How to Hang Wall Art, Paintings, Pictures & Prints at Home
Discover how to professionally hang art on your walls at home, with practical tips and decor advice from artist Kerwin Blackburn
Welcome to my guide on elevating your home or space through the art of wall decor. Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or a first-time buyer, mastering the art of hanging paintings, prints, and pictures can transform your home. Likewise, I’ve seen so many people fail to do their newly-bought artwork justice by not taking proper care when hanging it on the wall.
As an artist who has created their own range of colourful, music-inspired pop art paintings and prints, crafting visually stunning home environments through beautifully-presented art is my passion. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the art-hanging essentials, from choosing the right tools to avoiding common pitfalls.
Most wall art can be hung at home with a hook, nail and hammer. Command strips are an ideal, damage-free alternative. Follow the 57-inch rule for optimal height positioning. Experiment with odd-numbered wall groupings and avoid common hanging mistakes for a cohesive and engaging home art display.
Get ready to turn your walls into a gallery that reflects your style and personality.
1. What is the Best Way to Hang Art Prints or Paintings in Your Home?
Most wall art can be hung at home with a hook, nail and hammer. Command strips are an ideal, damage-free alternative. Follow the 57-inch rule for optimal height positioning. Experiment with odd-numbered wall groupings and avoid common hanging mistakes for a cohesive and engaging home art display.
When it comes to showcasing your art, choosing the right hanging method is important. Consider factors such as the weight of your pieces, the type of walls you have, and your aesthetic preferences.
While traditional nails and hooks are reliable for most artworks, alternatives such as adhesive strips (e.g. Command strips) are a great damage-free option, ideal for renters or those averse to wall damage. For added flexibility, try adjustable picture hangers, ensuring your art not only aligns with your vision but also elevates the overall ambiance of the room.
When it comes to hanging my By Kerwin artwork on the wall (either at home or at my exhibitions [LINK NEXT POST], I usually choose the traditional hook and nail (or pins) method. However, for smaller prints I also often use Command strips, perhaps when hanging a lighter artwork or looking for a more temporary solution.
Note: this guide assumes your artwork is already framed and ready to hang. Explore my separate blog post about how to choose the perfect framing option for your painting or print, here. [LINK NEXT POST] If you need to string your picture frame first before hanging it, read my guide to stringing your art frames here.
2. What Do I Need for Hanging Wall Art?
Gather your tools before you get started for a seamless wall-hanging experience. You may not need all of the following items, but having these in your toolkit will allow you to hang your art in different ways.
Hammer: A versatile tool for driving nails into the wall.
Nails: Traditional yet reliable for most hanging needs.
Picture Hooks: Ensures secure and stable hanging.
Tape Measure: Essential for accurate placement and spacing.
Pencil: Used for marking your spot on the wall
Spirit Level: Maintains straight alignment for a polished display.
Adhesive Strips: Ideal for damage-free hanging, especially for renters.
Specialty Hooks: Tailor your choice based on wall type for added versatility.
Considerate Weight Assessment: Ensure stability by selecting appropriate support based on your artwork’s weight.
Comfortable Workspace: Set up a well-lit area for precision in placement, allowing your art to shine effortlessly.
Optional: You may wish to use safety goggles if hammering nails. A pair of pliers may be helpful if you need to remove any pins or nails at any point.
Depending on your wall type, you might opt for adhesive strips or specialty hooks. Consider the weight of your artwork to ensure stability. Prepare a comfortable workspace with ample lighting for precise placement.
If you are hanging several pieces and require expert precision, considering purchasing a self-levelling laser beam tool and tripod online. I have used this when hanging my paintings at my exhibitions [LINK NEXT BLOG] and it’s an incredible tool for both saving time and increasing accuracy!
3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Hang a Picture on the Wall Using a Hook and Nail
Below are the simple steps required when using the traditional wall hanging method of a hook and nail. This method is effective for most type of wall art. However, larger or heavier items may need multiple hooks, or even drilled using wall plugs and screws.
1. Begin by measuring and marking the desired placement of your artwork, ensuring precision in positioning. It is often helpful to have someone stand back and advise on height while you hold the artwork. Make sure you won’t be hanging (and therefore nailing) directly above a power socket.
