How to Hang a Set of Pictures

Many home design books and programs suggest mounting a collection of framed pictures, mirrors or artwork. As beautiful as it may look, actually mounting a collection can seem very difficult once the task is presented. In this article, you will find a step-by-step way to correctly execute the task with minimal hassle and get it right the first time.

Things You'll Need

• Framed collection
• Large piece of poster paper or newspaper (according to the desired size of the collection)
• Measuring tape or yardstick
• Ruler (unless measuring device can be used as a ruler)
• Pencil or pen
• Nails and/or other mounting materials
• Hammer

Instructions

Wall Calculations

1. Look at the desired area for your collection. Decide how far apart each piece is to be from the other chosen pieces. Consider two inches, four inches, six inches and so on.

2. Calculate how far from the top or bottom of the wall you would like the collection to go. Usually, either the top or the bottom of the collection is the main concern.

3. Determine the center of the wall from side-to-side and top-to-bottom. Though a nail may not go in that location, the location is critical.

Pre-mounting Paper

1. Calculate the full horizontal distance of the collection by adding the width if each piece plus the space between each item.

2. Calculate the full vertical distance of the collection by adding the height of each piece plus the space between them, if there are multiple "rows" of items.

3. Draw out a full square of the width and height on your piece of poster paper or newspaper.

4. Calculate the center of the square and mark it with a pencil or pen.

5. Place each subsequent framed work on the paper and reconfirm the desired distance between them. Remember to carefully measure them out piece-by-piece.

6. Outline the desired locations of the pictures, taking special care in not damaging the items.

7. Calculate the distance from the top and sides of the nail-point for each framed piece. Mark the calculated location on the piece of paper and recheck the calculation by setting each item in its respective spot.

Nailing and Mounting

1. Return to your calculated center-point on the wall and hold up the poster paper to it, making sure that it is level and in the desired location top-to-bottom and side-to-side.

2. Nail the poster paper to the wall according to the predetermined nail spots for each of the framed pieces. Keep in mind the size of the framed works when setting the nail.

3. Remove the poster paper and hang your pictures.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to use the correct mounting materials according to the weight of the item and to angle the nails so as to keep the framed pieces from falling.

• Make sure the wall you are mounting the collection to is strong enough to hold the set of pictures.

• Take special care in your calculations to avoid having to pull out a lot of nails in the wrong locations.