Tools and Materials
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Tips for Hanging Picture Frames
- The average eye height of an adult is 57 inches, and this is a common height for hanging pictures.
- If you want to hang a gallery wall, place the center of the grouping at 57 inches.
- Place the largest frame in a gallery wall at the center or the center bottom.
- A column arrangement is good for narrow walls, while a row arrangement is good for several frames of the same size.
- A laser level makes it easy to line up rows or columns of pictures or install pictures along stairs.
Hardware and Wall Considerations
The hardware you use for hanging picture frames must be rated for the picture weight and suitable for the wall type (drywall, plaster, concrete or masonry).
- You can identify a drywall wall with a push-pin — you should be able to push it into the wall.
- To hang heavy pictures on a drywall or plaster wall, locate wall studs or secure the hangers to wall anchors designed for the wall and rated for the weight.
- Some screws are designed to act as drywall anchors, letting you secure the hanging hardware without studs.
- Weight ratings for picture-hanging hardware are often based on securing the hanger into a stud.
- Hanging pictures on a masonry wall requires a drill with a masonry bit and masonry screws.
- Look for hanger kits that contain assorted hardware for different uses.
We’ve got general steps below for hanging pictures using different types of hangers but always follow the instructions for the hardware you choose.
Plan the Picture Arrangement
For the best results, start by planning a layout for your pictures.
- Make paper templates based on your frame sizes and tape them to the wall with painters tape.
- Use a level to align the templates and make any adjustments as needed.
- When you’re happy with the placement, mark the center point of the top of each frame on a piece of tape on the wall.
Some picture-hanging hardware, such as hardware for D-rings, includes hooks that extend below the fastener. Keep this in mind when you plan your installation, so your pictures hang at the right height.
There may be wiring, pipes and more behind your wall. Watch What’s Inside My Wall? and take steps to work safely before you drive nails or screws into a wall.
How to Hang a Frame for Small Pictures
Locating a stud isn’t always necessary for very small pictures. Small nail hangers will typically support them.
- Measure from the top of the frame to the hardware on the back of the picture.
- Transfer the measurement to the wall, using the center mark you made on the wall in Plan the Picture Arrangement, above, as a reference.
- Align the hanger with the mark and tap in the nail.
To keep a plaster wall from cracking, place a piece of tape over the area before you drive the nail. Drill a pilot hole through the tape and into the plaster and then drive the nail into the hole.
How to Hang a Picture With D-Rings
If your picture has D-rings mounted to the frame, use these steps to install hooks that keep the picture centered and level.
- Measure from the top of the frame to each ring.
- Transfer the center point of the frame and the ring locations to a piece of painters tape on a long level.
- Align the center mark on the level with the center mark you placed on the wall in Plan the Picture Arrangement above.
- Make sure the bubble on the level is centered and use the distances you measured in Step 1 to transfer the ring locations to the wall.
- Use the ring locations on the wall to mark screw holes for the support hooks.
- If the locations align with studs, drive the fasteners into the studs, otherwise, secure the fasteners with wall anchors.
- Align the D-rings with the hooks and hang the picture.
How to Hang a Picture With Picture Wire
If your frame has picture wire installed, use these steps to set the frame at the right height.
- Hook the end of a tape measure on the picture wire and pull the wire taut.
- Note the distance to the top of the frame and transfer it to the wall, using the center mark from Plan the Picture Arrangement above as a reference.
- Secure the hook to a wall stud or install it with a wall anchor and hang the picture.
- If the frame leans forward too much, install felt pads at the bottom to even it out.
Large pictures typically require two hooks for support.
How to Hang a Picture With Sawtooth Bars
Installing sawtooth hangers on a picture frame allows for easy adjustments to keep the picture level. These hangers are typically suitable for lighter pictures and artwork.
- Center the bar on the frame or, for larger frames, evenly space two bars along the top of the frame and tap in the nails.
- If you use two bars, it’s a good idea to reinforce the corners with L-brackets.
- Measure from the top of the center sawtooth gap on each bar to the top of the frame and transfer the measurements to the wall.
- Drive screws into studs at the marks on the wall or install them with wall anchors.
- Hook the sawtooth bars over the fasteners.
How to Hang a Picture With Removable Strips
Removable adhesive strips don’t require screws or nails. These hook-and-loop-style pads secure to the frame and wall with adhesive. They allow you to adjust the picture slightly and are typically easy to remove from a clean, smooth wall with minimal risk of damage.
- Clean the wall.
- Press the frame strips and wall strips together.
- Peel the backing off the frame strips and apply the strips to the frame.
- Peel the backing off the wall strips and press the picture firmly against the wall.
- Carefully separate the picture from the wall strips and wait for the specified period of time.
- Align the frame strips to the wall strips and press the frame against the wall strips.
- To adjust, carefully pull the frame away from the wall strips and reattach.
How to Hang a Picture With Specialty Hooks
Like removable hanging strips, some specialty picture hooks don’t require tools or studs. These hooks are designed to simplify hanging pictures on drywall walls.
- Locate the installation location on the wall.
- Press the hook through the drywall, allowing the pointed end to curl up against the back of the wall.
- Hang the picture on the hook.