The Elevation Trick: How Hanging Art Higher Instantly Makes a Room Look Expensive

One of the simplest ways to make your home look more polished and expensive is to adjust the height at which your wall art is hung. Many homeowners default to eye level or the traditional 57–60-inch center guideline. While this is a safe approach, intentionally raising your artwork can create drama, sophistication, and a sense of grandeur.

Why Higher Works

Elevating wall art shifts visual perspective, drawing attention upward and giving rooms a taller, more spacious feel. Large pieces placed higher than normal create a sense of scale and impact, making the room feel curated rather than casual.

Practical Guidelines

• Above furniture: Leave 8–12 inches between the top of a sofa, console, or bed and the bottom of the artwork.

• Grouping: When arranging multiple pieces, raise the central anchor piece slightly above eye level and align smaller supporting works around it.

• Gallery walls: Don’t be afraid to break symmetry. The eye naturally follows the elevated focal point and adjusts to the supporting pieces.

Styling With Smard.art

Smard.art offers medium and large canvas prints ideal for the elevation trick. Black wall art pieces work particularly well because the dark tones draw attention upward and add drama. Consider vertical abstracts or long canvases to accentuate height.

Color & Lighting Considerations

Higher placement can change how colors and shadows are perceived. Ensure lighting (overhead, sconces, or picture lights) highlights details, especially on textured surfaces or metallic prints.

Final Thought

Hanging wall art higher is a subtle but powerful interior design trick. With Smard.art’s curated selection, you can elevate your walls — literally — and instantly give your rooms a sophisticated, gallery-inspired feel.