Make your home your haven by using the walls as a canvas to tell your own unique story! Decorating your space with photos and art that you connect with can transform a house into a HOME. Unfortunately, sometimes we stall on actually hanging pictures and art up because putting holes in the wall and actually committing to a picture seems overwhelming. I know I have commitment issues when it comes to putting up picture frames, and my husband was a drywall contractor and can fix almost anything!
You might also be stalling on hanging up pictures because you don’t quite know how to. The process of hanging a painting can be more complex than it appears at first glance. Ensuring that your artwork is securely mounted and perfectly centered on the wall requires attention to detail and the right tools. Don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to securely hang a painting and achieve that visually pleasing, centered look.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Framed Photo or Artwork: Choose a piece that complements your space and fits the overall aesthetic of the room. Check out my post on designing a gallery wall for more info.
- Picture Hanging Wire or D-Rings: Depending on the weight and structure of your painting, use appropriate hanging hardware. Many frames you purchase will already include hangers and screws, so just don’t lose them!
- Measuring Tape: Essential for precise measurements to ensure the painting is centered.
- Pencil: To mark the wall for accurate placement.
- Level: Ensure your painting hangs straight by using a level.
- Wall Anchors and Screws: Necessary for secure mounting, especially for heavier artworks. For larger or heavier frames I would suggest getting slightly larger sturdier screws than are generally provided.
Securely Hang and Center Your Painting:
Locate Wall Studs:
- If possible, hang your painting on a wall stud for added stability. Use a stud finder to locate them and mark their positions on the wall. You can also gently bump the wall with your fist to hear the difference between hitting a wood stud (sounds solid) or just drywall with empty space behind it (sounds hollow) I tend to value putting the frame in a spot I like over hitting a stud, but it is a legitimate concern for heavier objects.
There’s no wrong way to hang a picture as long as it ends up secure on the wall. Some people are more inclined to measure everything, and some people like me are more inclined to eye up the spot then work from there. I’ll include both methods and you can use what works for your
Method one: measuring from the center
- Choose the Right Height:
- Eye level is generally considered the ideal height for hanging individual pieces of artwork. If you are hanging a gallery of images, check out my post on building a gallery wall for more information on laying out the frames. Hold the picture up and measure from the floor to the center of the painting. Mark this spot on the wall with a light pencil mark.
- Measure the Width:
- Determine the width of your painting and divide it by two to find the center. Mark the center point on the wall horizontally.
- Mark Hanging Points:
- Hold your painting against the wall, aligning the center of the painting with the center mark you made earlier. Mark the spots where the hanging hardware will go.
Method two: Choose a spot for the painting and measure from there.
This is what I generally do to hang a picture on the wall.
- Hold picture up on the wall, make sure it looks level, and make two tiny marks right at the top of each corner of the frame. Once you remove the frame you can measure from the floor or ceiling to make sure the marks are level and adjust accordingly.
- Measure from the corners of the frame down and in to the center of the hangers. If the frame is hung by a wire you can hang it from your finger then measure to account for any stretch in the wire.
- Transfer the measurements to the wall and mark where you need to install the screws.
Prepare the Painting:
- Make sure the photo or art is straight in the frame, there are no stray crumbs of dirt/dust/hair etc. on the image, and the glass is clean on both side. Attach picture hanging wire or D-rings to the back of your painting if needed. Ensure the hardware is securely fastened and appropriate for the weight of the artwork.
Install Wall Anchors and Screws:
- If you’re not hanging the painting on a stud, use wall anchors and screws. Drill pilot holes for the screws and then insert the anchors. Attach the screws, leaving them protruding slightly. Here is a link to what I suggest using.
Hang the Painting:
- Lift the painting onto the screws or wall hooks, making sure it hangs securely. I usually gently bump the wall next to it while still holding it to make sure any doors shutting or bumps will make it fall. Wipe any dust or fingerprints off the glass. Use a level again to confirm its alignment.
Step back to enjoy your new wall art! Hanging a painting securely and centering it on the wall is an art in itself. With careful measurements, the right tools, and attention to detail, you can showcase your artwork with confidence, creating a visually pleasing focal point in any room. Take the time to get it just right, and you’ll enjoy the beauty of your carefully curated space for years to come.
