Art does not have to be expensive to look high end. In fact, the majority of my art are prints I’ve purchased online and framed myself. The secret for making it look better? It all comes down to how you hang it.
Today on the blog, I’ll be walking you through all my best kept tips on how to hang art like a pro. With a little extra care, you can make any piece look like a professional designer put it up.
How To Hang Art Like A Pro Guidelines:
- Determine the weight of your piece
- Consider alternatives to a hammer and nails
- Measure and pencil your piece correctly
- Plan groups of art more strategically
- Play around with what typical “art” looks like
1. Determine the weight of your art
Before you start hanging, it’s important to know the weight of your art. This will help you choose the right hardware to ensure your art stays securely in place. I’m not saying you need to try and measure your piece on a scale, but get an approximate idea to decide which hardware will be best. While I’ve never had an art piece come crashing down, I’d like to make sure it never happens.
Here’s a breakdown of which hardware to use by weight:
- Light-weight pieces: Think of your small prints or posters. These can usually be hung with a simple nail.
- Medium-weight pieces: These are typically your framed photographs or paintings. You can use larger nails or picture hangers for added stability.
- Heavy-weight pieces: Think of large prints or mirrors. To provide more support, wall anchors or additional pieces placed into the wall will offset the weight.
Consider Alternatives To A Hammer & Nails
If the thought of hammering nails into your walls makes you nervous, don’t worry. There are plenty of alternatives that are just as effective and much easier to use.
One great option is High & Mighty Wall Hangers. These gadgets are made with small prongs that you simply push into the wall, so all you have to do is make sure it’s placed straight. They come in a variety of weight options, ranging from 20 to 125 pounds, so you can find the perfect fit for your art.
Another alternative is the classic adhesive hooks, which are great for lightweight pieces and won’t leave any holes or damage behind. Just be sure to choose a hook that can support the weight of your art.
Measure and pencil your piece correctly
A lot of how to hang art correctly comes from measuring and penciling on the wall. To help so you’re not just going with a measuring tape to the wall with no plan, here are guidelines ensures your artwork is positioned optimally:
For pieces intended to be focal points with nothing underneath, hang them at eye level, approximately 60 inches from the ground. The height is eye-catching, without being too high or too low.
When displaying art above furniture such as a dresser, couch, or bed, maintain a gap of 8-12 inches between the bottom of the artwork and the top of the furniture. This spacing prevents the art from feeling cramped and allows it to blend with the surrounding decor.
Groups of Art Need More Planning
Creating a gallery wall can be a fun and creative way to showcase your art collection, but it requires a bit more preparation to make sure it looks professionally done. Before you take a hammer to the wall and just go for it, take some time to plan out your arrangement.
First, consider the size and shape of your wall. Corners or uneven spaces will need a completely different hanging strategy than a giant bare wall. I love to use painter’s tape to mock up the layout I’m thinking of in my mind. If you’re interested in finding gallery wall inspiration, check out 6 ideas here.
Once you’ve decided what your gallery wall will look like, spacing is the most important aspect of hanging each piece. Center a piece in the middle of the wall, then build out. Typically, I hang each frame 3-5 inches from the one next to or above it.
Play around with what typical “art” looks like
Once you understand and feel comfortable with how to hang art, this is when the fun part comes in. While I love and use a lot of typical art prints, there are so many other ways to display “art” in your home.
Art can be absolutely anything, so explore beyond traditional forms like paintings and photographs. Embrace textiles, objects, or even digital art. The Samsung framed TV is a perfect example of how you can combine aesthetics and practicality together.
Most recently, I’ve been trying to play around with styles, colors, and textures to create more depth throughout our home. Think of this as a fun way to showcase your style while still remaining elevated.
How To Hang Art: Final Thoughts
Once you feel confident in the idea of putting a few holes into your wall, I promise hanging art will feel like no big deal. Although art can come in many different forms, with patience and some planning you can hang it like a professional all on your own.
Do you have any tips for how to hang art like a pro? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts:
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