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How to Hang Art

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Category: Home Decor

Hanging a piece of art on a wall can take forever -- leveling and measuring just to have to start over again. Kristan shares her trade secret to make the process a snap.

Step 1
Trace the frames that you intend to hang onto foamcore and cut out.

Step 2
Place your foam "frames" on the wall in various places until you have an arrangement that you're happy with. By using these foam frames and painters tape, you can rearrange your gallery as many times as necessary -- without making holes in your wall.

Step 3
Remove foam from wall and make marks for nails/ hangers. Using the teeth of a comb, hold your nail in place on the mark, then hammer into the wall. This will keep your fingers out of the way.

Step 4
Add bumpers to the bottom corners of the frame. These will "grab" the wall, eliminating any skid or scratch marks, while keeping the frame itself level -- side to side and top to bottom.

Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret

  • foamcore
  • razor to cut foamcore
  • painters tape
  • comb
  • hammer
  • nails
  • frame bumpers

Step 1: Measure Up
One of the toughest decorating jobs is hanging art on your walls. Make it easier in a few steps. First, measure the frames you want to hang on newspaper, craft paper or foam core.

Step 2: Shape Shifter
Cut out the frame pieces and use painters tape to stick them to the walls. Then play around with them to see where they look best. You can change your mind before you start drilling holes into the wall.

Step 3: Rule of Thirds
A good general rule is to hang art in the middle third of the wall. Use 5’ 6” (average height of a person) as the center line for your focal point.

Step 4: Comb It Out
Here’s a great secret: use a hair comb to hold the nail in place between the teeth while you hammer it into the wall. And you won’t accidentally hammer your finger!

Step 5: Stay Secure
Step 5: Stay Secure Stick clear bumpers on the back corners of your frames to hold them in place on the wall.

Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret

  • newspaper, craft paper or foam core
  • scissors
  • painters tape
  • drill
  • screws
  • hair comb
  • picture bumpers

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6 Comments

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Opryfan650wsm

This is the best idea i have seen in a long time.It is a cheap and safe way without putting holes you dont want. I love the comb idea.i learned 2 new ideas to hang a group of pictures.thanks kristan.

April 14 2012 at 8:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kathryn

The tips you show are great but what about hanging larger pictures that need to br hung higher up? Or over a fire place mantel? Any tips for those situations?

January 29 2012 at 7:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
orndorfa

Hi,
Thank you for the tips. I will be trying the pictures. I have lots sitting in the china cabinet.
Ann

January 29 2012 at 6:02 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
beadlacing

Kristan,

You demonstrated how pictures were hung in the last century using a butcher paper.
In the 21 century various wall arrangements can be designed with WallPlanner software and pictures are hung using AccuHang wireless technology.
To see an example go to: http://designedition50.icovia.com/icovia.aspx?projguid=003F5A45-85F3-433C-B51C-B112130C131F
You may try to make your own designs.

October 03 2011 at 9:47 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jd2813

Kristan, you have no idea how much grief this tip is going to save me next month when I move. Thank you.

July 03 2011 at 9:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
paulinegm

The bumper feet work great on a hanging piece of art, except you should note that they do need to be changed after a period of time or they will discolor, melt, and leave a dripping stain on the wall.

July 03 2011 at 6:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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