When we moved into the new house, I had to re-hang all of our pictures, which for the record, is kind of a pain. It’s not that it is hard, but it is super time consuming, and since I am kind of, shall we say, Type A about not putting excessive holes in the wall, I take my time and plan it all out to a T.
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make the process go a little smoother:
- PLAN everything out on the ground first. If you are going to do a grouping of pictures, lay them all out on the ground first. I have been known to measure out my space, then use masking tape on the ground to give me a “virtual wall” to lay my pictures in.
- Get a roll of wrapping paper, butcher paper, etc. and trace each picture in your grouping. Then, you can tape the paper up onto the wall, move it, etc. and create your layout BEFORE you actually put holes in the wall. It helps you visualize with very little commitment. I even like to mark where the nail will need to go right on the paper, so that I can just hammer away once I’ve found the layout I like with the traced paper.
- For lighter pictures, use 3M picture hanging strips. They are seriously one of the coolest inventions ever, because you don’t need to put holes in the wall and they come off clean. Plus, your picture frames don’t get all wonky, they stay level and flat to the wall.
- For heavier pictures, I love OOKS. You can get them rated to hold from like 10-60 lbs., and they still only make a nail sized hole in your wall. I swear by them.
- Take the time to measure everything out. Seriously, don’t just eyeball it. Measure it out on the wall. Measure where the hook sits on the actual picture frame. Measure it all.
- Once you’ve finished hanging the pictures, take the time to level them. It just looks classier. You can download a leveling app on your phone {crazy, right?} or just use a standard level. {I keep a small cheapy one I picked up at Home Depot in my picture hanging stuff}.
What tricks to you use when hanging pictures?
~Mavis
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Lisa Millar says
Hi – in my former life I owned a retail shop – of which a part was custom making frames and a gallery.
We used a track and a hanging system for the gallery which is a great idea if you have a lot of framed prints and like to change your display every now and again. No filling holes and making new ones.
A larger and heavier framed image is better with two hooks – it spreads the weight load better and is easier to keep level.
Also we would put little fluffy ‘feet’ on the back bottom corners of a frame to stop rubbing of the corners against the wall (that could mark it)
🙂
Olga says
I’ve worked in the art world for over 40 years and would have to say that my first suggestion would be to get a professional installer if you have more than a few pieces to install on one wall. Speaking from experience, there is a difference in the presentation and look of a home that has professional consultation.
Knowing that our premise is to save $$ and do it yourself, I would suggest hanging everything on two hooks, even the smallest works. It keeps the artwork level (providing that you measured everything out!!), is better for the frame weight distribution and provides a safeguard in case your picture hook shears off or comes out of the wall (and that does happen). Height is an important consideration when installing and 58 to 60 inches is where the MIDDLE of average size artwork should sit. The middle of the artwork should be at eye level for the average viewer.