How to Hang Prints in a Living Room: **10 Easy Tips to Avoid Terrible Layouts**

'Are You Dancing? Are You Asking?' print. An example of how to hang prints in a living room

So, you’ve got some lovely prints, and now they’re sitting on a shelf, leaning against the wall, because the idea of actually hanging them up is a bit overwhelming. Too high, and they look like they’re trying to escape the room. Too low, and your guests will be craning their necks like they’re admiring an art installation at foot level. Fear not! With our ‘How to Hang Prints in a Living Room‘ guide, we’re here to guide you through the mystical, slightly perilous world of hanging prints in your living room, so they look fantastic and not like a rushed DIY disaster.

Table Of Contents

1. Plan Before You Hammer
2. The Golden Rule – Eye Level
3. Gallery Wall Ideas & Design Tips
4. Frame It Right
5. Nail It (Or Don’t)
6. Hanging Over a Sofa? Use the Rule of Thirds
7. Lighting Matters
8. Be Brave, But Not Reckless
9. Don’t Forget the Rest of the Room
10. Have Fun With It
- Shop now and give your room the glow-up it deserves!
FAQ
FURTHER READING….
A Few of Our Products…

'Common People' print. Background like a disco dancefloor with multi-coloured squares. 'I wanna live like' in yellow with black shadow, and 'Common People' in multi-colours. Colour Combo 2. On apartment wall. MaadWeb.

1. Plan Before You Hammer

Before you go rogue with nails and a spirit level (or just eyeball it and hope for the best), take a moment to plan. Grab some masking tape, paper, or even a handy app, and map out where your prints will go. This will save you from unnecessary holes in the wall and an existential crisis about whether they’re ‘just a bit off.’

Top tip: Cut pieces of paper to the size of your frames and tape them to the wall first. This lets you experiment with layouts without the commitment of hammering. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not desperately covering up holes with filler and a fresh coat of paint before your next house inspection.

2. The Golden Rule – Eye Level

2. The Golden Rule – Eye Level
Art galleries don’t just chuck things at walls willy-nilly; they use a golden rule: centre the artwork at eye level. The magic number is around 145-155cm from the floor to the centre of the print. This universal standard, often referred to as the 57-inch rule by professional galleries and museums, ensures your prints are seen comfortably without anyone having to do a dramatic lean-back.

If you’re creating a gallery wall, start with the main (largest) print at eye level and build around it. You can break the ‘one at eye level’ rule if you’re doing an artsy, floor-to-ceiling look, but if it’s just one print, stick to the magic height.

'Believe It or Not' print. The words 'Believe It or Not I'd Hit the Bottom For You' in black block capitals in a wavy style, on off-white background. The Royston Club inspired indie music wall art. Colour combo 1. Against tiled wall. MaadWeb.

'Cwtch' Print. Framed Wall Art above a bed

3. Gallery Wall Ideas & Design Tips

A gallery wall is a brilliant way to show off multiple prints without looking like you’ve just scattered them randomly. Here’s how to get it right:

Stick to a theme – This doesn’t mean they all need to match, but a loose theme helps (colours, styles, or subject matter).
Spacing matters – Keep gaps between frames around 5-8cm. Too close and they’ll look cramped; too far apart and they’ll look disconnected.
Balance big and small – Mix up different frame sizes, but anchor your wall with one or two larger prints.
Lay it out first – Arrange everything on the floor first to see how it works together. This stops you from hammering one nail in and immediately regretting your entire decision-making process.
Think outside the grid – A structured layout works well, but don’t be afraid to mix it up. Organic arrangements can feel more relaxed and stylish.

'Flowers' Print. Blue-Yellow gradient background with a retro style flower in green, yellow and blue and the words 'I Can Buy Myself Flowers' in green with flower detail. Miley Cyrus Wall Art. On apartment wall. Colour Combo 7. MaadWeb.

4. Frame It Right

A good frame can make or break your print. Here are your options:

Classic black or white – Safe, timeless, and lets the print shine.
Wooden frames – Warmer, more natural, and can work in both modern and rustic settings.
Metal frames – Sleek and contemporary.
No frame at all – If you’re feeling particularly edgy, decorative masking tape or poster hangers can give a more relaxed vibe.
Mix it up – A mix of different frame types can work beautifully if done intentionally. Just don’t go overboard, or it will look chaotic rather than curated.

Don’t forget that the mount (the border inside the frame) can also change the look. A thick mount gives a more gallery-style finish, while no mount feels modern and bold. If you want to make a smaller print feel more impactful, a large frame with a generous mount can give it presence.

