How to Hang a Picture in 4 Simple Steps

The best way to quickly and easily personalize any space is to hang some pictures. Whether it's an office, dorm, or living room, you can transform a space within minutes by hanging a few pieces of art or some framed pictures.

It's easy to hang smaller, lightweight pictures and photos in plastic frames using a small nail or Command strip. But larger, heavier pictures need more preparation. The type of wall you have (drywall, plaster, brick, wood, or masonry) will also dictate the method and hardware you use.

Gary McCoy, a store manager at Lowe's who frequently helps shoppers who want to hang pictures, provided expert advice when it comes to securing your artwork.

Before you start, make sure you have a level, a tape measure, and the hardware to mount a picture. Identify where you want the picture to hang and have someone hold it up to make sure you like the position.

The attachment for the wall hanging — the piece attached to the frame itself — will be based on the weight of the picture and frame. The lightest pictures will have a sawtooth attachment on the back, which has a small row of indentations or notches to hang on a nail or screw. It's usually attached to the center of the picture on the back or on the center of the top rail of the frame.

Heavier and larger pictures use picture wire, strung between two screws or D-rings, usually placed on the vertical frame rails (one on each side) about ⅕ of the way down from the top. The picture wire will hang on a nail, screw, or hook fastened to the wall.

Very heavy pictures or things like mirrors should be hung from the d-rings themselves, using two screws or screw-in hooks.

The hardware that attaches to the wall will depend on the weight of the picture and the type of wall you have. For heavier pictures, you will need to attach them to a stud in the wall. Plaster, brick, concrete, or masonry walls will require anchors for heavier pictures.

Lightweight pictures (under 10 pounds) like a photo in a plastic frame, can be hung with a small nail. A nail hanger, which is a small metal hook with a hole to insert the nail, can also be used.

Medium-weight pictures (10-25 pounds) should be hung on a screw, and heavy pictures (over 25 pounds), like a large movie poster with a wood and glass frame, must be secured to a stud inside the wall or secured with an anchor rated for the weight of the art.

Alternative hardware like MonkeyHooks are an excellent option for drywall. Each MonkeyHook will hold up to 35 lbs (heavy-duty ones will hold up to 50 lbs) and they are easy to install with no tools necessary. The hooks have a pointed tip which you insert into the drywall and then push the curved, self-anchoring hook into the wall, leaving a secure hook for your picture wire or picture.

Command products are a nice option if you don't want to make holes in the wall. They use an adhesive strip and hook-and-loop material to attach pictures (weighing up to 16 lbs) to various wall surfaces. They can be used on paint, wood, and tile walls, and are removable.

Identify where on the wall you want the picture to hang and make a mark where you'll attach the mounting method. If the picture has picture wire, be sure to pull the wire taut (upwards) and note the distance to the top of the frame. This will give you the correct vertical position to mark the hole.

Measure down from the ceiling or up from the floor to position the picture vertically, and measure on either side to ensure the picture is spaced evenly or centered.

For larger or heavier pictures mounted with picture wire, you may want to use two screws for a more secure mount. Place the screws next to each other, about ½ inches apart.

Quick tip: If you use multiple nails or screws for one picture, use a level to make sure the nails are horizontally level with each other (or else the picture will constantly tilt).

If you're inserting an anchor, do so first. Then, attach the nail, screw, or hook to the wall where you've marked, and hang the picture. You may have to reach behind and help the wire onto the nail or screw. Hold the level up to or place it on top of the picture to level it up.

Quick tip: If you're hanging a group of picture frames together, a good rule of thumb is to leave 2 to 5 inches between each frame.

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If a picture is small and lightweight, a single nail or nail hanger can be used. Heavier pictures will use picture wire and can be hung on two nails or screws. Methods like MonkeyHooks and Command removable adhesive products are also excellent options for pictures up to 50 pounds. Heavier pictures should be hung with d-rings and screw hooks, and the hardware should be attached to wall studs or anchors should be used for plaster or masonry walls.

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