We all think twice before opening a hole in the wall, worried we're doing it in the wrong place or we're not using the correct nail or fitting for the art we're about to hang. But it needn't be so fretful an experience. In this article we cover the basic steps you can take to ensure everything runs smoothly when hanging your prints in your home.
If you've read our art journal article How to style it then you'll have decided where to display your prints and you're now ready to hang them on the wall. While you'll have a rough idea of what prints go together and where, it's time to make sure you accurately measure everything. When doing so, be sure to measure the framed print - don't base your measurements on unframed prints - and decide how much space you'd like to have between your prints and between the prints and any surrounding furniture or interior features.
If you're comfortable with drawing or with creative computer programs, then you'll be able to sketch out a to-scale plan of the proportions and measurements to see how and whether everything will fit as planned and as you'd like it to. A good alternative to this is to lay your framed prints out on the floor and play with the spaces between them and their layout before hanging. Try different print combinations and layouts, make bold decisions to see what the result might be - at this stage you can always go back to an earlier layout if you don't like the result.
When you've made your final decisions about layout it's time to measure and map out your hanging system on your wall. For this you'll need a detector, a tape measure, a spirit level and a pencil. When plotting out where to place your screws and nails, make sure you measure according to where the hanging bracket is on the frame and not according to the top of the print. Always use a detector to locate cables and pipes before opening holes - don't open holes along the routes that these take along your walls.
For art walls, make sure your central print is positioned at eye level, that is, 150cm from the floor as a standard rule. For individual prints, stick to this same 150cm from the floor measurement. This consistency across your walls helps to add balance and order to your home, as well as ensuring that you can always see your prints easily.
If you're hanging light works, such as an A4 print, then a simple two-pin picture hook will be enough to safely take the weight. For heavier artworks you'll need to use a screw or a screw firmly fit into a wall plug. When hanging on plasterboard be sure to locate the horizontal and vertical wooden beams that run behind it. By hanging your work where there's a beam you'll be giving it more stability.
Another hanging option for light works is to use adhesive picture hanging strips. These allow you to stick a work to a wall without opening a hole. Be sure to check the maximum weight capacity for each brand in the manufacturers instructions.
Last but not least, once you've hung the last work, take the time to kick back in your favourite chair with a cup of coffee and enjoy your new art prints!