Quick answer: Hang 5 pictures with the same 2–3 in (5–8 cm) gap between them, the group centered on the wall or furniture, and its center about 57–60 in (145–153 cm) from the floor. To spread them across a wall instead, divide the leftover width by 6: 5 frames 12 in wide on a 96 in wall get 6.0 in gaps.
How Far Apart to Hang 5 Pictures
For a group that reads as one piece, use the same gap between every frame: 2–3 in (5–8 cm) for small and medium frames, up to 4 in (10 cm) for large ones. Wider gaps make the frames look like separate pieces. Here's how wide a group of 5 ends up:
| Each frame’s width | With 2 in gaps | With 3 in gaps |
|---|---|---|
| 8 in (20 cm) | 48 in (122 cm) | 52 in (132 cm) |
| 12 in (30 cm) | 68 in (173 cm) | 72 in (183 cm) |
| 16 in (41 cm) | 88 in (224 cm) | 92 in (234 cm) |
| 18 in (46 cm) | 98 in (249 cm) | 102 in (259 cm) |
| 20 in (51 cm) | 108 in (274 cm) | 112 in (284 cm) |
| 24 in (61 cm) | 128 in (325 cm) | 132 in (335 cm) |
How to Space 5 Pictures Evenly Across a Wall
To spread 5 frames along a whole wall or hallway, with the same space at both ends as between the frames, take the frames' total width away from the wall width and divide by 6:
Gap = (wall width − total frame width) ÷ 6
| Wall width | 12 in frames | 16 in frames | 20 in frames |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 in (6 ft, 183 cm) | 2.0 in (5 cm) | Too tight | Too tight |
| 96 in (8 ft, 244 cm) | 6.0 in (15 cm) | 2.7 in (7 cm) | Too tight |
| 120 in (10 ft, 305 cm) | 10.0 in (25 cm) | 6.7 in (17 cm) | 3.3 in (8 cm) |
| 144 in (12 ft, 366 cm) | 14.0 in (36 cm) | 10.7 in (27 cm) | 7.3 in (19 cm) |
Want equal gaps between the frames only, with the ends set by something else (a sofa, a doorway)? Divide by 4 instead of 6, using the width you want the group to fill.
How High to Hang 5 Pictures
Treat the group as one piece. On an open wall, put the center of the whole group at 57–60 in (145–153 cm) from the floor; in a single row that's the center of every frame. Over a sofa, console or bed, the furniture sets the height instead: leave 6–10 in (15–25 cm) between it and the bottom of the frames, and keep the group to about two-thirds to three-quarters of the furniture's width (see art above an 84-inch couch and art above a queen bed).
For each frame, the nail goes at its center height, plus half the frame's height, minus the hook drop.
Ways to Arrange 5 Pictures
Five frames in one row need a long wall: even 12 in frames make a group about 68 in wide. On shorter walls, split them into three over two, or build around one larger centerpiece.
- A row of five: best with small frames on a long wall, such as a hallway or above a long sofa.
- Three over two: two rows, centered on each other, with the same gap across and down.
- A centerpiece with four around it: one large frame in the middle with two small frames stacked on each side.
Mixing sizes? Plan it with the gallery wall layout calculator, which gives the nail spot for every frame.
Worked Example: Nail Positions for 5 Frames
5 frames, each 12 × 16 in (portrait), hung 2 in apart in a row with the group centered at 60 in. The wire on each pulls up to 2 in below the top of the frame. The group is 68 in (173 cm) wide, and every nail goes at 60 + 8 − 2 = 66 in.
| Frame | Side to side | Nail height |
|---|---|---|
| Frame 1 | 28 in left of center | 66 in (168 cm) |
| Frame 2 | 14 in left of center | 66 in (168 cm) |
| Frame 3 | On the center line | 66 in (168 cm) |
| Frame 4 | 14 in right of center | 66 in (168 cm) |
| Frame 5 | 28 in right of center | 66 in (168 cm) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should 5 pictures be?
For a tight group, 2–3 in (5–8 cm) between frames. To spread them across a wall, gap = (wall width − total frame width) ÷ 6: 5 frames 12 in wide on a 96 in wall get 6.0 in gaps.
How do you hang 5 pictures evenly?
Decide the gap, find the center line of the wall or furniture, then measure out from it: each frame's center is one frame width plus one gap from its neighbor. Mark every nail at the same height and check the marks with a level before drilling.
How high should 5 pictures be hung?
With the center of the group 57–60 in (145–153 cm) from the floor on an open wall, or with the bottoms 6–10 in (15–25 cm) above a sofa, console or bed.
How wide should 5 pictures be over a couch?
About two-thirds to three-quarters of the couch width, gaps included. Over an 84 in couch that's 56–63 in; 5 frames 12 in wide with 2 in gaps make 68 in.
How do you arrange 5 pictures on a wall?
In one row on a long wall, as three over two on a shorter wall, or with one large frame in the middle and two smaller ones stacked on each side. Keep the gaps equal throughout.
Space Your 5 Pictures Exactly
Enter your wall and frame sizes for equal gaps and the nail position of every frame, in a row or a grid.
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