Decorating your home with beautiful artwork can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, improperly hung art can ruin the look of a space and even cause damage to your walls or artwork. With some basic knowledge and the right techniques, you can learn how to skillfully hang art to beautifully showcase your pieces. Follow these 6 easy tips for foolproof art hanging every time.
Choose the Right Location
Choosing where to hang your art is one of the most important decisions. Place artwork where it can easily be seen and appreciated. Here are some factors to consider when choosing art locations:
- Lighting – Avoid hanging art in direct sunlight or areas with glare, which can fade colors. Soft, indirect light is best for illuminating artwork.
- Viewing Distance – Hang art so it is approximately at eye level for the viewer. Larger pieces can be hung slightly lower.
- Furniture – Position art above couches, beds, or dining tables so it is visible when seated.
- Entryways – Welcome guests with special pieces near your home’s entrance.
- Focal Points – Use art to accentuate specific areas like over the fireplace or above the bed.
- Symmetry – Create visual balance by hanging art in evenly spaced groupings.
Take the time to find the ideal spot to highlight your artwork before moving onto the hanging process.
Choose the Proper Hanging Hardware
Using the right hardware can make the difference between a picture that hangs flush against the wall versus one that tilts down over time. Here are some top options:
Picture Hangers
Basic nail and hooks are best for lightweight pieces under 10 pounds. Opt for angled picture hangers which make it easy to get the ideal placement on your first try.
D-Rings
D-rings screwed into the back of large or heavy frames allow for hanging with sturdy picture wire. This distributes the weight evenly across the width of the frame.
Sawtooth Hangers
Sawtooth hardware resembles a tiny bracket and is attached along the back of the frame’s top edge. Multiple sawtooth hangers help balance bigger pieces.
Cleats
Cleats are a great choice for hanging canvases. Screw a cleat into the wall, then wedge the complementary wall-mounted cleat between the canvas and stretcher bar.
Command Strips
Command strip velcro picture hangers make art installation clean and easy without tools or wall damage. Use the removable poster strips for lightweight pieces under 5 lbs.
Choosing hardware rated for your art’s size and weight will ensure it hangs safely and level on the wall.
Use Proper Wall Anchors When Needed
While most artwork can be hung by directly drilling screws or nailing picture hangers into wall studs, you’ll need special anchors for plaster, drywall, or masonry surfaces. Never hang heavy objects solely in drywall – the weight will pull it right out of the wall. Instead, use hollow wall anchors designed for various weights. Here are some top options:
- Plastic expansion anchors – Inserted into a drilled hole, these flare out upon screwing in a screw to grip the inside of the drywall. Best for lightweight items up to 20 lbs.
- Toggle bolts – Collapses small enough to fit through a drilled hole then springs back open once inside the wall, bracing against the rear surface. Good for medium duty up to 50 lbs.
- Molly bolts – Have a deep threaded socket. The screw spreads the ends apart once tightened, pressing against interior wall surface. Ideal for heavy items.
- Concrete anchors – Pounded into concrete or brick with a hammer, these have deep, wide heads to support heavy loads.
Using properly rated anchors matched to your wall type prevents damage and makes art hang safely and securely.
Measure Artwork Height Accurately
Getting your art to hang straight begins with measuring its height from the floor correctly. Here is a foolproof method using an ordinary pencil:
- Hold the pencil level at your desired picture height.
- Use a level tool to ensure the pencil is perfectly horizontal.
- Hold the pencil stationary and use your other hand to mark the wall at the base and tip.
- Measure the distance between these two wall marks.
- Transfer that measurement up from the floor and mark a spot to drive your nail or screw.
Checking for level in this manner accounts for any unevenness in your floor and ensures you mark the wall at the precise height needed for a straight-hanging artwork.
Hang Wire-Supported Pieces Properly
Artworks like paintings and photography frames often come ready to hang with D-rings or sawtooth brackets along the back. But attaching the wire and getting it taut are key for proper wall balance. Follow these best practices:
- Attach wire slightly above center so the weight pulls the top back, keeping it flush.
- Wrap wire ends with electrical tape for a clean look with no sharp points.
- Use pliers to get wire tight but allow a bit of give for easy lifting on and off nails.
- Hammer nails in leaving just 2-3mm of the head exposed.
- Lift artwork straight up and over nails to hang wire.
Centering artwork on your nails or hooks keeps it from tilting to one side or the other. Use trial and error when needed to get the wire tightness and nail height just right.
Use Levels Frequently When Hanging
A basic level tool is an indispensable item when hanging anything from artwork to shelving. Here are some key times to check your work is plumb and level while installing art:
- After marking initial height but before drilling/nailing.
- While drilling pilot holes or anchors into the wall.
- After driving your screw or nail, confirm it is straight.
- Once picture wire or hardware is attached but before hanging.
- After placing art on the wall, double-check it did not shift.
Frequently verifying level means you catch any issues early when adjustment is easy. This helps art sit straight on your wall from the very first try.
Common Questions About Hanging Artwork
Hanging art may seem intimidating, but it becomes much simpler with the right knowledge. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What’s the best height to hang art?
The center of artwork should be around 57-60 inches above the floor – approximately eye level. However, you can adjust height based on your space. Hanging art 3-4 inches above furniture helps it stand out.
How do I find studs in my wall?
Use a stud finder tool or try tapping along the wall – you’ll hear a more solid sound versus hollow drywall. Studs are usually every 16 inches. An electronic stud finder takes the guesswork out of locating them.
What’s the heaviest item I can hang in drywall?
For safety, limit drywall alone to 5-7 pounds. Anchor weight ratings depend on type, but generally plastic anchors hold 15-25 lbs, toggle bolts around 50 lbs, and molly bolts over 100 lbs when properly installed.
Should I hang art touching or spaced apart?
It’s an aesthetic preference, but leaving 2-4 inches between frame edges generally looks best. Lean artwork against each other or the wall to gauge spacing before hanging.
What’s the proper height for a gallery wall?
Keep your tallest piece of art near the center at around eye level. Hang all other items in the grouping relative to the centerpiece with varying heights for visual interest.
How do I patch holes after removing artwork?
Use spackle paste to fill holes, let dry completely, then sand the area smooth. Dab paint over hole and surrounding area for an invisible patch that matches your wall. Remove anchors before patching holes.
Conclusion
Learning how to skillfully hang art is rewarding, allowing you to create an eye-catching gallery wall or set off a statement piece. Follow the tips above to choose optimal art placement, select the right hardware, properly measure and hang pieces, and use levels to maintain straightness. With the right know-how, you can install artwork like a pro for beautiful results.
