Home Improvement

Tools You Definitely Need To Properly Hang Wall Art

By Laurie Gunning Grossman Jun 19, 2020 10:55 am EST

Bedroom with boho decor and basket hanging over bed.

Hunker in partnership with Acme Real Estate

When it comes to decorating our living spaces, the art we surround ourselves with is everything. It's our unique opportunity to display the things that we love, that inspire us, that make us feel something. And, in order to properly hang your art, you need to arm yourself with specific tools.

To begin, we suggest that you first search for any studs in the wall using a stud finder. A stud is an ideal way to support the weight of your piece without needing additional hardware. If the studs aren't available, or if your art piece is on the lighter side, you can use wall anchors. Find out here which anchor is right for you.

Stephen Paul for Hunker

Then, using a tape measure, mark your wall before you start drilling or hammering. Consider these few rules of thumb as you begin ...

Black and white shearling wall art with bench

Trisha Sprouse for Hunker

In general, hang art at eye level, around 57 to 60 inches above the floor. This is where the center of your art piece should be, not the hook.

Artwork over wood shelving unit with books

Matthew Williams

If you want to place art above a larger item, such as a sofa, bed, or shelving unit, it should be between four to six inches above the furniture. In addition, the art should be about two-thirds the length of the furniture. It will look best if the furniture piece is slightly bigger than the wall hanging.

Hunker in partnership with Acme Real Estate

We recommend that you use a level to ensure that your hanging is balanced and even. This gives it that clean, professional look.

Trisha Sprouse for Hunker

For gallery walls, a helpful trick is to first lay out your items on the floor and arrange it there until you get the look and feel you want. You can also use pieces of paper cut to size, and hang with painter's tape.

Stephen Paul for Hunker

Ideally, the art or photos should be spaced anywhere between two to three inches apart — but then again, it's your wall, your rules. Do what feels and looks best to you. That's really all that matters.