How to Place Framed Artwork

By Kelly HeitzJune 30, 2026

Every Maine Cottage designer has a few go-to tricks for making artwork look effortlessly right. Today, we're sharing six of our favorites—the same guidelines we use when styling homes, hanging gallery walls, and creating rooms that feel beautifully balanced.

1. Start with the Center Line

A simple designer trick is to focus on the center of the artwork rather than the top or bottom edge. Aim for the center of the piece to sit approximately 57–60 inches from the floor for a balanced look. This is also how most galleries position their art.

Featured Art: Coastal Marsh by Maren Devine, print size: 26” x 20”

Featured Furniture: Vera Sofa in Oxfords Stripes: Marine (custom horizontal treatment) with Throw Pillows in Hydrangea Holiday: Marine and Shelfie Drink Drop Tables in Rift Sawn White Oak in Sand with Marine shelves.

2. Size Matters

Artwork should feel proportional to the furniture below it. As a rule of thumb, choose a piece (or grouping) that measures about two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the furniture beneath it.

Featured Art: Three at Sea by Kim Hovell, print size: 32” x 24”

3. Leave Breathing Room

Give artwork a little room to breathe. Leaving approximately 4–8 inches between artwork and nearby furniture, trim, or architectural details creates a balanced, intentional look.

Featured Art Counter Clockwise from Top left:

1. High Seas by Alma Ramirez, print size: 24” x 23”

2. Oyster Tide by Kim Hovell, print size: 24” x 24”

3. Marsh by Maren Devine, print size: 15” x 12”

Featured Furniture: Lottie Console Table shown in Bluestone with Natural Maple top.

4. Create Balance with Groupings

When hanging multiple pieces, keep spacing consistent—typically 2–3 inches between frames. Mix sizes and shapes, but think of the collection as one larger composition rather than individual pieces.

Featured Art Counter Clockwise from Top left:

1. Peacelilly By Brynn Casey, print size: 20” x 20”

2. Courage By Brynn Casey, print size: 30” x 30”

3. Over the Dunes by Kasey Kauffman, print size: 18” x 24”

4. Shack Cloud by Gene Barbera, print size: 20” x 32”

5. High Seas by Alma Ramirez, print size: 24” x 23”

6. Beach Pass by Kim Hovell, print size: 20” x 20”

7. Marsh By Maren Devine, print size: 15” x 12”

5. Consider the Scale of the Room

Large walls can handle larger artwork or expansive gallery walls. Smaller rooms often feel best with fewer pieces and a bit more negative space. Let the room guide the scale.

Featured Art Over Sofa: Coastal Marsh by Maren Devine, print size: 26” x 20”

Featured Furniture in Sofa Room: Vera Sofa in Oxfords Stripes: Marine (custom horizontal treatment) with Throw Pillows in Hydrangea Holiday: Marine and Shelfie Drink Drop Tables in Rift Sawn White Oak in Sand with Marine shelves.

Featured Art Over Chair: Lighthouse by Gene Barbera, print size: 15” x 24”

Featured Furniture in Chair Vignette: Graham Chair in Oxford Stripes: Marine (custom horizontal treatment) with Lumbar Throw Pillow in Hydrangea Holiday: Marine and Shelfie Drink Drop Tables in Rift Sawn White Oak in Sand with Marine shelves.

6. Let Repetition Do the Work

Our designers often rely on repetition to create calm, collected spaces. A pair of coordinating prints or a series of three related pieces introduces symmetry and visual rhythm, making even large walls feel intentional. It’s good to remember that one large piece isn't your only option. Diptychs and triptychs are a designer's favorite because they create rhythm and balance while allowing artwork to fill a larger wall gracefully. Repetition and symmetry naturally make a space feel more cohesive, whether you're hanging two coordinating pieces or a series of three.

Featured Art Over Low Tide Hall Table (shown in Marine):

Shack Cloud by Gene Barbera, print size: 15” x 24”
Morning Commute Blues by Gene Barbera, print size: 15” x 24”
Dinghys Marine by Gene Barbera, print size: 15” x 24”

Featured Art Over Lottie Side Table (shown in Bluebell):

Nella by Alicia Hobbs, print size: 11” x 14”
Wednesday by Alicia Hobbs, print size: 11” x 14”

A Final Thought

Beautiful rooms rarely happen by accident, but they don't happen by following formulas alone, either. Start with these simple guidelines, then make them your own. The goal isn't perfection—it's creating a home that feels collected, welcoming, and uniquely yours.

Featured Art: Dawn Breaks by Megan Carty, print size: 20” x 16”

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