Family Encyclopedia >> Home & Garden

Tips for hanging images

If the space includes a large wall and a lot of floor space, make some decisions by arranging the artwork on the floor first. Measure how far they should be from each other. Then take one at a time and place them on the wall.

Another option is to make a template of each piece to hang. Simply trace around the outside of the frame on kraft paper, cut out the shape, and label it. Also draw an arrow on it to indicate if the art is vertical or horizontal.

Attach the stencils to the wall with a product known as reusable adhesive, which looks a bit like putty or chewing gum. Will not rip pieces off the wall or paper patterns.

Consider grouping four small images of the same size into a square of four, to give the illusion of a larger image.

There doesn't always have to be four in a group. Consider using a larger image in the center. Then place two smaller images on either side of the large image, spaced vertically to roughly equal the length of the larger frame. Or, instead of the larger image, use a larger mirror.

Not all frames will always match the sizes, so these are approximate and are just trying to balance the impact of the frames, they don't match them perfectly.

Always hang photos at eye level.

If you hang a picture above a sofa, don't leave too much space on the wall between the sofa and the picture. Try three to six inches. If you go higher, the viewer's eye will simply go to the wall, not the image.

Don't put a small picture on a big wall. It looks ridiculous. If there isn't enough artwork to fill more space on a large wall, consider placing mirrors or a shadow box in the grouping.

Conversely, don't overload a small wall with a large image.

Consider the images of resting on bookshelves attached directly to a wall. Or display them on a dish rack instead of plates.

Nor do the images have to always be on a wall. Consider a bamboo easel for Asian-inspired décor. Wrought iron or wood trestles are also available, so choose one that complements the look of the house.

There are many ways to improve the way images are displayed with image studs and various controls.

As for physically hanging the pictures on the wall, look for a picture hanging kit at the hardware or home store. It will include everything you need. And keep in mind that the weight of the image will determine what size hook to use. For a very large image, use two hooks.

Also consider the many decorative eye screws available for hanging pictures. Screw them to the top of the frame, and then hang the frame from a wire attached to a screw in the wall. Instead of wire, consider using decorative French tape to hang the frame from the wall.

For photos that will be displayed together, consider having all photos framed in a compatible way. Frames can be in multiple patterns of the same color or material and must all be the same matte color. Mixing wood framed pictures with metal framed pictures works best in an eclectic home. For a more formal look, try keeping the same color for all frames. Arrange the variety of pictures on the wall to form a gallery-style display.