browse more videos

Picture Hanging Perfection: Getting Those Pictures on Your Walls

Hanging Pictures Checklist by author Meghan Carter

  • Step-by-step instructions for how to hang pictures.
  • video
  • article
  • checklist
  • e-mail
  • print
  • share
What you will need to Hang Pictures

  • A Hammer
  • A Picture in a Frame with Something on the Back to Hang it With
  • A Picture Hanger
  • Painters Tape
  • A Pen
  • A Tape Measure

Steps for Hanging Pictures Centered on a Wall

  • Determine the weight of your picture.
  • Purchase picture hangers that are strong enough to hold the weight of your picture.
  • Decide where you want your picture to be on the wall.
  • Hold the picture up on the wall where you want it.
  • Measure the distance from the top of the ceiling to the top of the picture frame.
  • Write that distance down.
  • From Ceiling to top of Frame: __________________________
  • Set the picture on the floor.
  • If the picture is to be hung by a wire, pull the center of the wire up towards the top of the frame until it is taught, and hold it there.
  • Measure the Distance from the top of the frame to bottom edge of what will be hung on the picture hanger. If it is a wire, measure from the top of the frame to the highest point of the wire when it is being pulled taught up towards the top of the frame.
  • Write that distance down.
  • From Top of Frame to Hanging Device: _____________________
  • Add the distance from the ceiling to the frame and the distance from the frame to the hanging device together.
    • ______________________ + ___________________ = ______________
  • That sum is the distance from the ceiling to where the picture hanger should go.
  • Measure that distance from the ceiling and gently put a piece of painters tape on that point.
  • Make a mark on the painters tape at the exact distance.
  • Measure the total width of the area where you want the picture to hang.
  • Write that distance down:
  • Width of where picture is to hang: ______________________
  • Divide that distance by two to find the center point:
    • _______________ / 2 = _________________________
  • Measure that center-point distance from one side of the area where the picture is to hang.

  • Place a piece of painters tape at the spot.
  • Mark on the tape the exact location with a pen or pencil.
  • Find the point where the center point on the wall and the distance from the ceiling intersect.
  • Mark that point with a pen or pencil.
  • Nail the picture hanger to the wall.
  • Hang your picture up.
  • Stand back and enjoy your perfectly centered picture.

Steps for Hanging Pictures in an Arrangement

  • Determine the weight of your picture.
  • Purchase picture hangers that are strong enough to hold the weight of your picture.
  • Decide where you want your picture to be on the wall.
  • Hold the picture up on the wall where you want it to go.
  • Measure the distance from the top of the ceiling to the top of the picture frame.
  • Measure the distance from the nearest wall or door frame to the edge of the picture frame.
  • Write those distances down.
  • From Ceiling to top of Picture Frame: __________________________
  • From Wall or Door Frame to Picture Frame: ______________________
  • Set the picture on the floor.
  • If the picture is to be hung by a wire, pull the center of the wire up towards the top of the frame until it is taught and hold it there.
  • Measure the Distance from the top of the frame to bottom edge of what will be hung on the picture hanger. If it is a wire, measure from the top of the frame to the highest point of the wire when it is being pulled taught up towards the top of the frame.
  • Write that distance down.
  • From Top of Frame to Hanging Device: _____________________
  • Add the distance from the ceiling to the frame and the distance from the frame to the hanging device together.
    • ______________________ + ___________________ = ______________
  • That sum is distance from the ceiling where the picture hanger should go.
  • Measure that distance from the ceiling and gently put a piece of painters tape on that point.
  • Make a mark on the painters tape at the exact distance.
  • Measure the total width of your picture frame.
  • Write that width down:
  • Width of picture frame: ______________________
  • Divide the width of the picture frame by two:
    • _______________ / 2 = _____________
  • Add that number to the distance from the Wall or Door Frame to Picture Frame to find the location of the center point of where the picture is to be hung:
    • ________________ + __________________ = ___________________
  • Measure that distance from the wall or door frame.
  • Put a piece of painters tape on that spot.
  • Use a pen or pencil to mark the exact location.
  • Find the point where the center point of where the picture is to hang and the distance from the ceiling intersect.
  • Mark that point with a pen or pencil.
  • Nail the picture hanger to the wall.
  • Hang your picture up.
  • Stand back and enjoy your newly hung picture.




content reader

image
image

suggestions

e-mail alerts

questions

©2006-2008 AsktheDecorator.com
close

We're a slave for you - litterally. We work day and night trying to make this Web site the best it can be, and we could use your help. Tell us what you want, because we want to hear it.

Name:
Email Address:
Your Suggestions:
close

Love my videos but don't have the time to visit Ask the Decorator every day? I understand. That's why I offer e-mail alerts.

By signing up for the e-mail alerts, you'll receive an e-mail each time two new videos are published on Ask the Decorator. The e-mail will have the headline for each video along with a short summary.

If you're interested in the video, click on the headline and you'll be taken straight to that video. If none of the videos interest you, trash the e-mail and move on with your day without wasting the time of visiting my Web site. Brilliant, I know. Hey, I'll do anything to make your life easier. Just ask, or in this case, sign up.

Name:
E-mail:
close

I know how frustrated you are. We've all been there. No matter what search term you type in you can't find what you're looking for. Well, search no more. Simply fill out the form below to send your decorating dilemma straight to me. I'll think over it for a while and send you an answer as soon as I can.

Name:
Email Address:
What is the style of your home?
What colors do you use in your room?
Please describe the layout and size or your room.
What feeling or look are you trying to achieve?
Any additional comments:
Upload an image.
close

Sharing articles is a great way to help others and keep track of your favorites, too. Click on a social bookmark service below to share and save this article. If you want to know more about social bookmarking, read this article.

close

Each topic I cover is divided into three segments: a video, article and checklist. That way you can dive right in with a video, skim the quick tips from a checklists or ensure you make the right decision for your home with an in-depth article. I want you to have the information you need in the way you need it.