How to Hang a Picture

The art of hanging a picture

Pictures and art can heighten your space from blah to fab and showcase your personality. However, there are a few things to consider as you dive into the glorious art of picture hanging.

Types of picture hangers

Pictures often come with hangers. The most common types are saw-toothed, wire and D-rings.

The saw-toothed hanger is the most typical. Usually attached to the upper middle portion of the picture frame, it hangs on screw heads, nails, or hooks.

The wire hanger is better for heavier frames, art pieces and mirrors. It’s a thin wire attached to the middle and back sides of the frame. It can be hung onto a single nail or screw head, but two hooks are commonly used for added safety and balance.

D-rings add a level of complexity. You’ll need to measure the distance between the two rings, then position your screws so the rings can attach and remain level.

The wall

Before you hang anything on your walls, determine whether they’re made of plaster or drywall. Plaster tends to crack or crumble when bothered. Drywall, made from gypsum, is more common in most modern homes. However, gypsum isn’t stable enough for a nail to hold more than a few pounds on its own.

To overcome the stability issue with heavier pictures and artwork, find the studs or use anchors.

Studs

Wall studs are the vertical wooden frames in the structure of the wall. Hammering into a stud provides a sturdier and longer-term hold for the nail, allowing it to support heavier frames or art.

To find a stud, purchase a magnetic or electronic stud finder. A magnetic finder looks for nails or screws that identify the studs. It’s also good for plaster walls since it’s easier to differentiate between a stud and lathe.

However, if you’re like me, you’ll want to hang your picture wherever it looks good and not worry about finding a stud. In this case, consider the type of wall you have, and figure out what type of tool you’ll need depending on the weight of the picture.