How to Hang a Picture

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Hanging a picture, a print, or a framed photo adds an individual finishing touch to a room. It makes a statement and helps a house feel like a home. But figuring out exactly how to hang a picture on a wall can feel a bit tricky when you aren't sure where to start.
That's why we’ve put together this straightforward guide alongside our handy how-to video. We'll show you the best techniques for different wall types, so you can tackle the job with confidence.

Before you grab your tools, we highly recommend that you watch our step-by-step video. It shows exactly how to check your walls safely and get your measurements right the first time. Let's explore how to hang a picture frame properly.
The ideal height to hang a picture is roughly at eye level, averaging at 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the centre.
Lightweight frames can hang on a two-pin hook or strong adhesive strips for a neat, nail-free finish on brick walls.
Heavy frames need secure fixings, like a hollow wall anchor on plasterboard or a sturdy wall plug and screw on brick.

Tools and materials

What is the proper height?

Where you place your picture is entirely a matter of personal preference. But your positioning will be influenced by the furniture in the room. A good rule to follow is that the middle of your picture should roughly be at eye level. This averages at around 57 to 60 inches high from the floor.

If you're hanging a single piece on a blank wall, the middle of the wall is usually the best place to put it. However, you might need to adjust the positioning if you’re hanging the picture directly above a sofa, a bed, or a console table. Always leave a good gap between the furniture and the bottom of the frame so it doesn't feel cramped.

Marking your fixing position

Once you've decided where to place your frame, it's time to accurately mark the wall. Getting this right saves you from making unnecessary holes.

Use a digital detector to find out if there are any hidden pipes or cables behind the wall. Then, hold the frame in place and use a pencil to lightly mark where the top centre sits.

If you're hanging a picture with a wire or planning to hang picture on a string, pull the cord taut towards the top of the frame. Measure the exact drop from the top edge down to the peak of the wire.

Go back to the top centre mark on your wall. Use that drop measurement to work out exactly where the physical fixing position needs to be and mark it clearly with a cross.

How to hang a picture on plasterboard

The fixings you need completely depend on the size and weight of your frame. Plasterboard walls are hollow, so you need to use the right approach to keep your artwork safe.

For a lightweight print, a simple two-pin picture hook works perfectly. Place the bottom of the hook directly on your fixing mark and gently hammer in the nails.

Once you locate the studs using a digital detector, use a carpenter's awl to create a small pilot hole on your mark. By doing this, you're confirming there is indeed a solid wooden stud right behind your mark.

Drive a screw through the plasterboard and straight into the stud. Remember to leave the head sticking out just enough for the cord to hang securely from.

If your fixing points sit right between the studs, you'll need a hollow wall anchor or a self-drill fixing. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see exactly how much weight they hold.

For a self-drill fixing, make a pilot hole with your awl, then screw the fixing plug directly into the plasterboard. Insert a screw into the plug and tighten it, leaving enough room for the wire.

If you're using a hollow wall anchor, drill a hole through the plasterboard just big enough to push the anchor body through. Tighten the screw to lock the fixing securely in place behind the wall.

How to hang a picture on a brick wall

Brick walls are solid and strong, making them great for heavy loads. But they do require a drill and masonry bits.

If you're wondering how to hang a picture on a brick wall without nails, strong adhesive strips are a convenient and mess-free choice. They work particularly well on bare brick walls and are ideal for lighter frames or canvas prints.

To do this, gently wipe the wall with a damp cloth so the surface is totally clean. Apply the adhesive strips to the rear of your frame, making sure to check the manufacturer's weight limits first. They can usually hold weights of up to 6.5kg.

To hang a heavier piece on a brick wall, you need screws and wall plugs. Use a piece of masking tape to mark the exact length of your wall plug onto your drill bit. This stops you from drilling too deep.

Drill a hole directly at your marked fixing point and push the wall plug in. Make sure it sits completely flush with the wall surface. You can lightly tap it with a hammer if needed. Then insert your screw into the wall plug and tighten it. Leave the head sticking out just enough to safely support your picture cord.

Creating a gallery wall

Having a gallery wall is an excellent way to put creativity into your display. Positioning multiple frames can be tricky, but a good rule of thumb is to place your first picture right at eye level and work it out from there. Keep the prints evenly spaced. It helps to map out your gallery wall in advance. Try using cut-out pieces of paper as templates for each picture and stick them to the wall first to test the layout.

Using hangers and rails

There are a few other methods you can use to display your artwork beautifully. If you're hanging a picture with sawtooth hangers, simply mark where the top of the frame sits. Measure down to the teeth of the hanger and place your nail exactly there.

Alternatively, hanging a picture rail is a brilliant traditional choice that prevents you from putting lots of holes in your walls. Hook a moulding hook over the top of the rail and suspend your frame using a strong wire.

Hanging pictures on other wall types

Not got a standard brick or plasterboard wall? Don't worry. If you have solid concrete walls, you'll need a masonry drill bit and heavy-duty wall plugs, similar to working with brick. For older homes with lath and plaster walls, the surface can be crumbly, so it's best to avoid heavy hammering. Instead, use a detector to find the wooden laths hidden behind the plaster and carefully drive your screws directly into them.

We hope this guide has given you the confidence to get your artwork up on the walls. Taking your time to measure accurately and choose the right fixings means your pictures will stay safe and look brilliant for years to come. If you’re looking to hang more décor on your walls, check out our guide on how to hang a mirror.

FAQs

Always check the weight of the frame first. You'll likely need to secure it directly into a wooden wall stud or use heavy-duty hollow wall anchors on plasterboard. We suggest using two separate fixing points spaced evenly apart to distribute the weight and keep it level.

Mimic the angle of the stairs. Measure a consistent height from each individual step up to the bottom of the frames. This keeps the display looking incredibly neat and naturally follows the eyeline as you walk up.

The walls in a new house need plenty of time to settle and dry out completely. We recommend waiting at least six to twelve months before drilling any holes or applying adhesive strips.

Yes, but you must be very careful. You don't usually need formal consent for simple picture hooks. But driving heavy fixings into historic fabric can cause lasting damage. We recommend using existing picture rails instead to be safe.