5 Common Questions About Hanging and Arranging Picture Frames

Correctly hanging and arranging framed art is more challenging than most people realize.

You need to ask yourself: what is the proper position on the wall? Where do you hang your frame relative to furniture? How do you avoid putting holes in the wall until you know the right spot? 

These are just some of the questions you’ll confront as you grapple with the issue (literally) of hanging your custom picture frames. Thankfully, the professionals at Framing 4 Yourself have answers to the most common questions we get asked about hanging picture frames.

How High Should I Hang My Picture Frame on the Wall?

As a rule, framed art should be hung at eye level. 

But of course, eye level varies from person to person. And just exactly what part of the picture is supposed to be at eye level? Is it the focal point of the art, the middle of the picture, or the top edge of the frame?

Based on the average height of men and women in the United States, the average eye level is about 5 feet. When hanging up your custom-built picture frame, the focal point of the art, the part that the viewer’s eye will discover first, should be about 5 feet above the floor.

What if I’m Hanging my Frame Near Furniture?

The optimal place to hang your picture frame is different if you place it near furniture or a fireplace.

Generally, you want to have the bottom edge of the framed art 8-10 inches above a couch, regardless of ceiling height. The same is true with the mantle of a fireplace.

How Do I Hang a Picture Frame Near Another Piece of Art?

If you want to hang the picture in an open space between two existing pictures or between other wall elements, you have a few options.

Either measure the space between elements and divide it in half or set the frame on the floor against the wall below where you’re considering hanging it and step back to get a feel for the positioning. Then measure up from the floor at that point to 5 feet and make a vertical mark in pencil on the wall.

Remember, the mark represents the focal point of the art, not where the hangers will go. 

To find where the hangers will go, have someone else hold the framed art against the wall with the focal point at eye level.

While they are doing this, make a small, light pencil line on the wall at the bottom of the frame. 

Then set the framed art down and measure the distance from the bottom of the frame to the hanging wire.

What is the best method to hang my artwork?

There are several ways to secure your frame to a wall: sawtooth hangers and strap hangers (pictured here) are the most popular. At Framing4Yourself, we prefer to use strap hangers, also known as D-rings, and coated metal wire as they hold more weight than a sawtooth hanger, which has a maximum of five pounds.

We prefer this method as most of the work is done away from the wall, thereby leaving less room for wall damage. Our Frame Room experts recommend putting the strap hangers on the vertical sides of the frame to facilitate hanging. The tools needed for this will be a yardstick and a drill.

To determine the appropriate placement of the strap hangers, measure the height (top to bottom) of the frame and divide by 3 to get the number of inches the hangers should be placed from the top of the frame. You’ll want these to be placed approximately 1/3 of the way from the top. It does not need to be exactly 1/3 from the top, but you will need to measure both sides to ensure the hangers are at an equal distance from the top of the frame.

For example, if I have a 20” x 30” frame with 30 being the height, the strap hangers would be drilled 10” from the top of the frame.

Once the strap hangers have been secured to the frame, you will secure coated wire to each hanger. We recommend the wire be tight to allow minimal movement once the artwork is on the wall.

Once the wire is wrapped tightly around the strap hangers, your next step is to determine how far from the top of the frame the wire will stretch. This is an important measurement for ensuring your art is hung at the right level. You are now ready to hang your artwork.

Important to note if the frame weighs more than 30 pounds or has dimensions exceeding 40” x 60”, you should not use wire for hanging. Rather, you should secure the paintings only with the strap hangers.

What if I’m Working Alone?

Lay a sheet of kraft paper on a table and place the frame on top. Trace around the frame and cut the kraft paper, so it conforms in size to the frame. 

Next, measure the distance from the wire to the top of the frame. 

Then measure down the same distance from the top edge of the kraft paper and make a mark on the kraft paper.

Framing 4 Yourself has all of the hanging supplies you need.

After building your custom picture frame, it’s now time to show it off. Check out our vast selection of the latest hanging and arranging art products to help you display your beautiful works.

If you need help or have any questions, please feel free to contact us and one of our picture framing experts will be happy to assist.