How to Hang Pictures Like a Pro

At Stylish Staging & Design, we approach each home staging or redesign project by providing expertise in design and layout to create a stunning and effective strategy for creating beautiful and functional living spaces. When staging a house to sell, we want to create inviting living spaces that appeal to potential buyers. Part of our home staging services is hanging art in the most attractive configuration. The following are our tips for hanging pictures like a pro.

Step 1 - Plan by considering weight, size, and wall material.

Step 2 - Gather supplies: hammer, measuring tape, pencil, nails, hangers, stud finder, screws, screwdriver, hooks, and clamps. Check the picture's hanging hardware.

Step 3: Create a plan for hanging framed pictures at the right height. Position the center of your artwork at 57 - 60 inches above the ground. Use a pencil to mark this height on the wall. Find the midpoint of the wall and mark it. Measure the distance between the midpoint and where the artwork will hang. Mark this spot and hang your artwork securely there. To visually plan your design without damaging the wall, use painter's tape. Measure the frames, hang tape to mimic the arrangement, and try visualization apps. Remember, art hanging is subjective; trust your judgment.

Step 4: Hang the item by marking the spot, hanging it on a stud, or using an anchor-and-screw method.

Step 5: Get creative with your art display by leaning pieces against furniture or walls, using a shallow picture shelf for those you often rearrange, or a picture rail for a more formal look. Leave some pieces unframed for a unique charm. Break the rules on scale and placement; choose and display what makes you happy.

Remember that when hanging art above a sofa, you don’t want the art to feel disconnected from the scene by hanging it too high. A good rule of thumb is 6 to 10 inches above an average height sofa. When hanging art above a buffet, the optimal location will depend on the height of the buffet. Let's use a 32” to 33” inch tall one. We recommend around 6 inches above the buffet. Keep in mind that the middle of the art should fall around 57” - 60” from the floor.

Be careful when deciding where you hang your art. Hanging art where it gets direct sunlight can damage your artwork. Utilizing blinds or curtains to keep your art safe during that time of day will help avoid degradation of your art from sunlight exposure.

We recommend that you have another person hold up the art where you want it, so you can see how it looks. Ensure that you like how that art looks and that the placement is correct. If you're hanging two art pieces side by side or above each other, a 2” distance between the art is a nice spacing, keeping them slightly apart to create an appealing visual effect.

If your art has D-rings on either side of the piece, we recommend that you use those, and do not string a wire. Your artwork will stay straight, and depending on the weight of your piece, it will be more stable.

Remembering these guidelines will help you make the most of your photos, art, and collections. Be creative and have fun with what you like and how it makes you and your spaces feel! If you desire professional help, Stylish Staging & Home Design offers consultations and redesigns, as well as assistance if you’re just looking to refresh your space.