How To.. Hang A Picture

While having pictures throughout your home is a great way to personalize and decorate a space, it's not always easy to hang a picture well. If you've struggled to hang pictures well before, then you might need some guidance. Not only will this help you get the frame in the right place, it will also keep it in place without falling.

This is a step-by-step guide to help you hang a picture securely so that it looks great.

Step 1 - Pick a Method and Gather Your Materials

Before doing anything, you'll have to decide which method is going to work best. If you have a small print that's relatively light, you'll probably just need either a nail or hook method. Larger or heavy picture frames will require some type of anchor such as a plastic wall plug or a toggle bold. You could even choose to use 3m poster hangers for very lightweight prints.
For most prints, a standard nail or picture hanging hook will work fine. Make sure that you gather the nail or wall hook, a hammer, any anchors for heavy prints, and a level. You may need a power drill or screwdriver for heavy frames.

Step 2 - Pick Your Placement

This is a problematic area. Depending on the size of the print, you may want it higher or lower on the wall. In general, a print should be located so that the middle of it is about your eye level. This is usually about 60-65 inches from the floor in most cases.

Measure the space and use a pencil to mark the desired top of the print. Make sure that you also take into account the distance from each side of the wall, if you want it located centrally.

If you're hanging more than one print, such as a gallery wall, then you'll want to measure the prints and aim to have equal space between prints. This may work best if you hang a print, measure and mark equal distances around it and then hang the next print.

Step 3 - Measure with a Level

If you want the top of the picture to be even, it's best to use a level and then mark where the top of the frame should lie. Use painter's tape or mark with a pencil in order to create an easy way to make sure that the print is stable.

After you have the top measured, then measure down on the print to where the nail or hook will be located. If the print has a wire on its back, pull it tight. it should be approximately 1.5-2 inches but always measure.

Measure this distance down the halfway mark on your tape and mark this to hammer a nail or drilling an anchor.

Step 4 - Place the Nail or Hook

If you're using a plug and screw, you can install them on the marked area. Most frames will require either a nail on their own or a single hanging hook and nail. If you're using a heavy frame, drill a hole with the power drill. Insert the raw plug into the hole and then insert the screw through the hook if using way. Tighten this to the wall. if you're not using a hook, simply leave about 10-15 mm of the screw outside of the wall.

Step 5 - Hang the Picture

Hang the picture frame from either the hook or screw by lowering the cord or opening onto it. You may need some help with this step for a heavy frame.

Extra care should be taken to make sure the frame doesn't scrap against the wall and cause damage to either the wall or the frame itself.

At this point, the frame should be close to the wall and not bowed away from it.

Step 6 - Check with a Level

Although you've already measured the top of the frame area with a level, it's a good idea to double check. Place the level on the top of the frame and adjust the picture on the wire if it's not completely centered.

Now that you've got your picture on the wall, you're all done! Keep in mind that this process is not very difficult but it's well worth taking your time, especially when it comes to measuring and planning. If you have a partner with you, you can have them hold the frame up to the wall to decide on the approximate area. Use this guide to ensure that you end up with great-looking prints on your walls.