Tips for Hanging Picture Frames

Some find hanging picture frames on the wall a bit tricky. When improperly framed, the picture frame may be lopsided; it may tilt forward or be always in danger of falling. Here are some tips to help you hang picture frame properly:

• Make a plan of where you will hang your picture frames. Before even drilling a hole on the wall, you should carefully make a diagram of which frame should go where. If you are hanging up a set of frames as a gallery display, keep spaces in mind. Each of these frames needs to be at a uniform distance from each other. The frames should not be too far apart or too close together. The aim is to produce a sense of balance for the frames on the wall. One surefire way to keep a uniform distance is to put some painter’s or masking tape between two frames as you hang them. Then, you can simply strip the tape off and use it as you hang yet another frame.
• Create a gallery that incorporates unity and diversity in the display. A visually attractive display will work to make things interesting. Too much uniformity will be too boring while too much diversity in the display will result in a messy and cluttered look. This depends on your sense of style. For example, you can have a set of antique picture frames in your display. However, try to use frames that have a similar color and design so that there is a sense of unity. If you want a more contemporary gallery display, use picture frames with the same color and which have simple lines.
• Hang the picture frame at eye level. The viewer should be able to look at the artwork without having to strain his neck. As a rule of thumb, the center of the picture frame should be around 56 to 58” above the floor. Be sure to remember the “drop” that is caused by the hanging wire.
• Add corner cushions at the back of the frame. These are rubberized strips or circles that allow the frame to more securely “stick” to the wall. This prevents shaking and jostling when a door is slammed or when someone bumps on the wall. With these cushions, you limit the possibility of the frame falling to the floor and breaking.
• When renovating, keep picture frames in mind. You can install hanging molding or picture frame ledges while you are redecorating. These two options make it easy to rearrange the frames. Hanging molding allows you use a rail hook so that there is no need to poke holes in the wall. The rail hook can be moved from side to side so that you can easily use frames of different sizes. Also, by using wires of different heights, you can also control the height where the picture frames are positioned. Ledges, on the other hand, are slim shelves that enable you to lean picture frames on the wall. This is also a flexible solution, as you can move the frames around as you please.
• Use blue tape when poking holes in the wall. Drywall can chip and crack if you drive a nail on it. Putting blue tape on the area where you will insert a nail prevents this from happening.
• Use the appropriate hanging gear. Frames can get heavy. The layers of glazing, matting and mounting board (as well as the photo) can add weight to the picture frame. Framed mirrors may be heavier. Make sure that your hanging gear is strong enough to bear the load. You can also use two wires so that each wire bears half of the weight.