How to Hang Wall Art Like a Pro: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Crooked frames, random nail holes, and artwork that floats too high above the couch—sound familiar? Most of us have been there. The good news is that with a handful of tools and a simple five-step process, you can achieve the polished look of a gallery wall (minus the drywall regrets). Below, I’ll walk you through everything—plus share a few Newfoundland-inspired prints that fit each hanging style perfectly.

Why Proper Placement Matters

• Visual Balance: Art hung at the right height anchors a room and guides the eye.
• Mood & Flow: Colours and subject matter set the tone—whether that’s calm (“Arctic Acrobat – White Fox in Flight”) or energetic (“Rainbow Reflection Puffin”).
• Wall Integrity: One well-placed hook > five trial-and-error holes.

Gather Your Tools (Quick Checklist)

• Tape measure
• Painter’s tape
• Level (or smartphone app)
• Pencil & eraser
• Hammer or drill + picture-hanging kit
• Optional: paper templates & masking tape for gallery walls

Measure Your Space First

The Eye-Level Rule

Museums position artwork so the centre of the piece sits 57–60 inches (145–152 cm) from the floor. For most homes, 58″ is a sweet spot.

Sofa & Headboard Rule

Hang art 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) above furniture. Anything higher looks like it’s floating.

Pro Tip: If your ceilings are over 9 ft, you can nudge the centreline up to 62″.

Choose Your Placement Style

Single Statement Piece

• Ideal for large prints like our 24×24 in Northern Lights series.
• Centre the piece on the wall; follow the eye-level rule.

Symmetrical Duo / Trio

• Perfect above buffets or desks.
• Example: Pair two “Hands of Time” prints, spacing them 2–4 inches apart.

Gallery Wall

• Combine various sizes & frames.
• Start with one anchor print (try a 16×16 in Puffin in Hoodies piece) then build outwards—keeping 2 inches between frames.

Step-by-Step Hanging Guide

Mark Your Centreline

Run painter’s tape horizontally at your chosen centre height (e.g., 58″).

Make Paper Templates

Trace each frame on kraft or printer paper; cut out and mark the hook point. Tape these to the wall to test your arrangement.

Calculate Hook Placement

Measure the distance from the top of the frame to the hanging wire at rest. Mark that distance down from the template’s top edge. That mark = where your hook goes.

Tap Pilot Hole & Insert Hook

For drywall <20 lb, a simple angled picture hook suffices. Heavier pieces (like acrylic prints) need wall anchors or a French cleat.

Level & Adjust

Hang the frame, place the level on top, and tweak. Add felt pads to the bottom corners to keep art flush and walls scuff-free.

Special Cases & Pro Tips

Heavy Pieces / Acrylic Prints

• Use studs or toggle anchors rated for the art’s weight.
• Consider a French cleat for anything over 40 lb.

Plaster or Concrete Walls

• Drill a pilot hole with a masonry bit.
• Insert a plastic plug, then screw the picture hook in place.

Rental Hacks

• 3M Command picture strips hold up to 16 lb. Test on a hidden spot first.

Styling With Colour Psychology

• Calming Blues & Greens: Hang Whale’s Farewell in bedrooms or offices.
• Bold Reds & Oranges: Use Patriotic Puffin over a dining nook for lively conversation.
• Moody Greys: Ground a modern living room with “Moose in the Mist”, then brighten with accent pillows.

Need more chromatic insight? Check our recent guide: “Wall Art Colour Psychology”.

Quick Troubleshooting

Problem	Fix
Art still crooked	Tighten hanging wire or add a second hook.
Looks too high	Lower by 2–3″; eye level beats “space filler” instinct.
Frame’s lost on a big wall	Add sconce lighting or flank with smaller prints.

 

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Hanging art like a pro is 10 % math, 10 % tools, and 80 % confidence. Use these steps, and every nail you swing becomes purposeful—no extra holes, no crooked masterpieces.

Ready to put your new skills to the test? Explore our newest collections:

• Puffins in Hoodies Prints – colourful conversation starters
• Northern Lights Series – tranquil blues & greens for zen spaces
• Hands of Time Prints – nostalgic tones for kitchen or hallway

Measure once, hang once, and enjoy wall art that works with your space—and your mood.