1) Determine the center of the painting. Hang it so the center is at eye level. This is approximately 60″ from the floor, but make it comfortable for your height. Do this when the paintings will be viewed while standing.
Hang paintings lower where you want to view them while sitting down. It is usually best to keep paintings 6″ above the top of the couch or the chair so no one bumps into them.
2) Worried about hanging a painting on sheet rock and you aren’t going to use the stud? Use a drywall anchor for a screw to hold the painting. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Put a sticky note on the wall below the marking to drill a hole. Fold it in half so it catches the dust from the drill. Or tape a baggie to the wall under multiple holes if you are in the mood to make a bigger mess.
3) It’s easy to use the picture hooks that you simply hammer in. These are more secure than simply putting a nail in the wall. The package will tell you the weight they can safely hold. Use your scale to weigh the painting. Weigh yourself with and without the painting and then do the math.
4) Use two picture hangers when hanging heavy items. Put a piece of masking tape between the two holes and use a level to make them be at the exact same height. Your paintings will never be crooked.
5) Consider breaking the rules! I saw a painting hanging on the wall behind a cabinet. The bottom edge appeared to touch the top of the cabinet and reached all the way to the ceiling. The painting was the width of the cabinet and it made a beautiful bold vertical statement and looked great. Experiment and find innovative ways to display your art.
Enjoy your artwork and don’t worry about the holes in the walls; they can be repaired. It is more important that your house feels like a home and you get refreshed and energized.
I hope my artwork helps you unleash your creativity and fill your home with color and light. Stroll around the gallery at AlaskanRavenStudio.com or visit this gallery.
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