceiling.
• Avoid placing a small piece of art alone on a large wall — it can look lost. Pair it with others or choose a larger piece.

Grouping and Arranging Multiple Artworks

Symmetrical Layouts

Perfect for formal rooms or where balance is essential. Matching frames and evenly spaced rows create a polished look.

Asymmetrical or Gallery Walls

Popular in modern NZ homes, gallery walls allow you to mix frame styles, art sizes, and even personal items like mirrors or wall sculptures. Plan your layout on the floor first or use painter’s tape to outline placements on the wall.

Key Guidelines for Groupings

• Spacing: Keep 5–8 cm between frames for consistency.
• Theme: Stick to a colour palette or subject matter for cohesion.
• Anchor Piece: Start with a central piece (like the largest canvas) and build around it.

Tips to Avoid Damage While Hanging

For Renters

• Use adhesive hooks or hanging strips to avoid drilling.
• Always check the maximum weight capacity before trusting them with your artwork. 

For Homeowners

• Use anchors in plasterboard to prevent frames from pulling through.
• For brick walls, use masonry screws and plugs.

For enquiries about custom canvas sizes, delivery, or bulk orders, you can get in touch directly via the Love Print NZ Contact Page

Universal Tips

• Test placement with painter’s tape before committing.
• Consider using art rails or professional picture-hanging systems for flexibility.

Enhancing Display with Lighting

Lighting can elevate artwork dramatically.

• Track Lighting: Adjustable and ideal for highlighting multiple pieces.
• Wall Wash Lighting: Provides an even glow across a gallery wall.
• Picture Lights: Mounted above individual frames for a museum effect.

Avoid placing art where direct sunlight can cause fading over time.

For DIY wall prep and fixing advice, see Bunnings NZ’s wall repair guide.

Complementing Art with Furniture and Décor

Artwork should enhance your space, not fight against it.

• Scale Matters: Pair large art with larger furniture like sofas. Use smaller art pieces in kitchens, bathrooms, or hallways.
• Colour Coordination: Echo colours from your artwork in cushions, rugs, or vases.
• Framing: Consistent framing brings harmony to gallery walls, while bold, unique frames make statement pieces pop.

Conclusion: Showcase Your Style Without Stress

Displaying wall art is more than just filling empty wall space — it’s about creating harmony, flow, and personal expression within your home. By preparing your walls properly, following correct height guidelines, arranging groupings thoughtfully, and using renter-friendly methods when needed, you can showcase your style without worry.

The beauty of art lies not only in the piece itself but in how it connects to its surroundings. When hung with care, your wall art becomes part of your home’s story — adding warmth, character, and inspiration every day.

Whether you’re renting a flat in Christchurch, setting up your first family home in Auckland, or curating a collection in Wellington, these tips will help you hang and display your wall art beautifully and confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions