Have you found the perfect artwork to enhance your home, but you’re unsure where to start? Does home improvement intimidate you? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Hanging a picture might seem simple, but it often raises many questions: Where should I hang it? Do I need to drill into the wall? What hanging system should I choose? We’re here to guide you through it.
In this article, we’re sharing practical advice on how to safely hang a picture on your wall. Learn how to choose the right tools and hanging systems for your frames, and discover the best techniques to avoid common mistakes. We’ll also show you how to hang your artwork precisely without damaging your wall.
Get ready to become a DIY picture-hanging expert! Once you’ve mastered this skill, you can explore new possibilities for creating and arranging an art deco wall, and even enhance it with lighting.
Rule #1: Choose the Right Height.
After determining the ideal size with our article How to Choose the Right Size for Your Decor Picture and selecting the wall for your artwork, it’s time to choose the correct height for hanging your décor picture or photo frame. Consider factors such as the size of walls and furniture to determine the ideal placement for your wall art. Additionally, consider your picture's size, whether it's framed, and how it fits with other decorative elements in the room.
Generally, it’s recommended to place frames at a height that’s easily visible, typically about 160 cm from the floor, to enjoy them without needing to look up. For larger images or wall compositions, mounting them higher might be necessary to highlight them better.
Feel free to ask for help from a friend; it’s always better to have two people decide on the placement and install your canvas. Two pairs of eyes see better than one.
Make sure to mark the ideal spot for your wall painting using a ruler and pencil.
Rule #2: Choose the Right Hanging Support for Your Décor Picture.
The type of support depends on the size, weight of your picture, and the nature of your walls.
Let’s take a look at the different types of hanging systems available.
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Adhesive strips:
This installation kit is perfect for hanging lightweight pictures, such as corrugated cardboard prints, foam board pictures, and items up to 7 kilos. The kit includes two strips that stick to each other—one on the wall and the other on the frame's back. Depending on your artwork's size, you might need multiple strips to cover the frame's perimeter. The best part is that adhesive strips can be removed cleanly without leaving any residue, though they are only suitable for smooth walls. If your wall is textured or rough, this won’t be a viable option.✅ PROS: leaves no trace, very simple to use, cost-effective
❌ CONS: doesn't work on rough surfaces; max 7kg
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Adhesive hook
This adhesive hook system offers a quick and easy way to hang your decorative illustration. It consists of two parts: an adhesive part that sticks to the picture and another that forms the hook. To install it, remove the protective film on the adhesive side and attach the hook in the center of the picture, pressing gently for 10 seconds. A wall screw is needed, after which your picture can be hung in your chosen location.✅ PROS: very simple to use, cost-effective, invisible.
❌ CONS: requires wall drilling
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Canvas hanging kit
Easy to install and barely visible, you have two options: the first for smaller decorative panels like square or portrait formats, and the second for larger, landscape, or XXL formats.
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Sawtooth hanger: Using a tape measure, find the center of your picture and attach a sawtooth hanger with a hammer and accompanying nails. Then simply hang your canvas in your chosen spot.
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Cord and two triangular rings: Recommended for large canvases, this system distributes weight along the cord. Using a screwdriver and the provided screws, attach the triangular rings to the center of each height (as shown above). Secure the cord tightly across both rings. Now, hang your canvas in the designated area.
✅ PROS: easy to install, helps to center your picture or photo frame
❌ CONS: can be unstable, the artwork might tilt
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Aluminum or Plexiglas hanging rails
The aluminum rail is an ideal solution if you want to hang your picture quickly and easily. The system arrives pre-attached to the picture. Place wall anchors suitable for the wall type and considering the picture's weight to hang it effortlessly.✅ PROS: elegant and stylish, installs on most wall types, invisible, pre-installed by the seller
❌ CONS: only for large pictures
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Metal spacers
Perfect for artworks printed on aluminum or Plexiglas, spacers are visibly attached to the picture's front, providing an elegant and designer look. These give your picture a floating effect a few millimeters from the wall. The picture must be pre-drilled to accommodate the spacers. Use suitable wall anchors, ensuring you’ve measured the distance between the picture's holes accurately. Once set, hang your artwork in your preferred spot.✅ PROS: elegant and stylish, fits most wall types, ideal for luminous artwork
❌ CONS: requires drilling into the décor canvas
Discover our wall artworks to beautify your home with fast and careful delivery. Each canvas is available printed on your chosen medium, and you can add the appropriate hanging hardware for easy installation.
Rule #3: Choose the Right Tools for Your Wall Type.
With your hanging system selected, it’s time for the hardware stage. While frames can sometimes be installed without drilling, it's usually safer to anchor them into the wall. It's crucial to choose the right hardware to prevent potential picture falls and wall damage.
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Nail and hammer: simple and effective:
Hanging a picture often can be done simply with a nail and hammer. Select nails that are strong enough to support the frame but make sure it's not too heavy. This method isn’t suitable for all wall types. It works perfectly with wooden walls, less so with concrete walls, and is impossible for drywall.
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Anchor and screw: robust and reliable:
For large or heavy pictures, it’s recommended to use an anchor for secure attachment. Insert a screw or hook to support your frame easily. The strongest attachment uses a combination of an anchor and a screw hook, perfect for heavy pictures. Typically, this method is the most popular for hanging artworks.
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Picture rail: elegant and professional:
If you want a professional art gallery look for hanging your photos or paintings, then a picture rail system is ideal. It consists of a metal rail with rods and hooks to hold the picture. A picture rail provides a solid attachment suitable for all picture types, with rods interchangeable with robust and discreet steel or nylon cables. The advantage is the ability to move the rods (or cables) to reposition a picture slightly more to the right or left or easily adjust its height.
Rule #4: Secure the Picture
With our DIY blogger's top tips and tricks, you’re now ready to act. Gather your drill, appropriate drill bit for the wall type, and a level, and put your plan into action safely.
Rule #5: Illuminate Your Artworks
Proper illumination is essential for showcasing a stunning picture. Install custom lighting to avoid glass reflections on wooden frames. Avoid exposing artworks to direct intense sunlight, as UV rays can damage pigments. Instead, choose a dimmer location and install suitable lighting to enhance the artwork’s presentation. Small LED lights (which produce no heat) or a picture sconce work perfectly. If you have a large picture composition or a wall of frames, a track lighting system might be a more practical choice.
