The Best Way To Hang Pictures, According To An Expert

A properly hung picture can really bring a space together, providing visual interest and a finishing touch to otherwise-bare walls. But hanging pictures, whether a gallery wall or just a special family photo, can be trickier than you think—hardware needs to be carefully installed, frames need to be level, and everything needs to be thoughtfully placed.

So, we spoke with picture-hanging expert Lucie Voves, CEO and founder of custom frame company Church Hill Classics. Here’s the best way to hang a picture.

What You’ll Need

  • Paper
  • Painters’ tape
  • Pencil
  • Level
  • Hammer and nails
  • Drill, screw, and anchor
  • Wall-specific hardware (optional)

Before You Begin

You’ll need to do two things before you start hanging any photos: determine eye level and decide where your frame will go. Voves recommends hanging photos at eye level, aka, 55-60 inches from the ground. This keeps photos not too high and not too low, and it ensures they stay within the line of sight.

Voves also says to “plan out your art placement before hammering any nails into the wall. Use frame-size paper templates on your wall to help you visualize the arrangement.” You can even keep these templates on the wall for a few days to see how you like their look.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging Pictures

Mark the Template

Once your paper templates are in place, place a level on top of them to make sure each “frame” is completely straight. Then measure how far down the hanging hardware is from the top of the frame. Mark that spot (or spots) on the paper template.

Install the Hardware

If your picture’s frame is quite small and lightweight, you may only need a few nails to hang it. Hammer the nail on top of the marked spot on the template. A 1/4 to a 1/2 inch of nail should be sticking out of the wall.

Heavier picture frames will need anchors and screws. Use a drywall drill bit to drill a hole the width of your anchor. Place the anchor into the hole, then slowly drill the screw into the anchor, leaving about a 1/4 to a 1/2 inch of overhang.

Hang the Picture

Place the picture frame on top of the hardware, then wiggle it to make sure it’s secure. If it’s not, adjust the hardware as needed. If everything looks good, remove the paper template from behind the screws or nails. Use a level to double check that the frame is straight.

Alternative Ways to Hang a Picture

Can’t make holes in your walls? Try using stick-on picture hangers instead. These typically come in either strip or hook form. Follow the picture hangers’ instructions carefully for a secure and long-lasting hold.

Another hole-free way to hang a picture is to lean them against existing shelving or walls. You can place a small strip of adhesive where the bottom of the frame meets the shelf to keep the picture from sliding forward.

Common Issues

If your frame is crooked, use a level to make it straight again. If it won’t stay straight on the hardware you’ve installed, reinstall the hardware and try to be as precise as possible.

If your picture shows signs of slipping off of its nail or screw, screw the hardware in closer to the wall. If it still leans forward, your frame may be too heavy. Reinstall the hardware on a stud instead.

How to Hang Pictures on Different Types of Walls

Drywall is one of the best types of wall to hang pictures on, as it’s easy to drill into and easy to cover up mistakes. But you can hang frames on other types of walls too. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Brick: You’ll need masonry screws, anchors, drill bits to hang anything on brick. Make sure you know exactly where you need holes to go—it’s much harder to cover up an errant hole in brick than it is with drywall.
  • Plaster: Don’t use a hammer and nail on old plaster, as it can cause the wall to crack or break. Use specially made plaster screws instead.
  • Tile: Hang pictures on tile with care—make a wrong move and you could crack a whole tile. See if you can install any hardware into the tile mortar instead. If you can’t, measure where your hole needs to be multiple times and use a diamond-head drill bit to make your hole. Make sure to clean the tile first.

Expert Decorating Tips

  • “Don’t overcrowd a wall; leave enough space around each piece (at least 2-3 inches) to let it breathe and stand out,” says Voves.
  • Remember scale and proportion. Don’t hang really small pictures on oversized walls, and vice versa.
  • Follow the 2/3 rule when hanging art: “The width of the art (or, if creating a gallery wall, the combined width of multiple pieces) should be approximately two-thirds the width of the furniture piece below it,” says Voves.

Frequently Asked Questions


  • How can I hang pictures without damaging the walls?

    Make sure you hang pictures correctly for whatever type of wall you have, especially if it’s brick or tile. Measure everything multiple times to ensure you need to drill as few holes as possible.


  • How do I create a gallery wall with multiple pictures?

    Trace the outline of your frames onto paper, then cut out the templates and tape them onto the wall, experimenting with their placement. Remember not to crowd any pictures or hang things too low or high.

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