Where and how to hang pictures

Where and how to hang artwork might seem easy, but there’s a lot to consider ensuring it is placed and hung correctly.

So, here is Frames & More’s ultimate frame-hanging guide.

Framing Your Art

Framing your art is a big investment, so it pays to think about where you will hang your piece once it’s delivered. Typically, people rush into designing the perfect frame without considering whether the weight, size, and proportions are suitable for the wall.

Buying and hanging picture frames has traditionally been laborious and expensive. Thankfully, our online framing tool allows you to customise a perfect made-to-measure frame in wood or metal in seconds.

Note: You don’t have to be a framing expert. Our website helps you choose and customise the best frame quickly.

How Frames & More Works

Find the best frame for your picture by browsing our range of picture frames or bespoke frames. You can also upload a digital photo for us to print and frame.
Buy your frame online without visiting your local framer. Pay securely via card or Apple Pay.
We will ship your frames in a few days for you to put your picture in and hang.

Why Planning Where to Hang Your Frame Matters

Framing costs vary depending on several factors:

Type of frame (wood or metal)
Quality of frame (budget vs premium)
Frame size
Number of frames
Extras (mounts, glass, etc.)

For example, a straightforward black wooden A4 frame will cost less than a premium custom aluminium frame. Planning placement before ordering saves money and post-purchase regret.

Why Do Some Frames Cost More?

Each frame is made to order using raw materials supplied from abroad, requiring more time, labour, and materials for larger frames. For more info on pricing, see our picture framing costs guide and money-saving tips guide.

Choosing the Right Picture Frame for Your Space

The right frame should complement your room, furniture, and artwork. Balance and instinct are key.

Frames Based on Room and Wall Proportions

Assess your room and furniture to determine the kind of frames and sizes that might suit your space:

Minimal Spaces: One frame or a diptych works well.
Full/“Positive” Spaces: Hang multiple frames together to maintain cohesion.

Pictures for Spacious Rooms

Large rooms with empty wall space benefit from large frames — either as a single statement piece or a gallery wall. High ceilings may call for portrait orientation. See our guide to buying large frames.

Pictures for Smaller Rooms

One or two small frames can add character without crowding walls. Multi-photo frames and mounts help display collections in small spaces.

Match Your Artwork Mood to Your Home

Frame style is largely irrelevant for hanging, but our online guide helps you choose between wood and aluminium frames.

Where Do You Want to Hang Your Art?

Most people know where they want to hang their art, typically:

On a blank wall
Re-framing or replacing art already in place

Hanging on a Blank Wall

This usually takes more time as you need to install new wall fixings.

Re-Framing or Replacing Existing Art

Swapping a frame in the same location is simpler. Ensure wall fixings can support the new frame’s weight.

Other Location Considerations

Safety: Choose suitable locations based on glazing.
Lighting: Use UV-protective glazing near windows; use high-clarity glazing for low-light locations.

Frame Size and Shape

Frame size is dictated by art size. Mounts (mats) can enlarge the overall frame and even allow uneven borders for custom shapes. Adjust mount borders in our online studio.

Five Rules for Designing a Great Frame Display

Repeat shapes to create visual unity.
Use bigger frames for tall walls and high ceilings.
Leave room for negative space (approx. 60% wall coverage, 40% margin).
Scale frames relative to furniture (max 2/3 width of furniture below).
Spread multiple frames across the wall, lowest image at eye level.

How High Should I Hang My Frame?

Single Frames on an Empty Wall

Vertical centre between 57″ (144cm) and 60″ (152cm) from the floor.

Single Frames Above Furniture

Position 4″ (17cm) to 12″ (25cm) above the furniture.

Gallery Walls on an Empty Wall

Treat the arrangement as one entity; vertical centre at eye level (57″–60″/144–152cm). For an organic layout, pick a centre spot and build out.

Gallery Walls Above Furniture

Leave 7″–10″ (17–25cm) between the lowest frame and furniture.

Special Cases

Staircases: hang frames parallel to the slope at eye level every few steps.
Sitting spaces: lower frames slightly to match seated viewing.

How to Hang Your Frame

Choosing Frame Hardware

Frames come with hanging fixings:

Zinc-coated press fix hardware
D-rings and polycord

Other options on request:

Sawtooth hangers
Clip over hangers
Security fixings
Mirror plates
Command strips

See our guide on attaching hanging fixings here.

Nails, Screws, or Hooks?

Identify your wall type:

Plasterboard/studded/cavity wall – hollow sound
Solid brick/block/dot-and-dab – solid sound

Fixing options for stud walls:

Spring toggle fixings
Hollow wall anchor
Self-drive plug
Picture hooks

Brick walls: Rawl-type plugs are recommended. Heavy frames may require multiple fixings.

Picture Hooks and Other Wall Fixings

Hooks are simple and cost-effective, but not ideal for plaster walls or heavy frames. Plate fixings attach the frame directly to the wall but require screws and anchors.

Hanging Your Picture

Hold frame in place; mark top two corners on the wall.
Mark the centre of these points.
Pull the hanging cord taut; measure from cord centre to top of frame. Mark wall for fixings.
Hammer or screw fixings into the wall. Wide or heavy frames may need two fixings 2–3″ apart.
Use a spirit level to check alignment.

Leaning Frames as an Alternative

Larger frames can lean against walls, while smaller frames work on shelves, desks, easels, or picture rails. Position frames wherever they look best.