How to hang a picture on the wall: 5 placement options and 8 mounting methods

A watercolor landscape or a cute poster with graphics can transform any room and make the interior complete. In order for such a decor to look beautiful and not spoil the finish, it is important to take into account both aesthetic and technical nuances. In this article, we will figure out how to hang a picture on the wall in different ways, including without drilling and using nails.

All about how to put a picture on the wall

Suitable Height
Canvas dimensions
Placement methods
Nail mounting
Mounting without drilling
— Liquid Nails
— Hook-spider
— Double sided tape
— Pin
— Drawing pin
– Velcro
— Polymer glue

Suitable Height

The plot and beautiful colors are only half the story when it comes to wall decor. It is important to correctly position the image in space so that it looks advantageous and does not introduce imbalance into the overall composition.

For this there is a few simple rules:

• The decor should be at such a level that it is convenient for the person in the room to view it. That is, not too high and not too low. As a rule, it is 160-170 cm from the floor.
• The easiest way to choose a place for an image is to look at other interior details. For example, so that the top edge of the frame or canvas (if there is no frame) is at the level of the top of the doorway or window. This will create unity of lines and visual harmony in space. Instead of architectural elements, you can choose a cabinet, rack or hanging shelf.
• The height also depends on the size of the product. Remember: everything big is seen from a distance, so the larger the canvas itself, the higher it should be.
• The content of the artist’s work is also important. Minimalist abstract pieces can be hung high, but small, detailed images are best placed lower so that you can see every stroke.

Canvas dimensions

In any interior, proportionality and proportionality are important, but sometimes designers deliberately violate these principles in order to create interesting visual effects.

On the whole, there is a few basic principles for choosing the shape and size of canvases:

• The main rule is that the more spacious the room, the larger the objects in it should be. And, accordingly, vice versa. On a large empty surface, a couple of small portraits or still lifes will simply get lost. And too large abstract drawing in a cramped living room or bedroom will put pressure and create a feeling of tightness.
• Vertical lines visually stretch the space up, horizontal lines — in breadth. Keep this in mind and use optical effects to balance the proportions of the room. So, for example, if you want to make an art gallery in a narrow corridor, choose rectangular vertical canvases so that it does not seem even longer. If, on the contrary, you want the short wall to look wider and larger, hang a horizontal shape there.
• The size of the decor also affects the perception of neighboring objects. Therefore, be careful with large compositions above the sofa or dining table — they can «crush» the furniture.
• If you have a favorite portrait or still life in a small format, but really want to hang it in a spacious room, complement the drawing with a couple of paintings in the same style — you get an interesting modular composition. Or choose a massive frame or frame the work with contrasting moldings — this will focus on a small canvas and make it seem larger.

Placement methods

Once you’ve chosen the size and orientation of the image, as well as a suitable height, you need to find a place for it. There are several universal and win-win schemes.

Above the sofa

A sofa is a large and, as a rule, accent furniture that immediately attracts the eye. Therefore, one of the best ways to decorate a soft group is to hang an interesting and original painting over it. A large canvas will enhance the accent, a composition of several small ones will add coziness, and a portrait or an original plot will bring an element of history to the interior. Depending on the size of the room and the available space above the sofa, you can place one image, several combined or make a whole gallery, filling the entire space.

at the end

In any apartment there are unused corners in which there is simply not enough space for full-fledged tall furniture. Most often, this is the end of a narrow corridor, the wall above the toilet in the toilet or on the balcony. Sometimes it can be a niche in a room of complex shape.

If you use a narrow empty wall, then the whole space will immediately change. And the available area will already become a guideline for the size and orientation of the picture — all that remains is to adjust to the dimensions, as in the photo below.

Behind the headboard

Just as in the living room the sofa group almost always becomes the focal point, in the bedroom the central place is given to the bed. If it’s not a trendy model with a hyper-high back or soft paneling up to the ceiling, then the wall behind the headboard should be filled with something. And painting in this case is one of the best options. Choose the plot and palette in accordance with the overall design. It is better to focus on calm abstraction, peaceful landscapes and gentle portraits. But too dark, frightening and bloody plots in the sleeping area are best avoided.

asymmetrical

If you like bold experiments and are ready to play with the perception of space, you can break all the patterns and hang the picture asymmetrically. To make it noticeable, place it over some piece of furniture: for example, over a sofa, console, dining table. Move the decor slightly to the right or left of the central axis of symmetry. It will look unusual and not everyone will like it, but such an arrangement will definitely attract attention and make the interior unusual.