2. Use a pencil to lightly mark the top of the frame or artwork you are hanging.
3. Calculate the drop on the back of the artwork between the top and the string (when pulled vertically, as if the artwork is hanging) or frame hook where the nail will sit (pictured below)
4. Measure this same distance down from the line on wall where the top of your artwork will sit. Make sure to measure this line vertically down (you down want to accidentally hang your work to the left or right of the desired spot).
5. If hanging a larger piece that requires multiple hooks, use a spirit level to guarantee a straight alignment of your nails and therefore picture.
6. With the measured placement as your guide, confidently hammer the nail or insert the chosen hook, taking into account the type of wall for optimal stability. Position the nail slightly downwards so it will be secure within the wall.
7. Hang your artwork, making subtle adjustments if needed to achieve the desired visual impact.
8. Step back and take a moment to admire your perfectly placed piece!
You’re now equipped with all of the information needed to expertly hang your wall art. Below, I explore some key questions about hanging art at home – and also cover some key mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
4. How High Up Should My Pictures Be? The 57-Inch Rule
Hanging art – like art and interior design in general – is all a matter of choice. Consider the type and style of the artwork, the nature of the space for hanging, and other furniture in the room when choosing the desired height of your artwork on the wall.
However, to help simplify things, you may wish to use the ’57-inch as a starting point. The 57-inch rule, also known as the eye-level rule, is a guideline for hanging artwork at an optimal height. The idea is to centre the vertical midpoint (i.e., halfway up the height) of the artwork at approximately 57 inches (or 4 feet 9 inches) above the floor.
This measurement is based on average human eye level and aims to create a visually balanced and easily viewable arrangement. Following this guideline ensures that the artwork is at a height where it can be comfortably enjoyed by the majority of people, making it a common recommendation in the world of art and interior design.
5. Can I Hang Pictures Without Putting Holes in the Wall?
Yes! There are various wall-friendly alternatives for picture hanging that don’t use nails, and are perfect for preserving your walls. Embrace non-invasive options such as adhesive strips (such as Command strips), removable hooks, or tension rods. These choices not only allow for easy adjustments but also spare your walls from damage.
These methods are therefore popular among renters or those seeking more temporary displays. With these innovative solutions, you can curate your home gallery without the worry of holes.
6. How Do You Arrange Multiple Art Prints on the Wall?
Montage or feature walls are becoming increasingly popular. These are wall sections devoted to the display of multiple artworks or prints – often in a variety of sizes, artwork types and frames. These can make for a
Begin your captivating montage wall display by building around a central focal point and first artwork, and arranging your other pieces around this, working outwards. Experiment with diverse sizes and orientations to strike a harmonious balance in your composition.
Consider using templates or laying out the pieces on the floor for a preview before finalising their placement on the wall. This method allows you to gauge the overall aesthetic and make necessary adjustments, ensuring that each piece contributes cohesively to the gallery, resulting in a curated wall that reflects your artistic vision and enhances the visual appeal of your space.
[KERWIN CRYPT PRINT WALL PIC]
7. How Far Apart Should You Space Artwork on Your Wall?
Achieve visual cohesion by spacing multiple artworks strategically, maintaining a balanced gallery aesthetic. I’d recommend spacing pictures 3 to 6 inches apart to allow each individual piece room to ‘breathe’ (again, this is subjective and depends on the art you’re hanging).
This margin around each pieces will ensure your wall art forms a unified and engaging display, preventing any sense of disconnection between them. If, however, you wish for artworks to be viewed separately, I’d recommend leaving a significantly further distance between them so each has its space to shine.
8. How Many Walls in a Room Should Be Decorated?
Many experts would advise decorating one or two focal walls in a room to achieve a balanced visual impact. Strive for a harmonious blend of decor without overwhelming the space. Embrace negative space to prevent overcrowding, ensuring your chosen pieces stand out and create a visually pleasing atmosphere.
By selectively decorating specific walls with art, you strike the perfect balance, allowing your curated art to become a focal point while maintaining an overall sense of spaciousness and aesthetic harmony in the room. Read some other of my tips about decorating your home with prints in this article in The Telegraph.
