How to Hang Pictures

Co-authored by Jason Phillip and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: November 17, 2020 References

Pictures can add a lot of character and personality to your room, and can really tie a living space together. The possibilities for displaying some of your favorite pictures and paintings may seem endless, but there are several ways to make the process a little bit easier. You don’t need a lot of home decorating experience to hang up your pictures—all you need are a few measurements and the proper hanging hardware to take your decor to the next level.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Arranging Your Pictures with Templates

1
Mark 57 to 60 in (140 to 150 cm) from the floor onto your wall. Grab a metal measuring tape and hold it in place along the baseboards, or where the floor meets the wall. Extend the tape until it reads about 57 to 60 in (140 to 150 cm), which equals the average person’s eye level. Pencil over the wall with this measurement, so you have an idea of where your pictures need to go.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If your pictures are too high or too low, they may set the room a little off-balance. It’ll also be difficult for visitors to view and appreciate the art.
2
Organize your pictures by color. Find a common color theme that ties some of your pictures together. Before you start laying out your design, think about which pictures will look best together. Your room will look more seamless if you decorate it with similar, cohesive pictures.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- For instance, you can hang up a group of black-and-white family pictures, or choose several pictures that have a splash of green or yellow.
- You may also want to decorate with groups of similar pictures, like family portraits.
- Consider choosing similar frames, prints, or other mounting choices for your pictures so they all look uniform.
3
Locate a wall stud with a stud finder if you’re displaying heavy pictures. Hold your stud finder so it’s flush against the wall. Turn on the device and move it in a slow, horizontal motion. Wait for the stud finder to blink or beep, which lets you know where the stud is. Mark this spot with a pencil, so you know where a heavy picture should go.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If you’re hanging multiple heavy pictures, double-check that they’re all centered over a wall stud.
- A heavy picture is considered 25 pounds (11 kg) or more.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- You can pick up a stud finder online, or at your local hardware or home improvement store.
4
Create paper templates to help you lay out your pictures. Place your pictures on a large sheet of newsprint or craft paper. Trace around the perimeter of each picture, then cut out each individual template. Measure and cut out templates for all the pictures you plan on displaying, so you can get an idea of how they’ll look grouped together. As you cut out each template, label it so you can remember the picture it corresponds with.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Try to make these templates as exact as possible so you have a really clear idea of how your actual pictures will look once they’re displayed.
5
Secure the templates to your wall with painter’s tape. Arrange each piece of paper on the wall 1 at a time, so you can get an idea of how the finished display will look. Center the templates on the wall until you’re happy with their placement. At this point, you can take 4 pieces of painter’s tape and stick them to the corners of each template.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Depending on how many pictures you’re displaying, this process may be a little time consuming.
6
Center the group of templates over the previous mark you made. View your templates as parts of a whole instead of individual pictures. Try to center the entire group of templates on top of the eye-level marking you made previously. Take as much time as you need to tweak and adjust each individual template until the templates look centered.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Your largest template will likely be covering the eye-level marking.
7
Experiment by placing your templates in different arrangements. Play around with the templates until you find a grouping that you really like. You may prefer to place your largest template in the center, and display the smaller templates around the outside of the frame. If your pictures are all the same size, you may enjoy hanging your templates in a row or column.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- It may help to organize your templates on your floor before transferring them to the wall. This way, you can get a better idea of how certain pictures look next to one another.
- For instance, if you’re working with a smaller section of wall, you can hang the templates in a column.
- If you’re arranging pictures above furniture, like a sofa, leave 3 to 6 in (7.6 to 15.2 cm) of space between the top of the couch and the bottom of the lowest painting. If you’re displaying art over a table, leave 4 to 8 in (10 to 20 cm) of space.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
- Space multiple pictures out evenly.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
8
Measure the top of your templates with a level. Hold a level along the top edge of each template. Double-check that each piece of paper is completely straight. If a template seems off-kilter, remove the tape and lightly adjust the paper until the level gives a completely straight reading.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- This may seem a bit tedious, but helps ensure that your pictures will look even once they’re displayed on the wall.
9
Mark the top center point of the template along the wall. Stretch a tape measure along the top edge of each paper template. Find the exact center point on this edge, and mark it with a pencil. Repeat this process with all of the templates, then remove them from the wall.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Most pictures will have measurements that are easy to divide in half, like 20 or 24 in (51 or 61 cm).
Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Choosing the Proper Hardware

