How to hang wall décor without leaving big holes

Before reaching for the hanger, decide exactly where you want your wall art décor to sit. Consider the surrounding furniture and aim to hang the piece at a comfortable viewing height. For artwork or mirrors hanging above furniture, leaving around 15–25cm between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the item usually creates a balanced look.

To work out exactly where the picture hanger should go, hold the frame against the wall at your desired height. Pull the hanging wire or cord taut towards the top of the frame, then measure the distance from the top of the frame to the point where the wire meets the hanger. Transfer this measurement to the wall and make a light pencil mark where the picture hanger will be installed.

Claw picture hangers come in a range of weight ratings, so it's important to choose one that's suitable for the weight of the item you're hanging. Check the hanger's stated weight rating and manufacturer's instructions before installation.

If you're unsure how much your item weighs, check the packaging or manufacturer's website if you still have access to it. Smaller items can be weighed on kitchen scales, while larger frames and mirrors can be weighed using bathroom scales by weighing yourself with and without the item and calculating the difference. If you're still unsure, choose a hanger with a weight rating comfortably above the weight of your item.

Position the hanger over your pencil mark and install it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Unlike a traditional nail, claw picture hangers use several small, hardened steel claws that spread the load across multiple points as they're pressed into the plasterboard wall. This distributes the weight more evenly, helping the hanger support surprisingly heavy items while leaving only tiny pin-sized entry points.

These hangers are designed for items that hang flat against the wall, such as picture frames, canvases and mirrors, rather than objects that project out from the wall like shelves or coat hooks. Once installed, check that the hanger is sitting firmly against the wall before adding any weight.

Carefully hang your frame, canvas or mirror onto the picture hanger and step back to check it's sitting level. If the item looks uneven, adjust the hanging wire or cord on the back until it sits straight. For pieces with two hanging points, check that both are securely engaged on the hangers.

Once you're happy with the position, remove any visible pencil marks with an eraser or damp cloth. If you're creating a gallery wall, use a spirit level to help keep multiple pieces aligned for a professional-looking finish.

When it's time to redecorate or move house, carefully remove the picture hanger following the manufacturer's instructions. Because the claws create only very small holes, they're much easier to touch up than traditional wall fixings, making them a practical option if you like changing your décor or want to minimise wall repairs.

Check out our article on how to quickly and easily patch a hole in your plaster wall.

Can I use claw picture hangers on any wall?

No. Check the manufacturer's instructions to make sure the hanger is suitable for your wall surface before installing it. The installation method covered in this guide is for claw picture hangers used on plasterboard.

How do I choose the right weight rating for a picture hanger?

Start by finding out how much the frame, canvas or mirror weighs, then check the hanger's stated weight rating and manufacturer's instructions. If you don't know the weight, smaller items can be weighed on kitchen scales, while larger items can be weighed using bathroom scales.

Can I hang a mirror with a claw picture hanger?

A suitable claw picture hanger can be used for a mirror that hangs flat against the wall, provided the hanger is suitable for the mirror's weight and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Check the mirror's hanging points are securely engaged before letting it hang freely.

What should I do if my frame has two hanging points?

Make sure both hanging points are securely engaged on the hangers before letting the frame hang freely. Once it's hanging, use a spirit level to check that the frame is straight.

Will claw picture hangers leave holes in plasterboard?

Claw picture hangers do make small entry points in plasterboard. When removing the hanger, follow the manufacturer's instructions to help minimise wall damage. If you need to repair existing damage, follow our guide to patching a hole in a plaster wall.