The Art of Hanging Art

Sounds simple enough or is it… Here are a few tips to help you successfully hang your art.

The first step is deciding where to hang your artwork. Avoid hanging a small picture on a huge wall- art looks better when it is in proportion with the walls, furniture, and windows. Large pictures look best over sofas, consoles, or buffets. Allow four to five inches between the furniture and the bottom of the art.

When hanging heavy art it is advisable to find a stud to help support the picture hanger. A stud is a vertical supportive structure in a wall. A stud can easily be found by simply gently knocking on the wall. You must carefully listen to the noises it makes. When you find a stud the tone of the knocking will change.

If your artwork is larger than 8” x 10” you should use two hooks to hang the art on the wall. This will help to distribute the weight of the art evenly. Use a carpenters level to determine where the hooks should be placed or our personal favorite a laser level. The laser level is much easier to use especially when you do not have an extra set of hands to assist you because it has the ability to adhere itself directly to the wall.

Once you have decided where to hang the art, the next step is to find the center of the art. Use a measuring tape to assist you in this process. Place the art on the wall where you want to hang it. Make a mark on the wall, with a pencil, where you will put the picture hanger. Do not forget to account for the drop wire that most art has.

Use more than just a nail! Choose an appropriate picture hanger. Picture hangers are available at your local hardware stores and are fairly inexpensive. Using a picture hanger will protect your walls and help to bear the weight of the picture. When hanging a heavy picture use a hollow-wall anchor. If any of this seems confusing the best thing to do is purchase a picture hanging kit. It will contain everything you will need to easily hang your art.

You can prevent your drywall form cracking by simply placing a piece of scotch tape on the wall before you insert the hook!

Nail the picture hanger into the mark you have made on the wall. Carefully place the picture on the wall, catching the wire on the hook. Straighten, step back, and enjoy!

Written with reference to “How to Hang Art,” The Art Insider 2003