How to hang a picture on the wall like a pro
Forget the boring blank walls, it's time to start hanging pictures and displaying your favourite photos with personalised wall art. Before you start hammering nails into the wall, hanging pictures in the perfect layout requires some planning and the right tools - otherwise, things might get a little wonky.
Whether you're crafting a contemporary gallery with funky photo frames or making a simple display of framed photo prints, this step-by-step guide explains all the best ways to hang pictures on the wall, ensuring your photo display looks absolutely spectacular.
From planning your picture wall layout to making the final adjustments, read our top tips on how to hang pictures on the wall like a pro!
1. Decide what you want to frame
When creating a picture wall, you need to decide what you want the wall to say or what story you want it to tell.
Are you leaning more towards a contemporary gallery wall design with interesting shapes and retro prints, or do you just want something simple, to show off a recent family photoshoot?
There are so many different things you can put in a picture frame - and not just photo prints! You can frame anything from sentimental letters and fabrics, to seashells and sand… the possibilities are endless. It really just depends on what your personal vision is for your picture wall.
2. Plan your picture frame layout
Firstly, you need to decide which wall, or walls, you want to decorate and with what pictures.
Measure the height and width of each photo frame, along with the wall space you want to use, to determine if all your chosen pieces will fit. Not sure how to measure your photo frames? Check out our helpful guide for our best tips and tricks.
Then, beneath the wall, lay out the pictures on the floor and experiment with different arrangements - there are so many different photo display ideas to try! This will help you visualise the final look, without making unnecessary holes in the wall. Or, if you’re a bit of a tech wizz, why not digitally design your layout - for a more accurate representation of what your wall could look like?
Does it matter which wall I use?
Deciding which wall you put your photo frames on matters, and not just for aesthetic purposes.
If you’re thinking of using heavier frames on plasterboard, rather than plastered brick walls, we recommend using a stud finder to locate studs in the wall first. Whilst this may change the layout you had in mind, it ensures that the frames have a secure anchor point in the wall, and are less likely to fall and damage the wall in the process.
3. Gather your tools
Then, you need to gather the tools for the job - but don’t worry, these are things you’ll probably have laying around in your toolkit, or can easy be bought at your local hardware store:
- Hammer
- Nails or picture hanging hooks
- Spirit level
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pencil
- Painter's tape (optional)
- Stud finder (optional)
- Drill and wall anchors (for heavier pieces)
4. Decide how you’ll hang your frames
Now you need to decide how you are going to hang your photo frames.
If you’re decorating with small photo prints and frames, one nail or picture hanging hook will usually be enough to support the frame. However, for larger or heavier frames, space two hanging hooks evenly apart instead, as this will help to distribute the weight and hold the frame securely in place (something to consider if you're making a particularly large custom picture frame).
If your frame comes with hanging wire or D-rings, or you want to add them onto the frame, make sure the wire is securely attached. You can test this by holding the frame by the wire for a minute or so; checking to see if it begins to come loose or breaks.
5. Measure and mark your wall
The next step is to measure and mark where you want your frames to go.
Using a pencil, very lightly mark the wall where you plan to place each frame and where you need the nails or hooks to be, from your pre-planned layout. You could also use painter’s tape here to outline your layout more clearly, if it's more complex or strictly regimented.
TOP TIP: A common rule of thumb when hanging picture frames is to place the centre of the frame at eye level - typically to hang pictures so that the centre is at eye level, around 1.5 metres from the floor. For gallery walls, place the images you want guests to notice most here, and then work around them with smaller frames.
6. Install the nails or hooks into the wall
Now it's time to install your nails or hooks into the wall.
For smaller, lightweight frames, simply hammering a nail or installing a picture hook into the wall at the marked spot should be enough to hold the frame.
But for larger or heavier frames, even if you’re planning on using multiple nails or hooks, we recommend using wall anchors to provide additional support for the wall. Drill a hole into the wall for the anchor, tap it into place with your hammer, and then insert the picture hooks.
7. Hang and adjust your frames
It’s finally time to hang your picture frames!
Simply place the centre of your frame, or hanging wire, onto the nail or picture hook. If you’re using two hooks, ensure that the frame is attached evenly on each side.
Then, using your spirit level, you need to check that the frame is straight. Place the level on top of the frame, watching to see where the bubble is - bang in the centre means it’s straight! If the bubble isn’t in the centre, adjust the frame slightly until it is.
8. Final adjustments
Finally, you can step back and admire your work!
Take a few steps back from the wall. Does it look like how you imagined it would? Do the different pictures and prints work well together? Feel free to move things around and adjust as you please, until it all fits together perfectly.
Once you’re happy with the final design of your new picture wall, you can either leave it or for extra secure placement, you can attach small adhesive strips to the bottom of the frames to stick them down to the wall.
Searching for more creative things to do with picture frames? Check out the Max Spielmann blog for inspiration and ideas, like decorating a picture frame, or head in-store for advice from our helpful colleagues.