'Ta-Ra A Bit' Print. Off white with 'Ta-Ra a Bit' in multi colour block capital letters with a black shadow in a cartoon-y comic book font. Birmingham, West Midlands wall art. Colour combo 1. Against tiled wall. MaadWeb.

5. Nail It (Or Don’t)

There are multiple ways to hang prints, depending on your wall type and commitment level.

Picture hooks and nails – The classic method, great for plaster walls.
Command strips – Brilliant for renters or commitment-phobes, but only for lighter frames.
Rails and wires – Ideal for an artsy loft vibe or if you like to switch things up frequently.
Leaning on a shelf – For the ‘I might rearrange these weekly’ types.
Standing frames – If you’ve got a console table or bookshelf, standing frames can add height and depth to your décor.

'Dakota' Print. Off-white background with the word 'Dakota' in alternating blue and red letters, and 'You Make me feel like the one' in blue. Stereophonics 'Dakota'-inspired music lyric wall art. Colour Combo 1. On living room wall. MaadWeb.

6. Hanging Over a Sofa? Use the Rule of Thirds

If you’re hanging prints above a sofa, don’t make the mistake of going too high. Aim for about 15-20cm above the back of the sofa, so it looks intentional rather than floating in no man’s land. If your print (or collection of prints) is much narrower than the sofa, consider centring it or opting for a wider set.

For a large statement print, ensure it’s around two-thirds the width of your sofa for balance. If you’re doing a gallery wall, keep it cohesive but varied in size.

'Ay Up Me Duck' print. Yellow with pink text and black shadows and an illustration of a cute duck with crosses for eyes. Regional dialect wall art. Yorkshire. Colour combo 3. On green apartment. MaadWeb.

7. Lighting Matters

There’s no point in having stunning prints if they’re hidden in the shadows like a moody film scene. Natural light is great, but avoid direct sunlight unless you want your prints to slowly fade into oblivion. If you have a particularly dark spot, a picture light or some well-placed lamps can make a huge difference.

Consider LED spotlights or wall-mounted picture lights for a museum-like effect. Soft, warm lighting works best to avoid harsh glare.

8. Be Brave, But Not Reckless

Hanging prints is an art form (literally). Trust your instincts, but don’t be afraid to tweak things if they don’t look quite right. It’s better to take your time and do it properly than to end up with a wall full of regrets and unnecessary holes.

If you’re really unsure, take photos as you go. Sometimes, stepping back and seeing things through a camera lens can highlight what’s working (or not working).

'Heatwave in the Cold North' print. Pink and yellow with 'there's a' (top), 'in the cold north' (bottom) in pink, 'HEATWAVE' over three lines in large text in pink in the middle - a sunshine in the centre. On desk with plant. Colour Combo 4. MaadWeb.

9. Don’t Forget the Rest of the Room

Your prints should complement your space, not compete with it. Consider the colours and textures of your furniture and décor. If your living room is already packed with patterns and bold colours, you might want to keep your print selection more muted. If your room is neutral, a set of bold prints can add a much-needed pop of personality.

10. Have Fun With It

At the end of the day, your home should make you happy. Experiment, take your time, and remember – if all else fails, a bit of trial and error (or an extra hole or two) won’t ruin your life. And if it really goes wrong? That’s what filler and a fresh coat of paint are for.

So, go forth and hang with confidence. Your living room (and your inner interior designer) will thank you!

Shop now and give your room the glow-up it deserves!

FAQ

How do I know if my print is the right size for my space?

Consider the scale of your furniture and the wall space. If you’re hanging above a sofa, your print should ideally be about two-thirds the width of the sofa. For smaller walls, a single statement print or a small collection can be great. It’s all about finding balance!

What if my print is too small for a large wall?

If your print feels too small, consider adding more pieces around it to create a gallery wall, or pair it with larger accessories like shelves or plants. A smaller print can still stand out by using a bold frame or a large mount to give it presence.

How can I make sure my prints stay straight?

Using a spirit level during installation is key, but also consider using picture hanging strips with built-in levellers. These can keep everything perfectly straight, even if you’re not a perfectionist!

How do I choose the right print for my living room style?

Consider the mood and colour scheme of your space. If you have a modern, minimalist room, a bold, graphic print might work well. For a cosy, rustic vibe, nature-inspired prints or vintage-style art can add warmth. Think about the colours in your room too – either match them for harmony or contrast them for a pop of personality!

How do I create a balanced look with a gallery wall?

Start by choosing a central piece and build around it. Alternate between larger and smaller frames, keeping consistent spacing (about 5-8 cm apart). Balance the arrangement by spacing out similar frame styles, and make sure the overall layout feels cohesive.