Oct 29, 2025
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4 min read
The 60-inch secret
Designers often rely on a simple principle called the 60-inch rule. The center of the artwork should sit about 60 inches from the floor, roughly at the average eye level. This small detail makes a world of difference. When a painting meets your gaze naturally, it immediately feels comfortable and connected to the space.
But like everything in design, context matters. In Indian homes we deal with varied ceiling heights, niches and sometimes double-height walls. So while 60 inches is a starting point, I treat it as a guide, not a hard rule. In a living room with tall ceilings, for instance, I might cluster artworks vertically to fill the height yet keep the main focal piece close to eye level.
Placement that feels intentional
Art should feel grounded, never floating aimlessly on the wall. When placing a painting above a sofa or console, I usually leave a 6–8 inch gap between the furniture top and the artwork. This simple alignment visually ties the two together and creates a sense of cohesion.
Mantels, bed headboards and dining consoles each have their own rhythm. The artwork above should echo the proportions of the furniture, not too small to disappear and not too large to overpower. For a statement wall, I often recommend one large piece that is roughly two-thirds the width of the sofa or console below.
For homes that love storytelling, gallery walls work beautifully. I like to start with the largest frame at eye level and build around it, mixing traditional and modern pieces, gold and wood frames or even textiles and mirrors. It is about creating balance within contrast.
Choosing the right artwork
Art selection is deeply personal but it must also complement the tone and character of the home. I often begin with a conversation. What emotions should the space evoke? Serenity? Opulence? Joy?
“When you choose art that speaks to you, it becomes more than décor. It becomes memory on your walls.”
For quiet corners or bedrooms, soft watercolours or minimalist sketches work beautifully. In vibrant social spaces, large canvases with bold strokes or jewel-toned abstracts bring drama and depth. Traditional Indian art forms like Thanjavur, Pichwai and Madhubani add cultural richness when styled thoughtfully, especially when paired with contemporary furniture and neutral palettes.
And sometimes it is the smallest piece that holds the most meaning, a vintage postcard, a textile swatch or a black-and-white photograph framed simply. Good curation lies in knowing when to let a piece speak for itself.
The power of light
Lighting can completely change how art is perceived. I prefer warm diffused lighting that enhances the depth of the artwork without glare. A subtle picture light or concealed ceiling spotlight can highlight texture, brushwork and color beautifully.
In Indian homes where natural light shifts through the day, I often plan for layered lighting, a soft wash of ambient light combined with focused accents that let the art glow at dusk. Even a sculpture on a console or a framed textile deserves its own spotlight.
Bringing it all together
Art does not just decorate a wall, it defines the soul of the home. When curated with care, it becomes a silent dialogue between the homeowner’s personality and the space itself. Every painting, sculpture or framed textile tells a story of places visited, traditions preserved and moments that matter.
For me, curating art is about emotion and precision in equal measure. It is about making sure that a Thanjavur painting feels at home in a modern apartment or that a sleek abstract finds its rhythm beside carved wood furniture. When every piece feels intentionally placed and thoughtfully lit, the home begins to feel layered, refined yet personal. Because at the end of the day, true luxury is not in how much art you own but in how seamlessly it becomes part of your everyday view.
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