09/10/2026
Tip 13: Symmetry isn’t everything, but it often works exceedingly well in picture hanging because, well, humans generally like symmetry.
Humans, who often perceive themselves to be the “most beautiful,” display their most perfect symmetry between the left and right sides of the body. It has been argued that nature made us attracted to such symmetry since pre-historic times.
The argument goes that if one were to look for an “asymmetrical" mating partner, e.g. one who does not have legs of symmetrical length, we would instinctively know that our off-springs might also have asymmetrical legs.
Today, asymmetrical legs may not be much of an issue, but back "in the day" it might make a life-preserving run from a charging saber-tooth tiger quite difficult with potentially fatal consequences. Therefore, symmetry might have helped preserve humans' chances of survival by passing on these symmetrical genes to future generations.
Who knows if the above really holds true as the reason for how nature taught us to like symmetry, but what cannot be argued with is that humans do like it.
So, in the absence of other ideas as to how to hang your pictures, you won’t go wrong in trying for symmetry. It may not save future human generations, but it will make for an attractive wall for the humans in your life now.
I hope this info helps you, and of course, you can always call me to take the hassle out of hanging your pictures, because hanging pictures is my specialty, and I regularly use symmetry where appropriate.
