How to Hang a Big Picture

Use acrylic instead of glass for paintings hanging over a bed.

Large paintings and pictures create a dramatic centerpiece for any room. Oversize works can give the illusion of space and airiness, especially if they are painted with pale colors and loose brushwork. However, most large works tend to be quite heavy, whether attached to wooden stretcher bars or framed under glass. To prevent possible damage to the work of art or injury to people, it is extremely important to use secure hanging methods that are designed to hold items of substantial weight.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Pencil
• Low-tack tape
• Tape measure
• Level
• Hanging hardware
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Use a stud finder to locate all the studs in the area where you plan to hang your large painting. Mark the left and right sides of all of the studs with a pencil.

2. Place the picture on the wall to figure out where it looks best. In general, the middle of a painting should be at eye height but you can adjust the height to accommodate a painting's placement over a piece of furniture. Mark the ideal height by placing a strip of low-tack tape on the wall just above the top of the painting.

3. Measure how far from the top edge the picture will hang. Most framed pictures have wire on the back but works on canvas can hang directly from stretcher or panel bars. Measure down from your tape mark to figure out where the picture hangers should go. Use a pencil to mark this spot in the center of a stud.

4. Place your level on your first hanger spot. Mark the second hanger spot in the center of another stud with a pencil. For a large painting, the two hangers should be spaced at least two feet apart.

5. Select appropriate hangers for the weight of your picture. If estimating, it is best to go with a hanger designed to hold more weight. Hold the hook in place with one hand, while carefully hammering the nails in with your other hand. Discard and replace any nails that bend or enter the wall at the wrong angle.

6. Place the picture with its wire evenly centered on the hooks. Use the level to make sure the painting is not crooked. Adjust the picture by moving it left or right.

Tips & Warnings

• If your painting does not have a hanging wire, you can install one or hang the painting on large screws inserted directly in the studs.

• Avoid placing a large glass-framed picture directly over a bed.

References

• HGTV: Hanging a Large Mirror