Okay so I'm gonna tell you something that happened last week that perfectly explains why this matters. A customer walks into the DeckArts shop here in Berlin – nice guy, probably mid-30s, clearly excited about finally buying skateboard art for his apartment. He's been following us on Instagram for months, finally ready to pull the trigger.
He buys the Bosch Garden of Earthly Delights triptych – gorgeous piece, three decks, really makes a statement. Two days later he texts me: "Stanislav, I hung them vertically like skateboards normally hang. My girlfriend says it looks like a skateboard shop, not our living room. Help."
I'm Stanislav, I run DeckArts, and honestly? This happens MORE than you'd think. The horizontal vs vertical decision isn't just about mounting technique – it completely changes how your space reads. Let me break down everything I've learned from five years of helping people not screw this up.
The Visual Psychology Behind Orientation (Why This Actually Matters)
Here's what interior designers figured out decades ago but most people still don't know: horizontal lines make spaces feel wider and more relaxed. Vertical lines make spaces feel taller and more energetic.
When you hang a skateboard deck horizontally, you're essentially telling your brain "this is art, displayed intentionally." When you hang it vertically, you're saying "this is a skateboard that happens to be on a wall." Both are valid – but they create COMPLETELY different vibes.
According to research from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, horizontal art placement creates what they call "grounded contemplation" – your eye moves across the piece rather than up and down, which feels more calming and intentional for home spaces.
The vertical orientation works better when you want that authentic skate culture energy – like in a bedroom, home office, or anywhere you're specifically going for that youth culture aesthetic. It's more dynamic, takes up less horizontal wall space, and honestly just feels more skateboarding.
I wrote about skateboard graphics history a while back, and one thing that really stood out: decks were designed to be seen vertically in motion. But that doesn't mean that's the ONLY way to display them.
Horizontal Mounting: When and Why It Works Better
Best for: Living rooms, dining areas, above furniture, gallery walls, creating a "fine art" aesthetic
Let me tell you about this customer from Kreuzberg who had a really narrow living room – one of those typical Berlin altbau apartments with high ceilings but not much width. She bought two Klimt The Kiss decks and was planning to hang them vertically side by side.
I stopped her. "Hang them horizontally, stacked." She looked skeptical but trusted me. The result? Her narrow room suddenly felt wider because the horizontal lines drew your eye across the space instead of emphasizing the vertical walls. She sent me photos – it completely transformed the room's proportions.
Horizontal longboard skateboard wall mount display in modern living room interior
Horizontal mounting advantages:
- Makes pieces feel more like "serious art" rather than skate memorabilia
- Works better above sofas, beds, consoles (furniture creates natural horizontal lines)
- Creates visual width in narrow spaces
- Better for triptychs and multiple-deck arrangements
- Draws less attention to the deck's skateboard shape
- Easier to group with other horizontal art pieces
Installation technique for horizontal: The trick is using the truck bolt holes (those 4 holes where the wheels would normally attach). You've got two options:
Method 1: Direct screw mount – Drill directly through the top two bolt holes into wall anchors. This is the most secure but puts visible hardware on your wall. Use 2-inch screws with proper drywall anchors rated for at least 10 pounds each.
Method 2: Invisible mounting – Thread clear fishing line through the bolt holes, tie it off, hang from a single picture hook. Looks cleaner from the front but slightly less stable. I actually prefer this for home spaces because it maintains that "floating" appearance.
According to the Museum of Modern Art's installation guidelines, horizontal art pieces should have their center point at 57-60 inches from the floor (standard eye level). For skateboard decks that's usually means mounting them so the center of the deck hits around 145-150cm.
Vertical Mounting: The Classic Skate Display
Best for: Bedrooms, home offices, entryways, teen spaces, collections, emphasizing skate culture
Vertical is the OG orientation – it's how decks naturally exist in the world. When you walk into a skate shop, everything's vertical. There's a reason for that: you can fit more decks in less horizontal space, and it immediately communicates "skateboarding" to anyone who sees it.
I have a customer who's a lawyer (corporate law, super serious job) but grew up skating in the 90s. His home office has four decks mounted vertically in a row – including our Caravaggio Medusa – and it's this perfect balance of professional and personal. The vertical orientation keeps that connection to skate culture alive without making the space feel juvenile.
Vertical mounting advantages:
- Authentic skateboard display aesthetic
- Uses less horizontal wall space (huge for small apartments)
- Better for displaying collections (multiple decks side by side)
- Works great in vertical spaces like hallways or narrow walls
- Emphasizes the deck's natural shape and proportions
- Feels more dynamic and energetic
Installation technique for vertical: Honestly, vertical is slightly easier to mount securely because gravity works with you instead of against you.
Method 1: Wall mount brackets – These clip into the bolt holes and create a small ledge the deck rests on. Super secure, can handle the weight easily, and most are clear acrylic so they're nearly invisible. This is what I recommend for anyone mounting multiple decks.
