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Pictures, artwork and framed photos add sparkle, warmth and personality to any home. It’s worth the time and effort spent hanging them up, whether you’re in your own home or renting. We’re sharing this guide on the best way to hang a variety of artwork.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses and gloves for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
The first thing to do is decide where you would like to hang your picture. Before you put anything into the wall, hold the picture up against the wall and decide where you’d like it to go. Generally, it’s best to keep artwork at eye level and out of direct sunlight to prevent it from fading.
Once you’re happy with the positioning, grab a pencil and mark the top corners of the picture frame.
Measure the distance from the top of your frame to the anchor point of the string or wire when it is extended as far as it will stretch. (Mimic how it will stretch when hanging on the wall.)
On the wall, measure the centre between the left and right corner marks you made earlier – this will help ensure the artwork is centred correctly when placed on the wall.
Using the distance between the top of your frame to the anchor point, measure this distance from the centre point on the wall and create a mark – this is where you will place the picture hook.
Once you have the position for your picture, weigh it (or estimate its weight), and look at the type of surface you’ll be hanging it on – plasterboard, masonry or timber, for example. Use this to determine the best type of hook for hanging.
If you have a very heavy picture (more than 20kg), you’ll need to mount it directly into a stud (use a stud finder for this), rather than just the plasterboard. If the picture is less than 20kg, you’ll have more options available to you.
If you’re happy to hang your photo or artwork in a more permanent position, then go ahead and make a hole in the wall’s surface – preferably into a stud. Use a stud finder to locate the stud before hammering a nail directly into it and securing the anchor to the wall.
If you’re renting or don’t want to make any holes in your walls, stick-on hooks can hang lighter items reliably and safely. This is a flexible option that allows you to move the picture any time you’d like to, without leaving any damage behind.
To apply these hooks, clean the surface of the wall with some sugar soap or isopropyl alcohol, let it dry thoroughly and then peel the sticker and press the hook firmly onto the wall. Hold it there for a few minutes and then leave it for a few hours before hanging your picture.
Head in-store to get what you need for the perfect picture-hanging solution. First things first, though – make sure your walls are prepped and ready. Check out our guide on how to fix a hole in the wall.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
