A picture hung too high, off-centre or crooked can throw off a whole room. The good news: hanging frames properly takes just a few minutes and a couple of basic tools. Here's how to do it like a professional.
What you'll need
- A tape measure
- A pencil
- A spirit level (or a level app on your phone)
- Picture hooks, or wall plugs and screws suited to your wall
Hang at the right height
The single most common mistake is hanging pictures too high. As a rule, the centre of the picture should sit about 145–150 cm from the floor – roughly eye level for most people, and the standard used in galleries. Above a sofa or sideboard, leave a gap of around 15–25 cm between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame.
Measure and mark
- Decide the height for the centre of the picture and make a light pencil mark.
- Measure from the top of the frame down to the hanging wire or bracket when it's pulled taut.
- Transfer that measurement up from your centre mark to find the exact hook position.
- Check it's level before you commit.
Hanging a gallery wall
For a group of frames, lay them out on the floor first until you're happy with the arrangement, keeping a consistent gap of around 5–8 cm between frames. Cut paper templates the size of each frame and tape them to the wall to preview the layout before you make a single hole.
A few pro tips
- Use two hooks spaced apart for heavier or wider frames – they stay level and are less likely to shift.
- A small blob of putty behind each bottom corner keeps frames straight.
- Always check the wall for hidden pipes and cables before drilling.
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