Hanging Pictures 101

With the right tools and a little know-how, you can create an amazing wall display.

According to my mother, all you need to hang multiple picture frames properly is a good eye, a few nails, and a pair of hard-heel shoes for hammering. But for those who don't have Mom's innate sense of balance and proportion-or her shoe collection-we've gathered tips for hanging an arrangement of frames with precision. AMY BICKERS MERCER

Step 1: Attach one D-ring hanger to each side of the frame with a small screw, marking measurements one-third of the way from the top of the frame.

Step 2: Use wire cutters to cut a length of picture wire in a gauge (or weight) appropriate for the weight of each frame. The wire's length should be about 1 ½ times the width of the frame. Fold the wire in half with the center point landing about halfway between the top of the frame and the D-ring hangers. Pull the wire ends through the D-ring hangers, and wrap the wire around two or three times.

Step 3: Determine where to hang the pictures on the wall. Consider making a template of each picture with paper. Hang these with tape to make sure you like the positioning. As a good rule of thumb, place pictures at eye level (about 5 feet, 8 inches). If hanging them over furniture, put them 6 to 8 inches above the piece.

Step 4: Once you've determined the placement of all the pictures, use a level to draw a pencil line across the wall. This line ensures that the pictures will hang along the wall at the same height. A laser level with push pins can be attached to the wall to keep your hands free for drawing. The laser projects a visible level line. Use a metal straightedge to keep the pencil steady. Mark along the line where each picture hook will go into the wall.

Step 5: Install picture hooks with screws along the pencil line on the wall. Lightweight pictures also can be hung on 1-inch finishing nails. If a frame weighs more than 10 pounds, insert screws into wall studs, or use wall anchors.

Step 6: Position the wire hanger on the picture hook. After all frames are hung, use the level to straighten the arrangement. To keep each frame from slipping, add a bit of sticky putty, available at hardware stores, to the bottom corners to hold them in place.

Now, step back, and enjoy your gallery-worthy display.

MATERIALS

framed prints

D-ring hangers

screws

screwdriver

picture wire

wire cutter

paper

tape

level

pencil

metal straightedge

picture hooks

sticky putty

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2004
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