Skip to content
How to Hang A Picture: 3-Step Guide For Perfect Placement-ArtSpot

How to Hang Pictures: 3-Step Guide For Perfect Placement

3-Step guide to hang a picture

3-Step guide on how to hang pictures

Key Takeaways

  • The three steps in picture hanging tips are choosing a spot, gathering the right tools, and securely attaching them to the wall.
  • Before hammering away, consider your space's theme and choose the hanging method based on your wall type.
  • Learn how to hang pictures perfectly!

 

How To Hang Pictures On The Wall Beautifully?

While there are many ready-to-hang pictures available on the market, like Artspot, some require buyers to hang themselves. Follow our handy 3-step guide for a flawless finish!

Step 1: Determine The Idea And Position For Hanging The Picture

The proper placement can highlight the art, which helps to brighten the room decor beautifully. Before hammering away, take a step back and consider your layout:

Plan Your Picture Layout

Option 1: Making Your Masterpiece The Main Attraction

Want to make your favourite picture the focal point of the room? Choose a prominent spot above the fireplace, bed, sofa, or the centre of the wall opposite the doorway.

Arrange furniture and decor (lamps, vases, or plants) to draw the eye towards the picture and enhance its impact. Ensure the picture's size suits the wall—a small image on a large wall can look lonely, so opt for a medium or large piece to command attention.

*Tip: Hanging your picture off-centre to make a bold statement and make the room feel bigger.

Abstract wall art creates a captivating focal point in any space

Abstract wall art creates a captivating focal point in any space, inviting viewers to interpret its patterns creatively.

Option 2: Picture Power in Numbers

The trick to hanging multiple pictures is all about space and balance.

Staircase Snapshots: A classic way to display images is to follow the stairs' ascent with parallel frames, ensuring they're always at eye level as you climb.

Creating a Wall Collage: Collages and photo displays can be stunning, but balance is critical. Here's how to achieve it:

  • Use frames with a common theme, such as vintage style or a single colour, especially if your pictures are mixed.
  • For each frame size and shape, pick another that complements it to create symmetry. If you have a different style frame, try hanging a similar one nearby or opposite it.

Bonus Tip: Plan Your Collage Like a Pro:

Cut brown paper (like grocery bags) to the size of your artwork and use painter's tape to arrange them on the wall. This tip allows you to experiment with layouts before drilling holes. For more inspiration on how to hang pictures and frame arrangements, check out the guide below: The Spruce Kitchen Decor Ideas.

Find An Ideal Height For Your Picture

We want our artwork to greet us effortlessly, not make us crane our necks, meaning to find the proper height when hanging. Apply the ⅔ rule when hanging, meaning the art should be two-thirds the width of the furniture it hangs above (like a bed or bathtub) and fill no more than three-quarters of the space.

Here's a breakdown of ideal hanging heights:

Standard walls

In areas where you typically stand (hallways, kitchens, or bathrooms), aim for "gallery height" – essentially, eye level. Museums use this rule, positioning the centre of the frame at an average person's eye level, approximately 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor.

Tall walls

Rooms with high ceilings might require artwork to be hung slightly above eye level. Try staggering pictures across the wall, with the lowest at eye level. This approach draws people in and avoids excessive white space between the highest artwork and the ceiling.

Staircase walls

When displaying several pictures up your stairs, start with the first picture at 57 inches from the floor. Then, measure 57 inches from every second or third step to create a diagonal line up the wall. Hang each artwork's centre on this line.

Seating eye level

In rooms where people tend to sit (offices, living rooms, or dining rooms), pictures should be hung slightly lower than 57 inches from the floor for comfortable viewing while seated.

Above furniture

For pictures above desks or sofas, the bottom of the image should be around 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) above the furniture. You can lean the picture against the wall for a more relaxed look.

Fireplace flair

The bottom of your picture should sit around 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) above the mantelpiece.

Wall art keeps the living room fashionable while adding cosiness and inviting charm.

Step 2: Prepare The Tools For Hanging Pictures

Before hammering away, gather your tools! Here's what you'll need:

  • Standard tools: A trusty level, a pencil, a stud finder, and a tape measure.
  • Hanging fellas: sticky hooks, claw hangers, standard picture hooks, and cleaning wipes.

