What size art goes above a fireplace?
For a 60 in (152 cm) mantel, choose art 40–45 in (102–114 cm) wide (two-thirds to three-quarters of it) and hang it with 6–10 in (15–25 cm) of wall between the mantel and the frame. From our sizes that is a row of three of 12 × 18 in portraits, 3 in (7.5 cm) apart: 42 in (107 cm) across.
A mantel is the one place a single large landscape almost always works: mantels are narrower than sofas, so one of our largest prints often reaches the two-thirds mark alone.
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 | Sunflowers (National Gallery, London) | 12 × 18 in | 79 in | 45 in | 15 in left |
| 2 | Cafe Terrace at Night | 12 × 18 in | 79 in | 60 in | on it |
| 3 | The Kiss | 12 × 18 in | 79 in | 75 in | 15 in right |
What fits above a mantel, by width
Art width = ⅔ to ¾ of the mantel. Options use our print sizes with 3 in (7.5 cm) gaps; prices are unframed, with 10% off three or more.
| Mantel width | Art should span | Best fit from our sizes | Total width | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 in (122 cm) | 32–36 in (81–91 cm) | a pair of 16 × 24 in portraits | 35 in (89 cm) | $118 |
| 54 in (137 cm) | 36–41 in (91–104 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 |
| 66 in (168 cm) | 44–50 in (112–127 cm) | a pair of 24 × 18 in landscapes (a touch over the band) | 51 in (130 cm) | $118 |
| 72 in (183 cm) | 48–54 in (122–137 cm) | a pair of 24 × 18 in landscapes | 51 in (130 cm) | $118 |
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) mantel 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 62 in (157 cm) from the floor. Or a pair of 16 × 12 in landscapes, 35 in (89 cm).
- A 60 in (152 cm) mantel 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 62 in (157 cm) from the floor. Or a pair of 18 × 24 in portraits (a touch under the band), 39 in (99 cm).
- A 72 in (183 cm) mantel wants 48–54 in (122–137 cm) of art. A pair of 24 × 18 in landscapes 3 in (7.5 cm) apart spans 51 in (130 cm), 71% of it, hung with its bottom edge 62 in (157 cm) from the floor. Or a row of three of 16 × 24 in portraits, 54 in (137 cm).
Art that fits this wall
Living Room Wall Art & PrintsLarge & Oversized Prints (24×36)
Questions
How big should art be over a fireplace?
Two-thirds to three-quarters of the mantel's width: 40–45 in (102–114 cm) on a 60 in (152 cm) mantel.
How high above the mantel should art hang?
Leave 6–10 in (15–25 cm) between the mantel shelf and the frame. If the mantel is high, stay near the low end so the centre doesn't climb far above eye level.
Can art over a fireplace be leaned instead of hung?
Yes, on a deep mantel: lean a large framed print against the wall and layer a smaller one in front. Keep paper and frames clear of heat above a working fire.
Is heat a problem for prints above a fireplace?
Above a fireplace that is used often, heat and soot can yellow paper over time. Canvas or a framed print behind glass copes better, and keep the art well above the opening.
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 fireplace?”, https://www.madten.com/tools/art-size-calculator/above-fireplace.