How to Hang a Picture Straight (First Time)

Hanging pictures can turn into a wall full of extra holes. A little measuring gets it right the first time.

Find the right height

A common guideline is to hang art so its centre sits about 145–150 cm (57–60 inches) from the floor — roughly eye level. Above a sofa, leave around 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) between the furniture and the frame.

Choose the right fixing

• Light frames: picture hooks or adhesive strips.
• Medium frames on plasterboard: plasterboard (drywall) anchors.
• Heavy frames: screw into a stud or use heavy-duty anchors.

The tape trick

1. Put a strip of masking tape across the back of the frame, over the hanging points.
2. Mark where the hooks or wire sit.
3. Peel the tape off and stick it on the wall where you want the picture, using a level to keep it straight.
4. Fix hooks through the marks, then remove the tape.

Gallery walls

Arrange frames on the floor first, or trace them onto paper and tape the templates to the wall to plan the layout.