Step 3: Hang The Picture

Now that you've assembled your trusty tools, it's time to bring those cherished pictures to life on your walls!

1. Locate The Perfect Spot:

Eye level: The classic choice is to hang your picture at eye level, around 57-60 inches from the floor. Consider the space: Adjust the height to match the room's overall layout and how your picture will complement the furniture and other décor.

2. Mark Your Spot:

Grab the pencil: Once you've determined the ideal height and location for how to hang pictures, use a pencil to mark the spot on the wall for each picture hook. Level up: Use a level to ensure the marks are perfectly horizontal, preventing your picture from tilting.

3. Choose The Right Hook:

Weight matters: Heavier pictures require sturdier hooks, while lighter pictures can get by with smaller ones. Surface savvy: The type of wall surface you're hanging on impacts the hook's steadiness. For instance, plasterboard walls may require hooks that are different from brick or concrete walls.

4. Hanging:

Hammer it in: Carefully hammer the picture hooks into the marks you made on the wall. Attach the D-rings: If your picture frame has D-rings on the back, attach them to the frame now. These rings will provide the points of attachment for the picture hooks. Hang your masterpiece: Gently lift your picture and hook the D-rings (if used) onto the picture hooks. Step back and admire your handiwork – you have transformed a blank wall into a mini art gallery!

Additional Tips:

  • Stud finder savvy: When hanging heavy pictures, it's better to use a stud finder to locate a stud in the wall. Mounting the picture hooks into a stud provides a much stronger and more secure anchor. Double-check: Before hanging your picture, ensure the hooks are securely fastened and the frame is level. This way helps prevent your artwork from falling or looking crooked. Protective measures: If you're hanging a picture on a delicate surface, consider using picture hanging strips or adhesive hooks to avoid damaging the wall.

 

Ready-to-hang framed prints from Artspot save you time and effort, making it easier to enhance your decor.

Apply Arrangements That Suit Your Personal Preferences

Formal or fun? The layout of your frames can set the mood. A precise grid arrangement offers a formal, organised feel, while your space can achieve a more casual look by hanging pictures loosely within a square or rectangle.

When considering how to hang pictures, find the thread: Stick to a cohesive theme with the same set, frame style, or mat colour, or go bold with diverse mixes that can energise a casual space.

Listen to the furniture: Position pictures strategically to complement the furniture. Lower placements over sofas create a cozy atmosphere, while positioning above chair rails can accentuate them. Small pictures above desks add visual interest.

Choose Your Hanging Tools Based On The Wall Type

Drywall: Locate a wall stud since hanging directly on drywall won't provide a secure anchor. A drywall anchor to hang pictures is essential if a solid stud isn't available.

Plaster: Find a wall stud for a secure anchor. To prevent damage, pre-drill holes and use painter's tape on the wall before drilling to avoid crumbling.

Brick: If your walls are brick, use a wall anchor and a masonry bit to drill into the mortar, not the brick itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to hang pictures without hooks?

Use removable picture-hanging hooks or universal frame hangers that stick to the frame and wall. This tip works best for lighter pictures (under 10 pounds). Choose hooks with a weight capacity matching your picture for heavier ones.

How do you arrange hanging pictures?

Spacing is key! Use a ruler to measure 3-6 inches between each frame and the edges of the artwork. Leave more space for larger pieces and group smaller ones closer together. Consider the trim and moulding when spacing so your gallery doesn't feel crowded.

What is the best practice for hanging pictures?

When hanging artwork above a bed or sofa, maintain a distance of 8-10 inches between the bottom of the picture frame and the top of the furniture. For pieces above a couch, ensure the artwork (or grouping) spans approximately two-thirds of the furniture's width. In hallways, centre the frame at eye level for optimal viewing.

What is the most common mistake in hanging pictures?

One of the most common picture hanging mistakes is placing the artwork too high on the wall. Instead, aim for eye level (around 57-60 inches from the floor) or 6-8 inches above furniture for a cohesive look.