How to Hang Art Prints Like a Pro

Hanging a framed print seems simple—until you step back and realize it's too high, crooked, or doesn't feel balanced in the room. The difference between a professional-looking installation and a DIY mistake usually comes down to planning, proper hardware, and accurate measurements.

Whether you're hanging a single print or creating a gallery wall, these tips will help you achieve a clean, secure, and visually balanced installation.

Start with Placement

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is hanging artwork too high.

A good starting point is the 60-inch centerline rule, which places the center of the artwork approximately 60 inches from the floor. This creates a natural viewing height in most rooms.

However, don't treat this as a strict rule.

If you're hanging artwork above a sofa, console, bed, or fireplace, the furniture becomes your reference point. Aim to keep the bottom of the frame approximately 6–8 inches above the furniture so the artwork feels connected rather than floating on the wall.

Measure from the Hanging Hardware

Never measure from the top of the frame.

Instead:

• Measure the overall frame height.

• Find the center of the artwork.

• Measure from the top of the frame to the actual hanging point (wire, D-rings, or hook).

• Transfer those measurements to the wall.

This simple step prevents artwork from ending up higher than intended.

Choose the Right Hardware

The wall determines the hardware—not just the weight of the artwork.

Drywall

• Picture hooks work well for lightweight prints.

• Anchors or D-rings are recommended for medium-weight artwork.

• Heavy pieces should use toggle anchors or be mounted directly into studs whenever possible.

Plaster Walls

Plaster requires more care than drywall. Drill slowly, use plaster-rated anchors, and avoid excessive pressure that can crack the surface.

Brick or Concrete

Use masonry anchors and the proper drill bit designed for these materials.

Whenever possible, use two mounting points instead of one. This helps prevent frames from rotating or drifting out of level over time.

Plan Before You Drill

Before making any holes, tape the outline of the frame to the wall using painter's tape.

This allows you to evaluate:

• Height

• Scale

• Spacing

• Relationship to nearby furniture

• Overall balance

Making adjustments with tape is much easier than patching unnecessary holes later.

Creating a Gallery Wall

Successful gallery walls are designed as a single composition—not one frame at a time.

Start by laying all of the artwork on the floor.

Then:

• Arrange the entire layout.

• Keep spacing consistent.

• Decide whether the group should center over furniture or within the wall itself.

• Transfer the layout to the wall before drilling.

For matching frames, a clean grid layout works well.

For mixed artwork and frame sizes, an organic layout creates a more casual, collected appearance.

Level the Artwork

After installing the hardware:

• Mark lightly with pencil.

• Install anchors square to the wall.

• Hang the artwork carefully.

• Check level after the frame settles.

A bubble level is still one of the easiest and most accurate tools for this step.

Once everything looks level, step back and view the artwork from across the room. Often, a piece that appears perfect from a ladder looks slightly off from normal viewing distance.

When to Hire a Professional

Some installations are better left to experienced installers.

Consider professional installation for:

• Heavy mirrors

• Oversized artwork

• Valuable framed prints

• Brick or concrete walls

• Historic plaster walls

• Stairwells

• Gallery walls

• High ceilings

• Artwork above beds or fireplaces

Professional installers ensure proper hardware, precise placement, and secure mounting while minimizing wall damage.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to hang art prints is about much more than driving a nail into the wall.

Proper placement, accurate measurements, and choosing the right hardware all contribute to artwork that looks intentional and stays secure for years to come.

If you're installing valuable artwork, working with difficult wall materials, or designing a gallery wall, Colorado Art Services provides professional residential and commercial art installation throughout Colorado. From single framed prints to large collections, our team ensures every piece is mounted safely, accurately, and beautifully.