How to Hang Pictures on a Wall

How to Hang Pictures on a Wall
Written By
C
Contributor
Published: Aug 27, 2008
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Pictures
  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Scissors
  • Painter's tape
  • Tape measure
  • Stud finder
  • Hammer
  • Wall hooks or anchors

Use these measurements as a guide to buying the proper wall hooks and wall anchors. Heavier wall decor will require sturdy hangers.

  1. Decide where you want to hang your pictures. Big pictures look best on larger walls. Group small frames with other photos or decorations. Hang a single picture on a small or narrow wall if you want it to serve as the wall's focal point. Hang the center of your pictures at eye level -- about 60 inches from the floor -- unless you're grouping several frames together.

  2. Place a picture on a piece of paper. Use your pencil to trace the frame. Cut out your paper pattern.

  3. Tape the paper pattern on the wall where you want to hang your picture. Lightly mark off the spot with a pencil before you remove the paper.

  4. Turn the picture over. Hook the tape measure's tab in the center of the picture's hanging wire. Pull the wire taut. Measure the distance from the tab to the top of the frame. Use this measurement to lightly mark the corresponding spot on the wall -- this is where your hook will go.

  5. Use a stud finder on the spot where you want to hang your picture. Hammer the wall hook's nail into the stud. If your chosen spot lacks a stud, attach your picture with a wall anchor.

Tips

Black and white photos are a great way to decorate and show off family pictures.

Warnings

If you have plaster walls, consider using a drill instead of a hammer to hang hooks.

Photo Credits

Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images

Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images

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