Picture Hanging Tips: Simple Steps to Hang Art Like a Pro

Got a new print, a family photo, or a decorative mirror you want to show off? Hanging it straight and safe doesn’t have to be a puzzle. Below are clear, no‑nonsense tips you can start using right now.

Pick the Right Tools and Hardware

First thing – know what your wall is made of. Drywall, plaster, concrete, and brick each need a different anchor. For drywall, a simple picture hook or a small plastic wall plug works fine for pieces under 5 kg. If you’re dealing with plaster, a metal anchor gives better grip. Concrete or brick? Grab a hammer drill and a masonry bit, then use a sleeve anchor.

Next, choose the hanging method. Most frames have a D‑ring or a wire. A D‑ring is easiest – just match a single hook to the ring. If the frame has a wire, use two hooks spaced a few inches apart; this spreads the weight and reduces sag.

Don’t forget the level. A cheap bubble level or even a smartphone app will keep your art straight. And grab a tape measure – measuring from floor to ceiling helps you place art at eye level, which is usually around 57‑60 inches from the floor.

Step‑by‑Step Hanging Process

1. Mark the spot. Use a pencil to make a tiny dot where the top of the frame will sit. If you’re using two hooks, mark both points and double‑check the distance matches the frame’s width.

2. Drill the pilot hole. Hold the drill straight and go just deep enough for the anchor. For drywall, a ¼‑inch bit is enough; for brick, a ½‑inch masonry bit does the job.

3. Insert the anchor. Gently tap it flush with the wall surface. If it feels loose, tap a bit more – the anchor should sit snugly.

4. Screw in the hook. Turn it by hand until it feels firm. Don’t overtighten; you want it to hold the weight, not strip the anchor.

5. Hang the frame. Lift the piece and place the D‑ring or wire onto the hook(s). Step back and use the level to confirm it’s straight.

6. Adjust if needed. If the frame tilts, loosen the hook just enough, shift the frame, and retighten.

A quick extra: wrap a small piece of painter’s tape over the pencil mark after you’re done. It protects the wall and shows future DIYers where you already hung something.

Now you’ve got a solid, long‑lasting hang. If you notice the frame slipping after a few weeks, it likely means the wall was too soft or the anchor wasn’t deep enough. In that case, pull the hook out, use a longer anchor, and try again.

Remember, the key is matching the right hardware to the wall type and keeping things level. With these picture hanging tips, you’ll turn any blank wall into a gallery without stress or damage.