Hanging a picture is not a difficult process, but can be frustrating and even a little intimidating. Knowing where to hang pictures on the wall to compliment the room can be a decision that will change the look of the entire room. Learn how to install wall anchors.

Step One: Check out the Layout of the Room

Scope out your room and pay attention to the where everything is, such as the lamp, couch, or plant. Everything has a space and needs to have room to breathe. Your eyes will be drawn to the areas that are off balance. Therefore, you should hold up your picture and experiment where you think you might want it. Pay attention to the furnishings. You do not want a crowded look.

Step Two: Install the Right Wire

Picture hanging wire can come in different gauges, which depends on the weight. Make sure the wire is strong enough to support the weight of the picture. Also, make sure the wire is anchored securely to the frame. Screw eyes can be screwed into a wooden frame and sliders can be made for metal frames. They should be located at least 2/3 up from the bottom of the frame. This wire should curve up half-way from the screw eyes to the top of the frame. Do not have the wire go above the top of the frame.

DIY Wiring Steps:

1. Cut wire 1 ½ times the width of the frame.
2. Fold wire in half to find the center.
3. Feed it through both screw eyes.
4. Center should remain at the center of the picture. Adjust and pull the remainder through the screw eyes evenly on both sides.
5. Wrap wire around screw eye twice.
6. Pull remaining wire back along itself and twist it around. This will help to secure the wire to the screw eye. Do the same on the other side.
7. Put a small felt pad on each bottom corner of the picture to protect the wall and the frame. It also helps to stabilize the picture.

Step Three: Find the Best Style to Hang Pictures

There are many different ways to hang pictures on your wall. It all depends on your style. Some people like to have the top edge exactly level with every other piece, while some like to center each piece exactly, while others like to zigzag.

Step Four: Mark the Spot to Hang Picture

Once you determine where you want to hang the picture, hold the picture with one hand on the wire and the other hand on the bottom of the frame. Hook your middle finger on the center of the wire. This will allow the picture to hang straight. Hold up the picture to the wall. Make sure it is centered and straight. The weight of the picture will leave a mark on your finger where the wire was. Keep your hand on this point and remove the picture. Draw a small mark on the wall where your finger held the wire.

Step Five: Install the Hooks, Nails, or Screws

• Light to Medium Weight Pictures – Use picture hooks with small nails. Put the hook to the wall so the bottom of the hook is at the mark you made for the wire. There is a slot for the nail above the hook and should be placed directly above the mark. Hold the hook and nail steady with one hand and use the hammer to get the nail started. If you do not have a picture hook, medium-gauge nails will work. Use a one inch finishing nail for lightweight pictures. Place a small piece of tape over the spot where the nail will go to protect the plaster from cracking. Drive the nail in a downward 45 degree angle.
• Heavy Pictures: For pictures that weight ten pounds or more, use nails instead of hooks. Be sure to center the picture along a wall stud. Use two or more nails evenly spaced from the center and level to each other. If wall studs are not available, use wall screws with anchor bolts. They hold the wall together while supporting the weight of the picture. Drill a hole in the drywall just big enough to allow for the anchor bolt to slip through. Tighten the screw clockwise to secure it against the back of the wall.

Step Six: Hang Picture

Pick up picture. Check to see where wire hangs outward. Put picture up higher than it will go. Let it down gently until hook or nail catches the loop of wire. Adjust picture slightly until it is even. Levels are great for hanging pictures. If you have trouble getting it to be straight, simply tighten or loosen the wire.

• Add New
• Search

Comments (8)

• |2009-06-27 02:55:36 Delsa  - hanging pictures on an A frame
  We have recently purchased an A frame cabin. The walls are slanted and I would like to hang some pictures. How would I hang a picture on these walls? thanks for your assistance.
  • 0
  • 7

  ReplyQuote

• |2009-09-28 12:20:26 vicki  - hanging pictures-wall shelf
  I had a great idea. Over our front doors in our A-Frame we have a shelf. We are putting the same wood above the couche's(slanted wall) for more shelf space then leaning large black and whites of out property during a snow fall on them. Then under the shelve's hang very small track lighting,with lights hanging from that black wire. It is SO dark in our livung room.I thought it would gie great lighting so I could read on the couch.I am looking for wall shelf and fire place idea's. It is extremely cold in the winter in our home.
  • 0
  • 0

  ReplyQuote

• |2009-07-26 11:52:38 Prg in Colorado  - Hanging Pictures/Decorating A Frame Houses
  Hello!
  
  I too am having those same problems. In order to hang a mirrow in the bathroom we have a block of wood running along the wall above the sink and the top back part of the mirrow it is screwed into the wall. That seems to work for some photos & items but have had to downsise our art.
  
  We also hung some on the banasiter up and railing across the loft.
  
  Still working on it here and if you have ideas do write and tell me. You can reach me at: theherbldy@aol.com
  
  Thanks,
  
  Peg in Colorado
  • 2
  • 0

  ReplyQuote

• |2010-05-26 15:05:10 Abby  - picture above door
  Our front door is not centered on the wall so it leaves me with two options to hang a verse above it. Center from wall to wall or center above the door? Neither seem to appeal to me, any suggestions?
  
  
  • 1
  • 0

  ReplyQuote

• |2011-02-01 16:33:24 Matt  - re: picture above door
  Abby wrote:

  Our front door is not centered on the wall so it leaves me with two options to hang a verse above it. Center from wall to wall or center above the door? Neither seem to appeal to me, any suggestions?
  
  

  
  Did you ever get an answer to this question. I have the same problem.
  • 0
  • 0

  ReplyQuote

• |2010-08-10 14:53:35 Ringo
  I downloaded an iPhone app from the iTunes App store that is SUPER HANDY for hanging picture, plates, etc.. It's called "Hang-a-Pic"It does all the calculations for you when hanging multiple, equally aligned pictures, mirrors, decorative plates, candles or any other wall mounted ornaments. Very neat and saved us a ton of time hanging picture in our basement.
  • 0
  • 0

  ReplyQuote

• |2011-02-01 22:12:43 Anonymous  - re: re: picture above door
  Matt wrote:

  [quote=Abby]Our front door is not centered on the wall so it leaves me with two options to hang a verse above it. Center from wall to wall or center above the door? Neither seem to appeal to me, any suggestions?
  
  

  
  Did you ever get an answer to this question. I have the same problem.[/quote]
  
  I ended up centering above the frame and it really grows on you and looks centered since the door frame is what you see first
  
  hope this help - but no answers from anyone else
  • 0
  • 0

  ReplyQuote

• |2012-01-30 03:48:58 purse hanger
  Thank you for this posting, you’ve got a few solid points but will you be posting a follow up to this?
  
  • 0
  • 0

  ReplyQuote

Write comment

Your Contact Details:

Name:

Email: do not notifynotify

Website:

Comment:

Title:

UBBCode:         -color-aquablackbluefuchsiagraygreenlimemaroonnavyolivepurpleredsilvertealwhiteyellow -size-tinysmallmediumlargehuge

Message:

Security

Please input the anti-spam code that you can read in the image.

Do it yourself - Home