Method 2: Command strips on the back – Controversial opinion: I actually don't love this method even though lots of people use it. Command strips are rated for certain weights, but skateboards are heavier than people think (a 7-ply maple deck can be 2-3 pounds, our art decks are usually around 1.5kg). If you go this route, use the heavy-duty strips rated for at least 5 pounds, and use 4-6 strips per deck.
Check out my guide on understanding skateboard deck anatomy to understand weight distribution and why proper mounting matters for longevity.
Six-tier wooden vertical skateboard wall mount rack for bedroom display and storage
The Wall Space Consideration (Measure First, Regret Never)
Here's a mistake I see constantly: people decide on orientation without actually measuring their wall space. Then they're surprised when things don't fit or look awkward.
Standard skateboard deck dimensions:
- Length: 79-84cm (31-33 inches)
- Width: 19-25cm (7.5-10 inches)
So when you're planning:
For horizontal mounting:
- You need at least 90cm of horizontal wall space (deck length plus some visual breathing room)
- Height requirement is minimal – about 30cm including clearance
- Works great above furniture because the deck's width becomes its height
For vertical mounting:
- You need at least 95-100cm of vertical wall space (deck length plus clearance)
- Horizontal requirement is minimal – about 25-30cm
- Perfect for narrow walls or spaces between windows/doors
Real talk: I had a customer who ordered three decks for a "gallery wall" without measuring. His wall was only 2 meters wide. Three decks horizontally would've been almost 2.5 meters. We pivoted to two horizontal, one vertical in a triangular arrangement. It worked, but would've been easier if he'd measured first.
Room-by-Room Orientation Guide
After thousands of installations (okay fine, not thousands, but easily hundreds), here's what I've learned works best in different spaces:
Living Room: Horizontal 90% of the time Above the sofa? Horizontal. Above a console table? Horizontal. The only exception is if you have a really narrow vertical space between windows or architectural features – then vertical can work.
Bedroom: Split Decision Above the bed (headboard wall)? Horizontal. Side walls or in a teen's room? Vertical often works better because it feels more personal and less formal.
Home Office: Vertical wins Offices benefit from that energetic vertical orientation. It creates visual interest without overwhelming the workspace. Plus you can fit more pieces in limited wall space.
Dining Room: Horizontal all day Dining spaces are about bringing people together, horizontal lines reinforce that communal, grounded feeling. Plus most dining room art goes above sideboards or buffets – furniture that's already horizontal.
Entryway/Hallway: Depends on width Wide entryway? Horizontal. Narrow hallway? Vertical. This is pure pragmatism – use the orientation that fits your architecture.
I wrote about teen room makeovers and the orientation choice was CRUCIAL for making spaces feel age-appropriate while still being cool.
Mixing Orientations (Advanced Move, But It Works)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. You can absolutely mix horizontal and vertical pieces in the same space – but you need to be intentional about it.
The Triangle Formation: Two pieces horizontal (stacked), one vertical to the side. Creates visual interest through asymmetry while maintaining balance. This works great when you have an L-shaped wall or corner space.
The Grid Approach: Three horizontal pieces in a row on top, two vertical pieces below centered under the middle horizontal. Very museum-like, very deliberate. Only works if you have a LARGE wall (at least 2.5m x 2m).
The Scattered Collection: Multiple pieces in mixed orientations across different walls in the same room. This is the hardest to pull off – you need an eye for spatial balance. I only recommend this if you're confident in your design skills or willing to experiment with repositioning.
Skateboarding wall decor art display in modern skater room interior design arrangement
Honestly, most people should stick with one orientation per wall. It's cleaner, easier to plan, and less likely to look chaotic.
Hardware and Installation Deep Dive
Let's talk actual nuts and bolts (literally). The hardware you use matters way more than people think.
For Horizontal Mounting:
Wall anchors are non-negotiable – Unless you're drilling directly into studs, you NEED proper anchors. I recommend toggle bolts for drywall (they can hold 50+ pounds) or plastic expansion anchors for concrete/brick (common in Berlin).
Spacing: If you're using two screws through the bolt holes, they should be 1.625 inches apart (that's the standard truck hole pattern). Most skate decks have this spacing, including all our DeckArts pieces.
Fishing line method: Use 50-pound test line minimum. Thread it through the top two bolt holes, tie with a secure knot (I use a double fisherman's knot), and hang from a picture hook rated for at least 10 pounds. The beauty here is the fishing line is basically invisible from even a few feet away.
For Vertical Mounting:
Acrylic wall mount brackets: These are my favorite solution. They clip into the bolt holes and extend about 5cm from the wall, creating a ledge the deck rests on. Brands like HIDEit Mounts make universal ones that work with any deck. Cost is around €15-25 for a pair.
Pegboard/slatwall systems: If you're mounting multiple decks and want flexibility to rearrange, consider a pegboard backing. You can move things around without making new holes. This is what I use in the shop for displays.
Direct screw method: Two screws through the top bolt holes into anchors. Simple, secure, but creates visible hardware. If you go this route, use screws with finished heads (brass or chrome) so they at least look intentional.
The research from home improvement experts shows that improper mounting causes 40% of wall art damage in homes (pieces falling, walls getting damaged). Don't skip the proper hardware.