9. What Is the Rule of Three in Decorating? Use Odd Numbers to Balance Your Wall Art
The Rule of Three in decorating is a design principle that suggests grouping items in sets of three for a visually appealing arrangement. This rule is based on the idea that odd-numbered groupings, particularly three (but also works with five and seven), create a more dynamic, intriguing and aesthetically pleasing composition than even-numbered groupings.
The asymmetry created by odd numbers tends to be more engaging and attractive to the eye, contributing to a harmonious and well-designed space. Incorporating this principle allows you to create a harmonious arrangement of your wall art that captures attention.
10. How Do I Keep My Wall Art and Pictures Level?
After hanging your art in the perfect spot, you can keep your wall art perfectly level and stable horizontally with the help of Command strips.
If your artwork is hung using string on the back of the frame, the piece may naturally ‘sag’ or lean off the wall slightly. 3D foam pads can be stuck towards the bottom of the artwork on the back for a flush fit against the wall (these can be purchased cheaply on Amazon).
These two uncomplicated yet effective tools can elevate the professionalism of your home display.
11. Key Picture-Hanging Mistakes To Avoid
While it’s clearly beneficial to learn from the best advice about hanging wall art, it’s equally helpful to be aware of the common mistakes you should seek to avoid. Below are a few key art-hanging pitfalls:
Getting Your Measurements Wrong:
This probably goes without saying, but even the most experienced art hangers can get confused and accidentally measure in the wrong direction or miscalculate their numbers. You don’t want to end up with holes in areas that won’t be covered by your artwork. Measure twice, cut once as they say.
Hanging Art Too High (or Low):
Optimal viewing height is at eye level, around 57 inches from the floor. Hanging too high can make the artwork feel disconnected from the room and existing décor, and just look awkward. Meanwhile, hanging too low may compromise its visibility and aesthetic impact.
Hanging Pictures Too Close Together:
Allow each piece to breathe. Crowded arrangements can diminish the impact of individual artworks. Aim for a balanced spacing of 3 to 4 inches between each piece to maintain a cohesive and visually pleasing display.
Hanging Clashing Styles of Art Next to Each Other:
Create a curated theme to unify your space. Avoid pairing artworks with conflicting styles, as this can disrupt the overall aesthetic and create visual discord. Aim for a cohesive narrative or complementary themes to enhance the overall ambiance.
Hanging Art That Clashes With Your Existing Furniture:
Achieve harmony by coordinating colours, styles, and sizes. Artwork should complement, not clash, with your furniture. Ensure a seamless look by selecting pieces that enhance your existing decor, creating a cohesive and well-integrated design.
Where Not to Hang Pictures?
Consider the environment of your space to preserve your artwork. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading, and steer clear spots above electrical sockets for safety. Refrain from hanging in narrow walkways to prevent visual clutter and the risk of artwork getting bumped into.
Keep artworks out of reach of young children and pets, and avoid wet areas (depending on the material of the artwork) to protect it from water or condensation damage over time. By steering clear of these pitfalls, you can ensure that your wall art not only enhances your space but does so in a visually pleasing and well-preserved manner.
Conclusion
Creating a stylish, vibrant and inviting art-filled space in your home is about paying attention to the details and having a good eye for what works. It’s equally about displaying your work in the correct way to add a professional feel to your walls.
Mastering the skill of hanging art allows you to craft a home gallery space that’s uniquely yours, reflecting your style and enhancing the overall feel of your space.
Whether you prefer traditional hooks, modern, hole-free adhesives, or a mix of both, the guidelines in this article provide you with practical tips that help you bring joy and inspiration into your home.
The fusion of art and design in your home should be a fulfilling, transformative journey. It is about finding that perfect balance where the aesthetics of your space blend seamlessly with the creative expressions hanging on your walls, making your home truly yours.
What is the most helpful piece of hanging advice in this article? Do let me know if you have further questions. Explore my own range of ‘By Kerwin’ music-inspired pop art paintings and shop prints from my online shop.
Read about how you can use pop art prints to breathe life into your home in my blog post here. Explore the rest of my blog section about wall art, prints and home decor tips here.
View my full range of Jackson Pollock-inspired pop art paintings and prints of your favourite music and pop culture icons at www.bykerwin.com. High-definition printing, fast worldwide delivery and satisfaction guaranteed. You can follow my art progress on Instagram and Facebook.
