Use above-sofa and TV-wall formulas to size art, mirrors and shelves. Keep centers at 57–60 in and a 6–8 in gap above furniture for balance.
Quick size & spacing chart
Placement | Width rule | Center height | Gap above furniture | Spacing between pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Above sofa/console | Two-thirds to three-quarters of furniture width | 57–60 in from floor | 6–8 in | 2–3 in |
Over mantel | About two-thirds mantel width | 57–60 in | 4–6 in | 2–3 in |
TV wall (flanking art) | Each piece ≈ one-third of TV height | Align with TV center | 2–4 in from TV edge | 2–3 in |
Large mirror | Half to three-quarters of furniture width | 57–60 in | 6–8 in | — |
Above-sofa wall art: the exact formula
- Measure sofa width. Multiply by 0.67–0.75 for your total art width (single piece or set).
- Center height: keep the artwork’s center at 57–60 in from the floor.
- Gap above sofa back: 6–8 in.
- Sets: leave 2–3 in between frames.
TV-wall balance
- Match flanking art centerline to the TV center.
- Keep art 2–4 in from the TV edge; shelves 6+ in away.
- Use tall, narrow frames or sconces to fight bottom-heaviness.
Mirrors & shelves
- Mirror over console: width 1/2–3/4 of console; bottom 6–8 in above surface.
- Over mantel mirror: width ≈ 2/3 mantel; bottom 4–6 in above mantel.
- Floating shelves above sofa: first shelf 10–12 in above sofa back; second shelf 10–12 in higher.
Common mistakes
- Hanging too high — if a forearm fits between sofa and frame, lower it.
- Art narrower than half the sofa — go wider.
- Frames touching the TV — keep 2–4 in of air.
- Under-rated hardware — use anchors rated above total weight.