Inside moldings

Today, stucco is actively used not only in classical, but also in modern interiors. She feels especially good in scandi, loft and minimalism. The moldings themselves create a rhythm, make the space voluminous, and even the simplest finish more interesting. Therefore, many use them as a self-sufficient decorative element. But they will also be an excellent reference point for the location of paintings or posters. Just place them inside the molding frames, strictly in the center, and you will get a harmonious composition.

Nail mounting

The usual way to hang a canvas is to drill a hole for nails or dowels. But the ways to do this will differ for different materials.

What is important to know:

• Massive decor is best hung on solid main walls.
• Drywall only suitable for light paintings or posters — the mount will not withstand a lot of weight.
• But wood in this matter is more reliable. You can drive the nail in with a hammer or drill a hole of the right size first.
• concrete surface support any weight. The paintings are mounted on dowels or anchor bolts, for which a hole is pre-drilled.
• For brick anchors or dowels are also suitable, but you will have to make a hole in such a surface with a special diamond drill. To keep the decor more secure, it is usually hung on stretchers.

If you plan to hang more than one picture, but several at once, or even make a mini-gallery in the living room or hallway, you can not drill a hole for each product, but nail a molding to the surface parallel to the floor. And already on it to attach photos, posters, paintings — on hooks or ropes. It will turn out convenient in terms of installation and at the same time an aesthetic composition, visually united by a common element.

Installation master class for different types of surfaces:

How to hang a picture on the wall without drilling

The main disadvantage of the standard method of mounting on nails or dowels is that if you decide to remove the picture, a hole will remain in its place. Of course, it is not striking, but still it is a small imperfect detail that may matter to someone. Therefore, many choose an alternative way — to fix the decor on a plane without drilling and driving nails. Consider the most popular options for how to hang a picture without nails.

Liquid Nails

Despite the name, this type of attachment has nothing to do with nails. In fact, this is glue, but not the usual stationery, but a special mounting one, which differs in composition and properties. It provides high strength for connecting parts and fastening to any surface — that is why it is often used when you need to hang a picture without drilling a wall on wallpaper, paint or other material.

How to use:

• Clean the wall surface and degrease the frame.
• Apply the composition in small dots around the perimeter of the frame. If it is heavy, coat it completely.
• Press the canvas against the wall, hold it for a few seconds to a minute.

Spider Hook

These hooks are available at any hardware store. Visually, they look like regular ones. The base is made of plastic, and they also have a few thin metal spikes. They just need to be nailed with a hammer — the spikes will gently “enter” the wall without leaving deep marks.

Another plus of such hooks is that they can withstand a lot of weight. On them you can hang not only a small light poster, but also a fairly heavy canvas (up to 8-9 kg).

Double sided tape

Both construction double-sided tape and ordinary stationery adhesive tape are suitable if you need to fix posters or photographs on the surface with light frames or no frame at all.

How to use:

• Cut two identical strips of tape.
• Place one on the surface, the second on the back of the product.
• Connect the elements, press firmly and hold for a few seconds for the most reliable fixation.

Pin

This is a simple and convenient option on how to hang a picture without nails on the wallpaper. The only condition is that the decor should be light. You will need a long sewing needle or a round-tipped pin. Drive it with a tip under the wallpaper, and put a loop of rope on the ear, which is tied to the frame. If there is no frame, fasten needles or pins to the corners of the product.

Drawing pin

If you are hanging an image without a frame on the wallpaper, you can attach it directly to the surface with ordinary pushpins. Another option is to take any instant glue, put it on the base of the button and stick it on the wall. So the sharp part will be outside, and it will be possible to “put on” the canvas on it.

Velcro

Otherwise they are called self-adhesive fasteners for pictures. They can withstand a canvas weighing up to 7-9 kg and are equipped with convenient fasteners. Although Velcro is considered disposable, if removed carefully afterwards, the fasteners can be used again.

How to use:

• Pre-clean the surface on which you will glue the Velcro. For the best effect, walk over this area with any alcohol-containing solution.
• Remove the protective shell and stick a few fasteners on the back of the frame. Choose the quantity depending on the weight of the canvas.
• Press the product firmly to the surface, hold for a few seconds.

polymer adhesive

Everything is simple here: the technology of fastening on polymer glue is exactly the same as on liquid nails. The main difference is that this adhesive composition is much easier to remove from a painted or plastered wall so that it does not leave marks.