How to Straighten a Crooked Picture

The easiest way to confirm that a picture is hung straight is to place a carpenter's level on top of the frame. Here's how to achieve perfection without the aid of a level.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pencil
• Tape Measure

1. Use a tape measure to measure the distance between both bottom corners of the picture frame and the floor.

2. Adjust the frame until the corners are equidistant from the floor. For example, if one corner measures 37 inches (94 cm) above the floor and the other corner is 37 1/4 inches (94.6 cm) above the floor, adjust the frame until both corners are 37 1/8 inches (94.3 cm) from the floor.

3. Use a pencil to lightly mark where the frame corners should be. Make sure the marks are not visible at eye level.

4. Use these pencil lines for guidance in the future when you need to restraighten the frame.

Tips & Warnings

• If the picture is chronically crooked, the hook in the wall or the picture hanger might be off center. Measure and adjust it accordingly.