Hanging a picture on the wall might seem simple. Grab a hammer and a nail, and you’re done, right? But if you’ve ever ended up with a crooked frame, extra holes in the wall, or a picture that looks out of place, you may have realized that there’s more to it. Whether you’re displaying a single canvas print from FinerWorks or a series of your artwork you had us print and frame, following the right techniques will help ensure a secure, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing result. Over the years I have picked up a few tidbits of information so before you start drilling or hammering, take a moment to read this article.
Wall Placement
I am told a common rule of thumb which I have also followed is that the center of the picture should be at eye level, which is considered 57 to 60 inches from the floor. This ensures a natural and comfortable viewing experience. However, if you’re hanging a picture above furniture, such as a sofa or a bed, leave 6 to 8 inches of space between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame.
You can also try what I did in my home office. When I first decorated it with framed prints I had made, I used painter’s tape to outline their placement before making any holes. This allowed me to visualize the arrangement, make adjustments, and ensure everything was positioned perfectly before committing to hanging them.
Consider Wall Balance & Room Proportions
Ensure that the picture is proportionate to the wall size. A small picture on a large wall can look lost, while an oversized frame on a narrow wall may feel overwhelming. If hanging multiple pictures, consider how they interact with other elements in the room. An interior decorator once told me a well-balanced arrangement creates harmony in the space.
Lighting Considerations & Reflection
Avoid placing pictures in direct sunlight since UV light will ultimately affect the image regardless if printed on archival material. If possible, position them under soft, ambient lighting or indirect natural light for the best visual effect. If you have no choice, consider acrylic glazing/glass with UV blockers to help preserve the artwork. In framing, we refer to this as conservation-grade glazing.
If your artwork is in a well-lit room, consider using a reflection control type of glazing to diffuse the distracting reflections you would otherwise get from a regular pane of acrylic glazing or glass.
At FinerWorks, we offer our customers both a regular reflection control as well as a version with UV blockers. Both are excellent choices when in a room with a lot of light that might otherwise reflect off the glass and make it hard to view the underlying art or photo.
Selecting the Right Hanging Hardware
Using the right hardware is essential to keep your picture secure and prevent damage to your walls. The type of wall and the weight of your frame will determine the best hanging method.
For walls made from drywall (sheetrock) consider using anchors, screws, or a get a stud finder to locate secure mounting points. If your wall is brick or concrete, masonry nails or screws with wall anchors work best. And for plaster, avoid hammering nails directly, as it can cause cracking. Instead, use screws with anchors or picture rail hooks.
For lightweight pictures (under 10 lbs), sawtooth hangers or small nails are sufficient. For medium-weight pictures (10–25 lbs), D-rings, keyhole hangers, or wire hangers with wall anchors provide better support. For heavy pictures (over 25 lbs), use wall anchors and screws secured into studs, or opt for a French cleat to evenly distribute the weight.
One of my personal favorites is the French cleat system. If you can find these at your local hardware store and they are small enough then by all means. One of the problems with lighter pictures is they have a tendency to get knocked down easily if in a high-traffic area or in areas subject to strong sudden gusts of wind. I know this from personal experience where I have a collection of photos of my kids in frames along the stairwell. Each frame is constantly getting knocked down as they rush up and down the stairs throughout the day.
Single Picture Hanging
Start by measuring the height and width of the picture and marking its center on the back. If using a wire hanger, pull the wire to its highest point and measure the distance from the top of the frame to the peak of the wire. Use this measurement to mark the correct hanging height on the wall, ensuring proper placement.
For Multiple Pictures or Gallery Walls
To create a visually balanced gallery wall, maintain equal spacing between frames. Consistent spacing ensures a cohesive and organized look, preventing the arrangement from feeling cluttered or uneven. Before making any holes, use a level to keep frames aligned and painter’s tape to outline the layout on the wall. This allows you to adjust positioning as needed and visualize the final arrangement before committing to nail or screw placement. Taking these extra steps helps achieve a polished and professional display.
Here are some other ideas that have been shared with me in the past.
- Plan the Layout First Arrange the frames on the floor to determine the best composition.
- Use Paper Templates Cut out paper in the shape of each frame and tape them to the wall to visualize spacing. I like this idea most since it really let’s you visualize the composition of your pictures.
- Start with the Centerpiece Hang the largest or most important picture first, then build around it.
- Maintain Even Spacing If smaller frames, 2–3 inches between frames for a balanced look is recommended. Any further and you might run the risk of the pieces placed too far apart. However, with larger pieces you will ,likely space them further.
Installing the Hardware
Once you’ve finalized the placement of your picture, it’s time to install the hanging hardware to ensure a secure and stable mount. For the sturdiest support, you will want to likely use the studs behind the wall. Start by using a stud finder to locate wall studs, as they provide the strongest support for heavier frames. If no stud is available at your desired location, or finding the studs is too much work, consider wall hooks. Double-check that all hardware is level and secure before proceeding to hang the picture, ensuring a stable and polished final display.
Hanging the Picture
Now that your wall is prepped, carefully hang the picture by ensuring it is properly aligned and stable. Use a level to confirm that it hangs straight, making any necessary adjustments before securing it fully. To prevent shifting and protect your walls, apply small rubber bumpers or felt pads to the back of the frame. Once the picture is in place, step back and view it from different angles to ensure it looks balanced within the space. If needed, make slight adjustments to achieve the perfect positioning.
Final Touches and Adjustments
Once your picture or pictures are on the wall, make sure everything looks perfect. Step back and check the alignment from different areas of the room. Don’t be afraid to adjust as needed. Adjust the frame slightly if necessary. Finally, clean the frame and wall. Wipe off any dust or fingerprints to give your display a polished look.
Conclusion
Hanging a picture properly can transform a room and highlight your personal style. By carefully selecting the right spot, using appropriate hardware, and taking time to measure and adjust, you can create a well-balanced and secure display.
Whether you’re hanging a single piece or designing a full gallery wall, I hope these tips and ideas will help you achieve a professional look. Now, grab your tools and start creating the perfect wall display!
Giclee Printing at FinerWorks
One of the largest ranges of paper selections, while using the highest level of archival print technology allowing superior detail and color, you can create custom giclee prints of your artwork and photos.