Common Mistakes That Make Me Cringe
Mistake #1: Hanging too high I see this ALL THE TIME. People hang decks at ceiling level like they're displaying trophies. Art should be at eye level – center of the piece around 145-150cm from the floor. If it's above furniture, 15-20cm above the furniture top.
Mistake #2: Ignoring wall color Dark deck graphics on dark walls? You've just made your art invisible. Light graphics on light walls? Same problem. There needs to be contrast. Our Girl with a Pearl Earring duo looks incredible on dark walls because of the lighter color palette.
Mistake #3: Wrong orientation for the graphic Some deck graphics have clear directionality – faces, figures, compositions that are meant to be viewed a certain way. If you hang them the "wrong" orientation, it creates this subtle weirdness that people can't quite articulate but definitely feel.
Mistake #4: Not leveling properly Get a level. Use it. A deck that's even slightly crooked will drive you insane within a week. I promise.
Mistake #5: Forgetting about lighting Your beautiful art piece is useless if it's in a dark corner. Think about natural light angles, add picture lights if needed. Good lighting makes the colors pop and shows off the detail work – especially important for Renaissance reproductions where every brushstroke matters. We cover this in detail in the investment guide because lighting actually affects resale value.
Practical Tips from 5 Years of Installations
These are the things I wish someone had told me when I started:
Use painter's tape first – Mark out where the deck will go with tape. Live with it for a day. Make sure you actually like the placement before drilling holes.
The 2/3 rule for furniture – If you're hanging above furniture, the art should be roughly 2/3 the width of the furniture piece below it. So above a 180cm sofa, your horizontal deck or deck arrangement should be around 120cm wide.
Consider the door swing – Don't hang a deck where it'll get hit every time someone opens a door. Seems obvious, but I've seen it happen.
Account for baseboards and crown molding – These architectural elements affect how much usable wall space you actually have. Measure between them, not floor to ceiling.
Think about future pieces – If this is your first deck but not your last, plan for expansion. Leave space for additional pieces in complementary orientations.
Take photos before committing – Use your phone to mock up different orientations. Most people can visualize better through a photo than just staring at a blank wall.
Honestly? The biggest tip is just to start. Analysis paralysis is real with home decor. Pick an orientation, mount it properly, and adjust if needed. These aren't tattoos – you can always remount them differently if you hate it.
The "It Depends" Answer (When Rules Don't Apply)
Sometimes the "right" orientation isn't about design rules – it's about your space's specific quirks or your personal preference.
I had a customer with a slanted attic ceiling. Traditional horizontal placement would've looked weird because the ceiling angle created visual tension. We went vertical to echo the ceiling's line. Looked perfect.
Another customer wanted to recreate the feeling of a skate shop from his teenage years. We mounted six decks vertically in a row, deliberately going for that retail display vibe. Would I recommend that for most living rooms? No. Did it work for his space and story? Absolutely.
Back in my Red Bull Ukraine days, I organized this art event where we hung skateboards at completely random angles – 45 degrees, upside down, whatever felt right. It was chaos but it worked because the space was industrial and the whole vibe was rebellious. Your home probably isn't that, but the point stands: context matters. The European skateboard scene has always been about adapting to unique urban spaces – same principle applies to your walls.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Space (And Measure Twice)
Look, here's the real answer: horizontal generally works better for formal spaces and above furniture. Vertical works better for informal spaces and when you want authentic skate culture energy. But your space might be different.
The most important things are:
- Measure your actual wall space first
- Use proper mounting hardware rated for the weight
- Hang at eye level (57 inches / 145cm to center)
- Make sure there's visual contrast with your wall color
- Trust your instincts about what feels right for YOUR space
You're not designing for an Instagram post or an interior design magazine. You're designing for yourself to look at every day. If you love how it looks, then it's right – regardless of what some blog post (including this one) tells you.
If you need help deciding, I'm always available – just reach out through the site or come visit the shop in Berlin. I've talked through hundreds of these decisions and honestly I find it genuinely interesting. That's probably weird, but whatever.
Now go hang some art and stop overthinking it.
About the Author
Stanislav Arnautov is the founder of DeckArts and a creative director originally from Ukraine, now based in Berlin. With extensive experience in branding, merchandise design, and vector graphics, Stanislav has worked with Ukrainian streetwear brands and organized art events for Red Bull Ukraine. His unique expertise combines classical art knowledge with modern design sensibilities, creating museum-quality skateboard art that bridges Renaissance masterpieces with contemporary culture. Follow him on Instagram, visit his personal website stasarnautov.com, or check out DeckArts on Instagram and explore the curated collection at DeckArts.com.
Article Summary
This comprehensive guide explores the design considerations for hanging skateboard art horizontally versus vertically. Drawing from five years of experience in Berlin's art scene and expertise in graphic design, I analyze how orientation affects room perception, spatial psychology, and aesthetic impact. The article covers installation techniques, room-by-room recommendations, common mistakes, and when to break traditional rules. Whether you're displaying Renaissance skateboard art or building a collection, understanding orientation principles ensures your pieces enhance your space rather than fight against it.