Not too high, not too low. Get it straight, get it centered. You’d think hanging a picture would be simple. It’s not always, but these tricks will help.
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My ex and I had a rhythm; if we were itching for an argument, we’d just hang a picture together. I’m a contractor, I’ve worked on million-dollar homes, and she appreciated my talent and expertise in all things, except the proper height of a picture.
That’s not why we split up, and we’re still best friends, more like family really, but we don’t hang pictures together. (Truth be told, she does a pretty awesome job of picture hanging without me.)
The real trick to perfect picture hanging is actually in the fastener, bigger is NOT, in this case, better.
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From now on, to avoid arguments with any future housemates, I’ll use this handy guide for measuring the perfect height for pictures.
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But just in case you’ve had the height discussion, let me start with a reference to a non-biased source of wisdom about the proper height for hanging pictures. When I read this page I was suddenly enlightened about the cause of many picture-related relationship woes.
“Common knowledge tells us to display artwork at eye level …”
Really? WHOSE eye level? No wonder my ex always insisted I hung pictures too high!
The measurement is somewhat up for debate, but according to art galleries and museums the appropriate rule-of-thumb “eye level” to the center of the picture turns out to be about 57” from the floor. I know – those of you that are 6’6” will disagree, but for the rest of the “normal” world this number works very well.
From now on, to avoid arguments with any future housemates, I’ll use this handy guide for measuring the perfect height for pictures.
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So about those fasteners — which is the thing most people get wrong.
Bigger is not better. In fact, bigger just tears up drywall and might even be less stable if not inserted at the proper angle.
For small pictures with a simple bracket style hanger clip all you need is a “4 penny” box nail. The head on the nail will suffice to grab the bracket and if driven at a slight downward angle the picture will be very unlikely to sag or pull downward.
Larger pictures with picture wire require a more robust fastener – this is my favorite, the built in angle allows the nail to catch more drywall or plaster which adds strength. If you feel one isn’t quite enough, just put two fasteners a few inches apart (remember to adjust for height as this will shorten the picture wire.)
The magic fastener shown in the article I sent you to for guidelines on height also has images and instructions for something called a “monkey hook.” This little gadget doesn’t even require tools to install (so long as you’re hanging your picture on drywall) and it’s durable and stable for even medium to large pictures unless the frame is really heavy.
Extremely heavy pictures or mirrors may require a wall anchor type fastener. Don’t get too crazy with the size of the anchor, as with angle style of hanger you can simply use two side by side for more strength. (Again, adjust for height, no sense starting an argument.) Leave the screw for the anchor about 1/8” to 1⁄4” from the anchor depending on the size of the picture wire.
Angle is everything, too straight and the picture won’t stay on the hook. Slanted up too much and you’ll have a hard time getting the bracket or wire onto the nail or hook. If you look at the picture of the hanger above you’ll see the perfect angle for any bracket or nail, which is one reason that this type of hanger is my favorite – it leaves no room for mistakes.
So now you have an expert guide on hanging pictures to please most eyes, and you’ll never again use a big nail when a monkey hook or angled bracket will do.
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Title Photo: Flickr/Amy Lyford
Additional Photo supplied by author
My picture hanging problem is after the nails are in. I have a hard time getting the hook on the back of the picture to catch on the nail, even when it is easy to locate. A lot of them will just lie flat against the back the the frame as I try. What do you do?
“Bigger is not better. In fact, bigger just tears up drywall and might even be less stable if not inserted at the proper angle.”…hey Tom, did your ex give you this quote?? ;-))
What about for those of us with brick or plaster walls?