How to hang single pieces
What is the best way to hang art? ( I always seem to make a hash of it!). Molly, Bristol
Sure thing, Molly! We've put a guide together which takes you through the process step by step.
Decide where to hang the picture.This should be the easy bit.
Tip: Try to avoid hanging one small picture on
a huge expanse of wall. Whether the artwork is
big or a cluster of small pieces, it helps if it is
framed by visual markers such as the length of
the sofa, the width of fireplace, etc. For information on how to hang multiple pieces, take a look at our hanging multiple pieces guide.
Decide the
height that the
picture will be
hung and make
a small pencil
mark on the wall at the top centre of the frame.
Tip: Pictures generally look best at adult eye level. This
can be standing or sitting eye level, you choose. Just so
you know, the average standing adult eye level is about
160cm. This is also the standard height artworks are
hung in museums and galleries.
Choose an appropriate hook
for your walls and the weight
of your artwork.
Tip: Double up – hanging
the art on two hooks/nails
guarantees the most even and level support.
Hanging hooks are available in standard sizes to
support weights from 2.25kg to 45kg. Heavier pieces
should be hung with D rings just to be sure.
Calculate the
height for your
hanging hook
or nail.
Tip: Lay your picture face down and pull the hanging
wire taut towards the top of the frame at two points the
same distance from the frame. Measure the distance
between these two points and the distance between
one of them and the top of the frame. Remember that
the further apart these two points are, the closer the
picture will be to the wall.
Now transfer these measurements to your wall by
measuring down from the pencil mark on the wall.
Nail the picture hook or nail
into the wall at the point you’ve
just marked.
Tip: To prevent the plaster chipping
or cracking, stick a small piece of
masking tape over the spot where the
nail is to go. Hammer in your nail at an
angle so that the wall bears the weight
rather than the nail.
Hang the picture straight and true.
Tip: Trust your eye, get a friend
to tell you right-a-bit-left-a-bit,
or just grab a spirit level.
Stop. Sit. Enjoy.
We hope that your picture brings you
a huge amount of pleasure.
In fact,
we would love to hear from you once
your picture has found a home in your
home.
Please send any photographs to Editorial@therealartco.com, and
we’ll happily share them with the world
while thanking you with a discount off
your next purchase!
Download our guide to hanging single and multiple images (950kb PDF)