What size art goes above a desk?
For a 48 in (122 cm) desk, choose art 32–36 in (81–91 cm) wide (two-thirds to three-quarters of it) and hang it with 6–10 in (15–25 cm) of wall between the desk and the frame. From our sizes that is a pair of 16 × 24 in portraits, 3 in (7.5 cm) apart: 35 in (89 cm) across.
Hanger drop: measure from the top of the frame down to the hanger (on a sawtooth, to the middle of the teeth).
| # | Size | Nail from the floor | Nail from the left wall edge | Nail from the centre line | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Snowy Owl (Audubon) | 16 × 24 in | 61 in | 50½ in | 9½ in left |
| 2 | Great Horned Owl | 16 × 24 in | 61 in | 69½ in | 9½ in right |
What fits above a desk, by width
Art width = ⅔ to ¾ of the desk. Options use our print sizes with 3 in (7.5 cm) gaps; prices are unframed, with 10% off three or more.
| Desk width | Art should span | Best fit from our sizes | Total width | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 in (102 cm) | 27–30 in (69–76 cm) | a pair of 12 × 18 in portraits | 27 in (69 cm) | $78 |
| 48 in (122 cm) | 32–36 in (81–91 cm) | a pair of 16 × 24 in portraits | 35 in (89 cm) | $118 |
| 55 in (140 cm) | 37–41 in (94–104 cm) | a pair of 18 × 24 in portraits | 39 in (99 cm) | $118 |
| 60 in (152 cm) | 40–45 in (102–114 cm) | a row of three of 12 × 18 in portraits | 42 in (107 cm) | $105.30 |
| 72 in (183 cm) | 48–54 in (122–137 cm) | a pair of 24 × 36 in portraits | 51 in (130 cm) | $158 |
The rules and the formula
- Art above furniture should be two-thirds to three-quarters of the furniture's width.
- Leave 6–10 in (15–25 cm) of wall between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame.
- Space frames 3 in (7.5 cm) apart in a row or set, and 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) apart in a gallery wall.
- Nail height = centre height + half the frame height − the hanger drop (the distance from the top of the frame to its hanger).
Worked examples
- A 48 in (122 cm) desk wants 32–36 in (81–91 cm) of art. A pair of 16 × 24 in portraits 3 in (7.5 cm) apart spans 35 in (89 cm), 73% of it, hung with its bottom edge 38 in (97 cm) from the floor. Or a pair of 16 × 12 in landscapes, 35 in (89 cm).
- A 60 in (152 cm) desk wants 40–45 in (102–114 cm) of art. A row of three of 12 × 18 in portraits 3 in (7.5 cm) apart spans 42 in (107 cm), 70% of it, hung with its bottom edge 38 in (97 cm) from the floor. Or a grid of six of 12 × 18 in portraits, 42 in (107 cm).
Art that fits this wall
Questions
How big should art be above a desk?
Two-thirds to three-quarters of the desk: 32–36 in (81–91 cm) above a 48 in (122 cm) desk.
How high above a desk should art hang?
Clear the top of your monitor by a few inches; with no monitor, 6–10 in (15–25 cm) above the desktop.
What art works above a desk?
Something you can look at for a long time without it competing with the screen: maps, natural-history plates, quiet landscapes.
Sources
- Fine Art America, How High to Hang Art Above a Sofa (two-thirds of the sofa's width; 6 to 10 inches of clear wall; centre at 57 to 60 inches)
- Park West Gallery, Three Simple Rules for Hanging Art (centre at 57 inches; 6 to 8 inches above furniture)
- Chairish, How High to Hang Artwork: a Designer's Guide with Measurements (57 to 60 inches; 6 to 12 inches above furniture)
- PictureFrames.com, How to Group Pictures on a Wall (2 to 3 inches between frames)
Updated 2026-11-03. Free to use; no sign-up. To cite: Madten, “What size art goes above a desk?”, https://www.madten.com/tools/art-size-calculator/above-desk.