Now you never have to guess again whether that wall decor or wall sculpture is hanging too high or too low. Just use our three easy tips to restore balance to your life and your wall art.
What you need for hanging framed art:
•Tape measure
•Pencil
•Hammer and picture hook
•Level
•Stud finder (optional)
Tips for Hanging Pictures, Artwork and Wall Art
1.Most wall art looks best when hung at eye level or slightly lower than eye level. Keep in mind how the art will be viewed most often (from a standing or sitting position). Also, consider where the picture is being hung. For children’s rooms, hang kids art at the eye level of the child.
2.When hanging art above furniture, have twice as much space above the art than below it. A general guideline to follow for framed artwork is 4 to 8 inches from the surface of the furniture to the bottom of the frame.
3.For framed art prints, a good rule of thumb is to center the frame 60 inches off the floor. To do this, measure the height of the frame and divide by two. Then measure the space from the wire to the top of the frame and subtract this number from the first number. Now add 60 inches to this figure. This is the point to insert the hook. When your picture hangs from the hook it should hang approximately one-third from the top of the frame.
For example, if the frame is 20 inches high and the distance between the wire and the top of the frame is 3 inches then the formula is:
•20 / 2 = 10 inches
•10 – 3 + 60 = 67 inches.
Your hook should be 67 inches from the floor.
Get Hooked on Wall Art
Hanging artwork doesn’t have to be a frustrating venture. Simplify the process by using the hanging hardware that comes with your picture, or look for a picture-hanging kit at a hardware store. The picture’s weight will determine what kind of hardware you’ll need. Check with your local hardware store for hooks or specialized drywall hangers rated for the weight of your artwork. If hanging a picture on a plaster wall, use a piece of clear tape to mark the spot where you will hammer in the nail; this will keep the plaster from crumbling.
Heavy artwork is most secure when mounted to wall studs — the wooden 2×4 or 2×6 pieces of wood inside the frame of a wall. Locate your wall studs by rapping on the wall with your knuckle until you hear a solid sound, which should be the stud. Studs are typically (but not always) placed 16 or 24 inches apart. You can also use an electronic stud finder that beeps or flashes when it passes over wall studs. These can be found at most hardware stores.
Use two picture hooks for wide artwork or heavy wall sculptures. This method distributes the weight of the work evenly. Before you position the hooks, find the wall studs that will anchor the picture, and check to make sure artwork hangs straight by placing a level on the top of the frame as you hold it against the wall.
Next, hammer the hook into the wall. Don’t use adhesive picture hangers, especially in humid areas. The best hangers can be attached to the wall by driving a nail in at an angle. The hooks should be hammered into the center of the wall stud. If you’re able to pull the picture away from the wall, it is not hung securely.
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