How to Hang Film Reel Plaques

Create a cinema-themed decor with film reel plaques.

Films reels, either as standalone pieces or mounted on plaques, are often used to add to the ambiance of a room, especially in home movie theaters or family rooms. It’s important to consider the dimensions of the plaque, any artwork arrangement and the size of the wall space where it will be placed. Also, you should take the weight of each piece into consideration before hanging your film reel plaques.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Craft paper
• Picture hanging kit
• Clear tape
• Hammer
• Level
• Stud finder

Instructions

1. Measure the size of space where you plan to hang the film reel plaque. As a rule, artwork should be approximately 75 percent of the width of the furniture beneath it. Use smaller arrangements or single pieces for narrow walls and larger groupings for large spaces. If hanging over a fireplace, make your plaque or arrangement of film reels close to the same size as the opening of the fireplace.

2. Make an arrangement of film reel plaques. If hanging more than one, place the artwork on a large piece of craft paper on a table or the floor. Experiment with different arrangements to find what works best and suits the space where you plan to hang the art. For artwork hung above furniture, make sure there is at least twice as much space above the artwork as there is between the art and the furniture.

3. Copy the design on the paper. Use the pencil to trace around the film reel pieces onto the paper and mark the hanging points.

4. Tape the paper template up on the wall with the focal point of the arrangement centered on the wall at eye level or just slightly below eye level. Mark the hanging points for each piece on the wall.

5. Weigh the plaques and use hooks or hangers rated for the weight of your art. Use a stud finder to find the appropriate place to hang heavier plaques on wall studs.

6. Hammer the hooks into the wall. Place a piece of clear tape over the spot where the nail will be hammered on the drywall to prevent cracking.

7. Hang the film reel plaques on the hooks. Place a level on top of the plaque to make sure it’s straight.

References

• Ballard Designs: How to Hang Artwork
• Home Decorators Collection: How to Hang Wall Art

Resources

• Ballard Designs: Film Reel Plaques
• HD Market: Reels and Clock Reels
• Bed, Bath and Beyond: Film Reel 3 Dimensional Movie Themed Wall Art