There are many different ways to hang art, I’m sure you’ve seen a few while scrolling on the internet.

When it comes to decorating your home, hanging art is a great way to add some personality and style. It can be intimidating figuring out the best way to measure and hang your art. No one wants to hammer a nail into a newly painted wall only to realize the painting would’ve been better in another room. Or use hang strips that don’t come off clean. Here are some helpful tips to make the process easier for you:

Start by choosing the right spot for your art. One thing I do to figure out where I want to hang art is; leave the art in the room I want it to stay in. If it’s a large piece, I leave it on the floor, if the art is small I place it on a temporary table against the wall where I’d like to hang it. Look at the art as the sun comes up, goes down, even at night and from different perspectives.

When you are ready, and know you’ve found the perfect spot for it here are a few things you will need to hang the art:

Measuring tape, pencil (to write down the measurements and mark the wall), picture hangers, screws, or nails and a level.

• Measure the wall where you want to hang the artwork. Make sure to measure both the height and width of the space and take note of any other features of the wall, such as light switches or outlets, that might affect the placement of the artwork.
• Choose the right size of art: Based on the measurements you’ve taken, choose an artwork that is the right size for the space. A general rule of thumb is to choose a piece that will fill two-thirds to three-fourths of your available wall space.
• Consider the size of the piece, the lighting in the room, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Also, be mindful of any furniture or other items near the wall where you plan to hang the art. If you want to hang the art above large furniture follow the same general rule above and find a work that is two-thirds to three-fourths smaller than your furniture.
• Measure the height at which you want to hang the art. A general rule of thumb is to hang the art at eye level. (Not sure about you but that being a general rule is strange to me. What if I’m not ‘average height?’) Anyways, If you measure about 57 inches from the floor, that’s ‘average height.’ A caveat to that is, that it varies depending on the height of your ceilings and the size of the art.
• For larger pieces, make sure that the wall is strong enough to support the weight of the piece and that it’s at an appropriate height to be viewed comfortably. Don’t hang your art at break neck height!
• Determine the placement of the hanger on the back of the art. Measure the distance from the top of the art to the picture hanger that will be nailed or stuck to the wall. If you’re using damage free hang strips, check the max weight and choose the right strips for the weight of your art. Depending on the strips, you might need to use more than one so its best to follow the directions on the package. Mark the distance on the wall where you plan to hang the art.
• Now that that’s set, use the appropriate hardware to hang the art securely on the wall. This may include picture hangers, hanging strips, screws, or nails depending on the weight and size of the art.
• Finally, use a level to make sure the art is straight. This is especially important if you are hanging multiple pieces in a gallery wall. Or if you know someone that will notice your art is crooked. Hey, everyone has that one friend that’ll shout it to the rooftops in the middle of potluck. “OMG your art is sooo crooked!” Leaving you to run to the washroom and cry for hours.

Notice, you measured your wall, the art and then where the hanger for the art would go? Please keep in mind that it’s always better to measure more often than less. What’s that saying that carpenters use? Measure twice and cut once? Hopefully, there won’t be any cutting, but you get the drift. I usually measure each 3-4 times, to be sure. You know me and numbers, that’s all I have to say about that.

With these tips, you can confidently measure and hang your art on the walls of your home, creating a beautiful and personalized space.