Nothing is more frustrating than struggling to hang a picture because no one likes to see a crooked frame or hear a bang when it falls to the ground. Hanging pictures correctly requires some thought and a little skill. If you’d like to avoid frustration and save time in the process, hire a professional to hang your picture frames, artwork, and more.

When you need straight, secure, professionally hung pictures in your home, call your local Mr. Handyman. We can get the job done no matter what size, shape, and weight of the frame, and we can get your project done right the first time. Need help with other projects around the house, we’re ready to get all the projects on your to-do list done.

Hanging Picture

We can hang a wide variety of items on your wall, such as:

  • Family Portraits
  • Mirrors
  • Paintings
  • Art Work
  • Clocks
  • Certificates
  • Degrees & Diplomas
  • Animal Mounts

Professional Picture Hanging Tips:

  • Hang pictures so the middle of the frame is at eye level for an average height person.
  • Use good hardware to hang pictures to ensure they don’t fall from the weight of the frame.
  • If, and when available, hang items from a wall stud for better stability.
  • A bit of planning can go a long way when it comes to hanging art. Place artwork in its designated spot prior to hanging it on the wall to get a feel for how it will look.
  • For very large paintings and pictures, hire professional picture-hanging services to ensure proper placement and stability.

Tips on Hanging Pictures on Drywall

Interested in hanging some pictures yourself but concerned you’ll damage the walls? We recommend calling one of our picture-hanging professionals. However, if you’d like to do it yourself, consider the following tips:

  • Pick the lightest possible frame for your pictures or artwork because drywall can only support a specific amount of weight.
  • Make sure you use the proper supports when hanging heavier items. Use wall fasteners that are rated for specific weights, and, when possible, use a stud finder. Locating and utilizing studs to hang your items will add stability and allow you to hang heavier items.
  • Remember that mistakes are fixable. Our team of drywall repair experts can repair your damaged drywall and make it look like nothing ever happened.

Professional Picture Hanging FAQ

What is the best method for hanging pictures?

A wall stud provides the best support for hanging pictures and other items that have substantial weight. Therefore, if you can locate a stud to hang your frame or artwork, this is ideal since it will provide more support. For heavy pictures, use screws or specially designed wall mounts to hang your items. Screws generally provide even more support than nails. If a stud isn’t present where you’re hanging your picture, try using a hollow wall anchor, like a toggle bolt, molly bolt, or spiral anchor to secure the frame to the drywall.

Utilizing high-quality hangers and hooks will often work better than screws and nails for securing items to a wall. If you need help hanging items around the house, your local Mr. Handyman offers picture-hanging services that can help you get it all done, without the frustration and effort.

Is there a formula for hanging pictures?

Before determining the exact location of the items, you intend to hang, you’ll need to do a little prep work. First, try to locate the wall studs in the area where you plan to hang your item(s). If you find the stud(s), arrange the items in a way that you think looks the best.

A good formula for hanging items is to position the center of the piece 57 inches (1.45 meters) above the floor. This is a generally accepted height for hanging items since it puts the center of the piece at about eye level for an average person. This helps ensure your wall hanging receives the appreciation they deserve.

If the item you are hanging has a wire that it will hang from, use the formula x-y + 57 to position your hardware perfectly. In this formula “x” is half of the height of the frame, while “y” is the distance between the top of the wire when pulled up and the top of the frame. Need help figuring it all out? Reach out to Mr. Handyman for professional picture hanging services.

How do professionals hang pictures?

To hang pictures like a pro, you need to keep a few things in mind. First, make sure you have the right equipment. Good fasteners and a stud finder can help make hanging items a lot easier. Keep a tape measure and level close by for accuracy.

Use wall hangers and picture hooks that are specifically designed for the items you are hanging. Make sure they are rated for the weight of the item you’re hanging. If the item uses a wire for hanging, use two hooks or wall hangers for extra stability. This can keep pieces from falling and help improve its stability.

How can I minimize wall damage when hanging items?

Sticky tape or adhesive wall hooks are a few of the best ways to minimize damage to your walls when hanging items. If the item you intend to hang isn’t heavy, these methods are an excellent alternative to nails, screws, wall hangers, and/or hooks.

Whether you need help hanging items around your home, or help repairing damage to your drywall, your local Mr. Handyman is ready to help. Call, or schedule an appointment online today!

All Mr. Handyman franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about picture-hanging services offered in your area, contact your local Mr. Handyman for details or a customized on-site assessment.

Picture-Hanging FAQs

For over 25 years, Mr. Handyman professionals have been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their space. We are a one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list, including answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about picture-hanging services.

How high should I hang my picture?

A good rule of thumb for picture height is to mount it where the center of the picture is at eye level. Depending on the picture size and the room's layout and size, you may want to adjust the height for the best presentation. Larger pictures, for example, may look better mounted higher, while small pictures may look better hung lower. The key to ensuring your pictures blend with your decor is to hand similar-sized pictures at a uniform height throughout your home.

Can you hang heavy items like mirrors or large artwork?

Yes. Pictures, mirrors, and other wall hangings heavier than 20 pounds need specifically-designed hardware. For typical drywalls, the best way to secure heavy pictures is to locate a stud and anchor the hardware directly into the stud. If a stud isn't nearby, use a wall anchor to provide more support for hooks and screws.

If you have multiple heavy pictures to hang, a picture rail may be the best option. A picture rail installed into your studs and across the wall provides plenty of support and offers the flexibility to change a picture's height or placement without damaging the wall.

What surfaces can you work with?

Professional picture hangers have the experience and tools to work with various surfaces, such as stone, plaster, wood, brick, and drywall. Each type of wall covering requires specific hardware and mounting procedures to ensure a secure fit. Here are a few ways a picture-hanging service handles different surfaces.

  • Drywall: While drywall isn't very thick, using an anchor designed for drywall provides a stable and strong mount.
  • Plaster: Plaster is thick and can crumble or crack when nails or screws are used to hang a picture or artwork. Using hardware specifically designed for plaster ensures a strong anchor while protecting the plaster wall.
  • Concrete: Concrete walls are dense, so the pros often use hard wall hangers anchored directly to the wall or lead anchors for a secure fit.
  • Brick: Brick walls are thick and can crack when mounting hardware is hung directly from the brick. A better solution is to use nails or anchors made to secure the hardware to the mortar between the bricks.

How much do picture-hanging services cost?

Every picture-hanging project is unique, so the cost of your services will vary based on the type of walls, the type of hardware required, the number of pictures, and other factors. Whether a picture-hanging service charges a flat installation fee or an hourly rate, you can get an accurate estimate when consulting with your service professional.

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