Shelves, like artwork, should be hung at eye level or 4 to 5 feet from the floor. Measure 10 ” from the top of the desk or sofa if you’re hanging the shelf above furniture. Of course, these guidelines aren’t carved in stone, and your height selection may be influenced by other factors. In a child’s room, for example, you may want to hang your shelves a bit lower to accommodate the space’s kid-friendly dimensions.