1
Test your wall with a pin to see if it’s drywall or something harder. Find an open area of wall and stick a thumbtack into the surface. If the thumbtack goes in, you can assume that your wall is made with drywall. If the tack won’t go in, it's possible (though not certain) that your wall is made with masonry, concrete, or another hard substance.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- You can disregard this if you already know what kind of wall you have.
- Some wall hardware is better-suited to specific wall types. For instance, self-tapping anchors and D-rings work best with drywall.
- For harder surfaces, like brick, you can use brick hangers or brick clips.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
2
Pick out adhesive hanging strips for a simple option on any wall. Visit your local general or hardware store to find adhesive strips, which you can stick to the back of your pictures. These strips are very easy to use, though they may not be the best option for heavier pieces of art. Before hanging anything up, always double-check the weight specifications on the product label.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- You can find adhesive strips online, or at a variety of different stores.
3
Display pictures with a D-ring if you’re drilling into a soft surface. Look for D-rings at your local hardware or home improvement store, which make it easy to hang up your pictures. Attach the hardware along the backside of your picture frame with a screw, which will support your picture and make it easy to display on the wall. Screw the D-ring hooks directly into the wall with an electric drill, which will support and hold up the D-rings along the back of the picture.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- As the name suggests, D-rings have a curved hook that helps secure the picture to the wall.
- D-rings work best with a drillable surface, like drywall.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
4
Opt for self-tapping anchors if you’re working with drywall. Insert a Philip’s screwdriver along the base of the anchor and screw it into the drywall. Once the anchor is securely embedded in the wall, screw a metal hook into the opening. You can use these anchors, screws and hooks to display pictures that weigh up to 25 lb (11 kg).^{[18]
X
Research source}
- You can purchase these anchors online, or at most hardware or home improvement shops.
- Double-check the weight limit listed on the product label before hanging up any pictures.
5
Hang up heavier items with toggle bolts. Slide a nut and 1-2 washers onto 1 end of the toggle bolt, then slide the spring-loaded metal wings onto 1 end.^{[19]
X
Research source} Drill a hole into your wall, then press the metal “wings” down along both sides of the bolt. Insert the bolt into the hole—once it’s in the wall, the wings will extend, providing more support. Screw a hook or other hanging attachment to the opposite end of the toggle bolt, which will support your picture.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- You can center really heavy pictures over this bolt, which will help keep them steady.^{[21]
  X
  Research source}
- The “wings” are spring-loaded, which allows them to fold and extend easily.
- You can install toggle bolts in hollow-core concrete, drywall, or plaster.
Advertisement

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Securing the Pictures in Place

1
Measure the distance between the hanging hardware and the top of the frame. Look for any hardware attached to the back of your picture, like a D-ring or other type of hook. Place 1 end of your tape measure along this ring or hook, then extend it to the top edge of the picture frame. Commit these measurements to memory, or jot them down on a separate piece of paper so you don’t forget them.^{[22]
X
Research source}
- If you’re measuring lots of pictures at once, it may help to jot everything down on a sticky note.
Find the original markings that you made when you were arranging the templates. Align the top of the tape measure with this mark, and mark off the distance between the top of the frame and the hanging hardware. Repeat this process for any other pictures you plan on hanging up so they can look as centered as possible!^{[23]
X
Research source}
3
Double-check your measurements if you’re using 2 pieces of hanging hardware. Stick a long strip of painter’s tape along the top edge of a level, so you can record measurements on the tape. Place this level directly beneath any hanging hardware attached to the back of the frame. Mark on the painter’s tape where each piece of hanging hardware goes. Then, hold the balanced level along the wall and transfer those pencil marks there, so you know where the hardware needs to go.^{[24]
X
Research source}
- If you’re only using 1 piece of hanging hardware with your picture, you can disregard this.
4
Drill a pilot hole if the hardware requires it. Note that certain types of hardware, like D-rings and toggle bolts, need to be mounted directly into the wall. If you’re working with drywall, place down a strip of painter’s tape, then drill into the designated spot.^{[25]
X
Research source}
- Since painter’s tape is designed for home improvement projects, it won’t damage your walls.^{[26]
  X
  Research source}
- Stick a folded sticky note on your wall before drilling any pilot holes. This will help catch any dust and leftover residue.^{[27]
  X
  Research source}
5
Install your hanging hardware of choice into the wall. Screw or insert your hardware into the hole so your picture is supported. Repeat this process with however many pictures you plan on hanging up, so all of your decor will be ready to display.^{[28]
X
Research source}
- For instance, if you’re using D-rings, you’ll need to screw anchors into the wall. These will come packaged with the actual D-rings.^{[29]
  X
  Research source}
- If you’re using adhesive hanging strips, you won’t need to install any extra hardware. Regardless, you may want to stick the strips to the wall before hanging up your picture.^{[30]
  X
  Research source}
Arrange adhesive felt or rubber bumpers on the 4 corners along the backside of your art, which will prevent your decor from scratching the wall. At this point, you’re ready to display and admire your beautiful pictures!^{[31]
X
Research source}
7
Hang your pictures using the proper hardware. Line up each picture in front of its respective hardware, whether it’s a D-ring, toggle bolt, or self-tapping anchor. Double-check that your picture is lined up with any hardware on the wall before mounting it. Take a step back to make sure your picture is centered. If your picture isn’t centered, adjust it as necessary so you can admire your beautiful art!^{[32]
X
Research source}
- You can hang up D-rings by lining the rings up with the hooks you installed in the wall.
- Mount your picture on the hook that’s threaded to your toggle bolt.
- Place your picture over the hook if you used a self-tapping anchor.^{[33]
  X
  Research source}
- If you’re using adhesive hanging strips, check that your picture is firmly stuck to the wall.^{[34]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I make pictures look good together if they're different sizes?

Jason Phillip
Handyman
Jason Phillip is a handyman specializing in mounting and hanging objects onto walls. With over five years of experience professionally mounting and installing objects through his company, Jason's Handyman Services, Jason's work includes working with mounting window AC units, designing art gallery walls, installing kitchen cabinets, and replacing light fixtures on drywall, brick, and plaster. He has been rated a "Top Pro" every year since 2016 by Thumbtack for being one of the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

Jason Phillip

Handyman

Expert Answer

Line the centers of the pictures up. That will look more cohesive than lining the pictures up along the tops or bottoms.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Screw metal brackets onto the back corners of your pictures to give them extra support.^{[35]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
For extra security, you can thread a long piece of hanging wire through the D-rings attached to your picture frame. Loop the wire through the rings, then twist it around itself so the wire stays taut. You can now use this wire to display your picture!^{[36]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Warnings

Avoid hanging pictures with just 1 nail. In many cases, a single nail won’t provide enough support for your picture.^{[37]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0