A guide to hanging pictures on your wall
Have you just bought the perfect piece of art for your home, but have no idea how to hang it? Or maybe you’ve had a few pieces for a while, but haven’t gotten around to putting them up? Hanging pictures on your wall can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little planning and the right tools, you’ll have your pictures up in no time.
Here are a few ways to hang pictures on your wall:
Using Picture Hanging Systems
A picture rail hanging system is ideal for renters as it doesn’t damage your walls and is very versatile. You can adjust the height of your pictures easily, without having to patch up any holes. Plus, if you’re not sure how to hang pictures, this is an easy and foolproof way to do it.
Here’s how:
- Choose a system that is the right strength and size for your walls and pictures.
- Attach the top rail to the wall using the appropriate fixings for your wall type.
- Mark on the wall where you want your pictures to go and also where the wire will sit on the back of your frame. This will help you to know how high to hang your pictures.
- Hook it on the hanging wire where you have marked it on the back of your frame.
- Hook your frame onto the picture rail and adjust it to the desired height/position.
- Use a level to check that your picture is straight.
Using Adhesive Strips
This is another damage-free way to hang pictures on your wall. The handy strips can be used on most surfaces, including painted walls, wood, tile and more. They come in different sizes and strengths, so you can choose the right one for your needs. It’s worth noting that adhesive strips aren’t quite as adjustable as a picture rail system and they may strip the paint off your walls when you remove them.
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose the right size adhesive strip for your needs – if you’re not sure, err on the side of caution and go for a bigger size.
- Mark on the wall where you want your pictures to go. As the picture strips will be on the edges of your frame, make sure you mark where the strips will sit on the wall and on the back of your frame.
- Remove the adhesive backing and apply the adhesive strips to your wall and to the back of your frames. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as they may vary depending on the type of wall you have. You may have to wait for the adhesive to set before proceeding.
- Hang your frame on the adhesive strips by pressing it firmly into place. Use alevel to make sure that your picture is straight.
Using Screws
For the more seasoned picture hangers out there, using screws is the traditional way. This method is more permanent, so if you’re not sure where you want your pictures to go, it’s best to avoid this method (or be prepared to patch up some holes). If you’re confident in your picture-hanging skills, then go for it!
Here’s how to do it:
- First, you’ll need to take into consideration the weight of your picture. Heavier pictures will require sturdier screws, so be sure to use the appropriate type for your project. Thisguide on choosing the right hanging hardware can help you pick the right tools for your project.
- Next, you’ll need to find a stud in your wall. This is important because you’ll want to make sure your screw is anchored into something solid so that it can support the weight of your picture. To find a stud, you can either use a stud finder (if you have one) or simply tap on the wall until you hear a solid sound – that means you’ve found a stud!
- Once you’ve found a stud, hold your picture up to the wall where you want it to hang and mark the spot with a pencil. Then, drive your screw into the wall at that spot. Be sure not to screw it all the way in – you’ll need to leave a bit of space so that the picture can hang freely on the screw.
Note: To hang a heavier picture, or to hang pictures on a brick wall, you’ll need to drill a hole and use rawl plugs to secure the screw.
There you have it! Three different ways to hang pictures on your wall. Be sure to take into consideration your skill level, the weight of your pictures and the type of wall you’re working with. Most importantly, have fun with it! There’s no wrong way to hang your pictures — as long as they end up looking great on your wall.
