How to Hang a Picture on a Wall

Learn how to hang a picture on drywall. Discover expert tips, tools, and step-by-step methods for perfect picture placement and hanging using picture hangers or drywall anchors.

Nothing adds personality and charm to your home like adding pictures or art to the walls. While this should be simple, it can sometimes confuse and/or frustrate you because of all the available options and materials.

When I moved to the US, it took me a while to figure out the best way to hang pictures—specifically, with minimal or no damage to the walls because we were renting for the first ten years.

RELATED: How to Hang a Picture Without Nails

Even though we now own our own home, I always prefer to make as few or no holes as possible. I am always changing my mind about the arrangement and decor. Why make holes and fill them if you can get away without it?

I am sharing my favorite products, tips, and tricks for hanging pictures or art on drywall, which I have used and learned over the last twenty years.

How High to Hang Pictures

The height at which you hang the pictures can make a huge difference in their final impact. No one likes a picture or even a mirror hung too high or too low.

How to Hang Pictures on Drywall

Drywall is commonly used in residential and commercial construction in the US, Canada, and other parts of the world. It is attached to the studs during construction.

The space between the studs behind the drywall is empty. The drywall itself cannot support a screw, and a heavy picture or art hung on it.

This is why you have to either use a stud or use other products to make it possible to hang things on the drywall.

Step 1. Determine the Placement

Decide where you want to hang the picture.

There are two methods I use to find the exact spot on the wall to attach the hangers.

Method 1: When you have a single hanger.

• Use an old lipstick (I actually bought one from the dollar store just for this purpose) and apply it to the hanger on the picture.

• Place the picture on the wall and press against it. The lipstick will transfer to the wall.

• Use the lipstick mark as a guide to attach the wall hanger. The lipstick can then be cleaned off with a wet cloth.

Method 2: When you have two hangers.

This is when you have two D-ring hangers on two ends of the picture.

• Attach a masking tape across the two hangers on both ends of the picture.

• Mark the hangers with a pencil or marker on the tape.
• Carefully transfer the tape onto the wall. Use a level to make sure that the masking tape is level on the wall.

• Use the markings on the tape to attach the wall hangers.

• You can remove the tape and hang up the picture.

You can also use this process to attach two picture hangers level on the wall if you have a wire at the back of the picture.

Step 2. Attach the Hanger to the Wall

The easiest way to hang lightweight pictures is by hammering picture-hanging hooks or nails directly into the drywall. You can also use monkey hooks.

If you are looking for a no-holes method, see how to hang pictures without nails.

For heavier pictures, use wall anchors, molly bolts, or toggle bolts by first drilling a hole at the marked spot, inserting them into the drywall, and then adding the screw.

See how to install toggle bolts here.

Step 3. Hang

Hang the picture on the hooks or nails and use a level to ensure it’s straight.

Removal

Removing picture-hanging hardware from drywall is pretty simple. You always want to remove it the same way it went in.

• Monkey hooks need to be rolled back out to cause minimal damage to the drywall.
• Picture hooks need to be pulled out at the same angle they went in.

In the case of wall anchors, you have two options –

• Remove the screw and then tap the anchor in just a little bit. You can then fill the area with spackle.
• Add the screw into the anchor partially, and then use a hammer to pull the screw out along with the anchor (just like you would pull out a nail).

Toggle and molly bolts will come out, leaving you with a large hole to repair. The best way to patch it is to apply drywall tape over the hole, then putty, sand, and touch up the paint.

No matter what method you use to hang your picture or artwork, be sure to check the weight ratings and always go higher than needed.

I hope these tips help you hang your pictures perfectly. In the comments below, please share your personal tips and experiences.

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