How to Hang a Picture - The Ultimate Guide
Hanging a picture on the wall is a task that might seem easy at first glance, but it can be a bit more complex if you want to do it like a pro. We've got you covered and by following a few simple tips, you can make sure that your picture is hung properly and looks great on your wall.
Types of Walls
First, let's talk about the wall you'll be hanging your picture on. There are typically three main types of walls: drywall, plaster, and brick. The type of wall you have can impact how you hang your picture frame.
1. Drywall - this is the easiest to hang pictures on because it's easy to push a nail into it with a minimum amount of tools. If the picture is on the heavier side though then it's important to find a wall stud, which is a strong and solid part of the wall behind the drywall that keeps it from falling. If there isn't a wall stud then you can use a drywall anchor to hold the picture in place.
2. Plaster walls - plaster can be a little harder to work with because they can sometimes crumble particularly if it's older. If you're hanging a picture on a plaster wall, you should use a pre-drilled hole and put a piece of tape on the wall before drilling to prevent crumbling.
3. Brick walls - Brick walls are the most difficult because you can't just push a nail in. You'll need to use a wall anchor and a special drill bit called a masonry bit to drill into the mortar (the bond that holds the bricks together) instead of the brick itself.
The hardware you'll need to hang your picture
Next, we'll discuss hardware. There are different types of hardware you can use to hang your picture. The hardware options include D-rings, sawtooth hangers, wire, and even hooks. The right one to use depends on how heavy your picture is and what you're most comfortable using. If your picture is not too heavy, a single nail might be the best choice, it's easy to use and leaves a small hole in the wall. If your picture is a bit heavier, you might want to use wire to hang it. Wire is a thin rope/cord that's strong enough to hold the picture and you can tie it to the picture in two different places, so it won't move around. If you're hesitant to make any holes in your wall, you can use adhesive-backed picture hooks or strips which are special stickers with hooks on them, you just put the sticker on the back of the picture and stick it to the wall. These strips have advanced a lot over the years and you'll be surprised how much they weight they will actually hold.
Where and how high should I hang my picture frame?
When choosing the height to hang your picture, it's important to think about where people's eyes will be when they're looking at it. A good rule of thumb is to hang the middle of the picture at about eye level, obviously this depends on the persons height who is hanging it but as a general rule of thumb it's best to start from around 145cm-165cm from the floor as a guide. To find the right height for your picture, you'll need to do a little bit of math. You'll need to measure the height of the picture, divide it in half, subtract the distance from the top of the picture to the hardware and then add your eye level height (145-165cm). This will give you the ideal height for the middle of the picture. Use a level to ensure that the picture is straight and make sure to take into account any slope in the room.
Hanging your photo frame on the wall
Once you've marked the wall and confirmed the height, it's finally time to hang your picture. Take your time, use the right tools and methods, and you'll be able to hang your picture like a pro. Remember, if you have any questions or are unsure about anything, it's always best to ask for help.
In summary, hanging a picture like a pro is about considering the wall surface, choosing the right hardware, measuring the ideal height, and making sure the picture is perfectly level. Different walls require different approaches, such as locating wall studs for drywall, pre-drilling and using painter's tape for plaster walls, and using wall anchors and a masonry bit for brick walls. The hardware options include D-rings, sawtooth hangers, wire, and adhesive-backed picture hooks and strips. The ideal height for a picture is around eye level, which is 145cm-165cm from the floor. It's important to use a level to make sure the picture is straight, and to take into account any slope in the room. By following these tips, you'll be able to hang your pictures like a pro in no time!
