Once you have the pictures framed, you’re ready for the fun of getting your pictures up on the wall. Hanging pictures isn’t hard but it does require a few steps to be done beforehand, like making sure the frame has hardware on it and that you have a good idea of where you want to hang it. Then all you have to do is select how you want to hang it and get it done.
First let’s talk about the different ways you can hang your picture frame. There are really three basic ways with which to do this: screws, nails, or adhesives.
Nails
Hanging photo frames with finishing nails is an excellent choice since the nails are easy to install and are small enough so that they don’t create large holes on your wall. You want to hammer the nail into your wall at a 45 degree angle and if possible put them into a stud in the wall. If you’re hanging large or slightly heavy frames you really need to hammer the nails into a wall stud otherwise your picture frames will fall. If you’re unsure how to locate a wall stud, you can purchase an inexpensive ‘wall stud finder’ at your local hardware store (or you can always tap on the wall until it sounds solid).
Screws
Hanging wall frames with screws can make larger holes and should only be considered, for the most part, when you’re hanging frames to concrete, stone or brick walls. In this case, you would need to pre-drill a hole in the rock wall using a “mason” drill bit that is the correct size for the screw. You’ll also want to use a screw anchor so that it’s properly secured.
Adhesives
A hanging wall frame can also be secured by the third method: adhesive. Adhesives are gaining popularity fast since there’s no need to put holes in the wall. 3M’s Command Strip is one popular brand used for hanging picture frames and they come in the form of Velcro or hooks. These adhesive items are only designed to hang smaller pictures, but some can hold up to 5 lbs. Carefully read the instructions so you know if your picture frame is too heavy. If you try hanging picture frames that are too heavy, you’ll risk damaging the picture frame.
Now that you’ve decided which technique is best for hanging wall frames in your home, now you need to decide where they should go.
Selecting Where to Hang Your Picture Frames
If you’re only hanging one or two frames, find someone to help you. Have them hold the frame along the wall and adjust their position until you find the perfect place. The ideal position for hanging picture frames is around eye level, or about ¾ the way up the wall. If these pictures are the only things that will hang on your wall, it makes your job super easy.
However, if you have other frames or items already on your wall, you’ll want to make sure the spacing looks good. For multiple frames, it’s a good idea to lay them down on the floor and see how they look together to get the best layout. To get your picture frames positioned just the way you want follow these simple steps:
- Take the measurements of the area of your wall where the picture frames will hang.
- Duplicate that space on the floor using a string as the border.
- Carefully place your picture frames on the floor (hopefully carpet) and move them around until you get a layout you like.his will keep you from putting a bunch of little holes in your wall while you search for the perfect placement. Once you have your layout, you may want to recruit some help to make the process go a little faster.
This will keep you from putting a bunch of little holes in your wall while you search for the perfect placement. Once you have your layout, you may want to recruit some help to make the process go a little faster.
Hopefully by using the right hardware and following these basic steps, you’ll be able to hang your picture frames quickly and easily and keep them hanging beautifully for years down the road.