How to hang pictures at home

How to double your art collection using things you already own

By Arabella Bowes

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How to arrange pictures on a wall

• As a rule of thumb, hanging pictures at eye level is a safe option. This generally means positioning the picture so its midpoint is 57-60 inches from the floor, depending on the ceiling height of the room – and your height, of course. ‘All too often we see paintings hung too high on a wall – even with tall ceilings we try to keep a centre-line at around eye-level,’ explains gallerist Jenna Burlingham.
• Meanwhile, designer Shalini Misra advises that ‘generally, in spaces where you or your guests are often seated, it makes good decorative sense to mount wall works lower so they sit within the natural field of vision’.
• Obviously, as with any rule, some flexibility is necessary – you may have other artworks to manoeuvre around, or an inconveniently placed mantelpiece. If the picture’s midpoint is not exactly at eye level, don’t panic: go with your instincts and hang it where it feels natural.
• For a large piece of art, Shalini adds that ‘it should command a wide space and be allowed to breathe. It will most likely be more impactful if left alone and not cluttered up’.
• What if you are hanging several pictures? ‘It’s generally sensible to hang your largest picture first and work around it,’ recommends Freddie. Visualise how you want the finished wall to look and play around with a few arrangements laid out on the floor before you start to make any holes in the wall.
• Interior designer and collector Virginia White explains that ‘hanging too symmetrically is a mistake and it’s more interesting to hang in a variety of different ways – think about hanging one or two pictures over another or grouping a collection of drawings together in fours’.
• Different spaces call for different compositions. Virginia opts for a more formal hang in a hallway, dining room or certain types of drawing rooms – ‘something that works with the symmetry of the space and furnishings’. In other spaces, like a snug, library, office, bedroom or downstairs loo, Virginia advises ‘a more intimate and busy hanging of art to add to the more intimate character of the space’.

In Gabby Demming’s Devon home, a framed print by Oisin Byrne is perfectly positioned for those sitting at the dining table. Its pretty pink, green and blue tones are also echoed by the soft furnishings for a wonderfully warm and harmonious effect.

Tom Griffiths

Things to avoid

• Never position a picture in direct sunlight, as this will damage it irreversibly. This is particularly important for works on paper, but applies to all artwork. The interior designer Martin Brudnizki suggests using picture lights, such as those by Hogarth Lighting or TM Lighting, to illuminate key pieces. Spotlights and angled ceiling lights work well, too.
• Art advisor Arianne Piper says, ‘No glass will safeguard from direct sunlight, but consider UV-protected glass for art in frames.’ Museum glass is preferable but expensive.
• Think about the conditions of the room. Due to their humid and hot environments, kitchens and bathrooms are not always ideal places to hang art. Similarly, above a radiator or fireplace might not be the best spot.
• Virginia White thinks that ‘hanging pieces too formally if they aren’t good quality’ is to be avoided, as is ‘putting a good piece that’s delicate next to something bold and second rate’ as the bold one might swamp the good one. In general, Virginia advises against ‘mixing very poor art with good pieces as it will mean the good pieces don’t get to shine’.

To DIY or enlist a professional?

• Using the services of a professional picture hanger is a worthwhile investment. They can hang a huge number in a day and you can be sure that each and every one will be hung perfectly, with no unwanted holes or markings on the wall.
• However, if you are itching to get the hammer out, be sure to have a spirit level to hand – a laser spirit level will allow for extra precision. Luke Duncan, associate director at Cristea Roberts Gallery, says, ‘Don’t hang your picture on string or wire. It’s better to work a bit harder at the start with a spirit level and then install your picture directly on two hooks or screws.’ String or wire will not fully support the picture and, as the picture can move around, it will rarely sit perfectly straight.
• Luke also points out that, ‘heavy works should always be hung by a professional. If you can’t carry it yourself, don’t try and hang it yourself’.

Creating a salon wall

• Originating in 17th-century Paris, the salon wall – a wall on which a number of pictures of varying mediums and sizes are hung next to each other – has had something of a renaissance in recent years. You need only look to the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition for a lesson in brilliant salon-style hanging.
• When planning a salon wall, lay out all your pictures on the floor first, to see how they work together and get an idea of spacing. Remember, you will need to break the line of the wall, so avoid hanging pictures in neat rows as this looks dull.
• The selection of art should not be too carefully considered but feel as though it has been collected over many years. As fine art specialist John Swarbrooke notes, ‘Balance is key – combine monochromatic and colourful pictures, abstract and figurative works, older and contemporary pieces.’ This helps the hanging to feel natural. Make sure the frames look good together, otherwise this can distract from the artwork.

How to hang a picture – tricks of the trade

• If you have bespoke walls or precious wallpaper, Arianne recommends installing an invisible hanging system. These nifty railings mean you avoid drilling into the wall and causing damage. Peak Rock has a good, affordable range; the J Rail system is ideal for heavy works.
• When it comes to DIY hanging, heed Jenna Burlingham’s advice: ‘Rules are made to be broken – there are some fantastic examples at Kettle’s Yard, with work hung below windows, on angled walls, and so on.’
• For a mark-free wall, try using Post-it notes rather than pencil to mark out the edges of the picture frame and where you plan to place your hooks.

House & Garden’s tried-and-trusted hangers

1. Arianne Piper: ariannepiper.com
2. ADi Solutions: groupadi.com
3. Hang My Art: hangmyart.co.uk

Ideas for how to hang pictures at home