The Art of Hanging: Hanging Pictures at Home

Today, I’m going to share some tips and tricks on the art of hanging pictures. You know, that moment when you’ve got a fabulous new piece of art and you want to give it pride of place on your wall. But then you realize you have no idea where to start.

And I’m writing this article after many frustrating years trying to hang my own paintings.

So let’s dive in, shall we?

Finding the Perfect Spot

First things first, let’s talk about finding the perfect spot for your painting. You want to make sure it’s in a location that’s going to show it off to its best advantage, right? Here are a few things to consider:

1. Lighting: Make sure your picture isn’t in direct sunlight or under a harsh spotlight, as this can cause it to fade over time. Instead, opt for a spot with soft, indirect light.
2. Balance: Consider the size and shape of the picture in relation to the other items in the room. You don’t want it to be too overpowering or too underwhelming.
3. Height: A good rule of thumb is to hang your picture at eye level, so that it’s easy to see and admire.

Choosing the Right Hardware

Now that you’ve got the perfect spot, let’s talk about the right hardware for hanging your picture. You don’t want it falling off the wall and smashing into a million pieces, do you? Here are a few options:

1. Picture hooks: These are simple, cheap, and easy to use. Just hammer them into the wall and hang your picture on the hook. This is often the first option that I’ve tried but then I find out that these types of hooks are not strong enough for paintings on good quality canvas stretchers – yes, I’ve had some of my paintings fall off the wall! And if you are hanging pictures on bare brick walls then in my experience picture hooks are not the way to go – I’d suggest using picture wire.
2. Picture wire: This is a strong, flexible wire that you attach to the back of the frame and then hang on a hook or nail. You may need to use rawl plugs depending on the type of wall.
3. Adhesive strips: If you’re renting or don’t want to put holes in your walls, adhesive strips are a great option. Just make sure you follow the instructions and choose the right type for the weight of your picture. This is a great option if the painting is going to stay in the same place for the foreseeable future. Even though they say that removing these strips doesn’t damage the wall believe me that they can – again this depends on the type of wall and the type of finish.

To Frame or Not to Frame

Deciding whether or not to frame your picture is a personal choice, but here are a few things to consider:

1. Protection: A frame can help protect your picture from dust, moisture, and damage.
2. Style: A frame can enhance the appearance of your picture and help it stand out.
3. Size: If your picture is an unusual size, finding a frame might be tricky or expensive.

If you do decide to frame your picture, make sure you choose a frame that complements the style and colours of the image.

Its worth pointing out here that my paintings are created on deep edged, gallery wrapped canvas which means that they are ready to go straight on the wall. I used to frame my pictures but feedback from customers is that most prefer “naked” paintings.

Hanging Your Picture

Alright, now for the moment of truth – actually hanging your picture! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Measure: Measure the height of your picture and divide by two. Add this number to the eye-level measurement from earlier (e.g., 57 inches) to find the centre point of your picture on the wall.
2. Mark: Using a pencil and a spirit level, mark the centre point on the wall.
3. Attach hardware: Follow the instructions for your chosen hardware to attach it to the wall or the back of your picture.
4. Hang: Carefully hang your picture on the wall, making sure it’s straight and secure.

And there you have it! Your picture is now beautifully displayed for all to see.

Conclusion

The art of hanging pictures might seem daunting at first, but with a bit of planning and the right tools, anyone can do it. So go ahead and give it a try – your walls will thank you! And if you have any questions or need more advice, feel free to drop me a message. Happy hanging!

List of picture hanging tools & hardware

1. Picture Hanging Hardware: Depending on the weight and size of the picture, select appropriate hanging hardware such as D-ring hangers, sawtooth hangers, or wire hanging systems.
2. Wall Anchors: If hanging a heavy picture, use wall anchors such as plastic or metal anchors, molly bolts, or toggle bolts for added support.
3. Hammer or Mallet: A hammer or mallet is needed to drive nails, hooks, or wall anchors into the wall.
4. Nails, Screws, or Hooks: These are the primary fasteners for attaching the picture hanging hardware to the wall. Choose the appropriate type based on the weight of the picture and wall material.
5. Spirit Level: A level is essential for ensuring that the picture hangs straight and balanced. (or just do it by eye like I do).
6. Measuring Tape: A measuring tape is necessary for calculating the correct placement of the picture on the wall and the distance between the hanging hardware.
7. Pencil: A pencil is needed to mark the wall where you will be placing the nails, screws, or hooks.
8. Drill and Drill Bits: If using screws or wall anchors, you’ll need a drill and appropriate-sized drill bits to create pilot holes in the wall.
9. Stud Finder: A stud finder is helpful for locating studs in the wall, which can provide additional support for heavy pictures.
10. Ladder or Step Stool: Depending on the height at which you want to hang the picture, a ladder or step stool may be necessary for easy access.
11. Clean Cloth: A clean cloth is useful for wiping down the wall and the picture frame or canvas before hanging.