Measuring, spacing and hanging heights

01Hanging height

• —A common gallery convention places the center of a single piece, or of a whole group, about 57 in (145 cm) above the floor. It is a starting point, not a rule.
• —Above a sofa or sideboard, leave about 6–10 in (15–25 cm) between the furniture and the bottom of the lowest frame.
• —In rooms where you mostly sit (dining rooms), you can lower the group slightly.

02Spacing

• —Keep gaps between frames consistent: about 2–3 in (5–8 cm) is typical. Larger frames can take slightly larger gaps.
• —Consistent gaps matter more than the exact number you choose.
• —Align at least one edge — the outer edges of the group, or a central horizontal line — so mixed sizes still feel ordered.

03Placing the nail: the arithmetic

1. 1.Decide where the top of the frame should be, measured from the floor (A).
2. 2.Measure the drop: from the top of the frame down to the hanging wire pulled taut toward the top, or to the D-ring (B).
3. 3.Nail height from the floor = A − B.
4. 4.For horizontal position, mark the center of the frame on the wall. With two D-rings, measure the distance between them and mark half that distance either side of center.
5. 5.Hang, level, then step back before moving to the next frame.

04Order of work

1. 1.Hang the anchor piece first.
2. 2.Work outward, keeping your chosen gap with a spacer (a cut piece of card works well).
3. 3.Use two hooks or two D-rings on larger frames so they stay level.
4. 4.Add small bumpers to the lower corners to stop frames shifting and protect the wall.