The rule of 57 is a widely accepted guideline in art hanging and interior design. It states that the center of your artwork should be positioned about 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor. This height corresponds to the average human eye level, ensuring that art feels natural and balanced when viewed in a space.
Why 57 Inches?
- Eye level viewing - 57" is considered the average sightline for most people.
- Consistency - Using the same height across multiple pieces creates a clean, professional, gallery-style look.
- Flexibility - Works for single artworks, grouped arrangements, and gallery walls.
When to Adjust the Rule
- In rooms with higher ceilings, designers sometimes use 58 to 60 inches to better balance the proportions.
- For a gallery wall, measure the center of the entire grouping (not just one frame) to align with the 57-inch rule.
- For furniture placement (for example, above a sofa or console), you may need to adapt the height slightly for aesthetics and proportion.
✅ Bottom line: The rule of 57 is a simple formula for hanging art at the perfect height - centered at 57" from the floor. With an AS Hanging Display System, it’s easy to apply this rule and make adjustments without drilling new holes, so your artwork always hangs at the ideal level.