Straight Pictures

Hanging pictures can seem simple, but anyone who has hammered a nail into the wall only to find their frame sitting wonky knows it’s trickier than it looks. Whether you’re hanging a single artwork or planning an entire gallery wall, here are the steps to make sure everything is straight, secure, and looking its best.

Hanging a Single Picture Straight

1. Measure Twice, Hammer Once

• Find the center point of your wall or the area where you want the picture.

• Measure the distance between the top of your frame and the hanging hardware (hooks, wire, or D-rings).

• Mark the exact spot on the wall where your hook or nail should go.

2. Use a Level

• A spirit level (or even a smartphone level app) is your best friend.

• After hanging, place it along the top edge of the frame to check if it’s straight.

• Adjust slightly if needed.

3. Wall Bumpers Help

• Stick small rubber bumpers or felt pads on the back bottom corners of your frame.

• These stop your picture from tilting when people walk past or when doors slam.

• Use silicon double sided tape to stick on wall

4. Use Two Hooks Instead of One

• For wider frames, hang with two hooks/nails instead of just one.

• This stops the picture from swivelling sideways and helps it stay level.

How to Hang 3 Pictures Straight in a Row

1. Decide on Orientation

• Horizontal row (side by side) works well above a sofa or bed.

• Vertical row (stacked top to bottom) is great for narrow wall spaces.

2. Align to a Line

Pick which part of the frames you want to align:

• Top edge – neat and structured look.

• Bottom edge – grounds the arrangement if above furniture.

• Centre line – if one frame has a different size.

3. Measure and Mark

Find the total width (or height) of all 3 frames plus the spacing between them.

• For horizontal rows:

  • Mark the center point on your wall.

  • Work outwards to each side so your row is perfectly centered.

• For vertical rows:

  • Mark the center frame first at eye level, then measure up and down for the other two.

4. Keep the Gaps Even

• A good rule of thumb: 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) between each picture. Bigger pictures up to 20 cm (8 inches).

• Use a ruler or cut a small spacer strip of cardboard/wood to place between frames as you hang them.

5. Hang with a Level

• Use a spirit level across two frames at once to check alignment.

• If your frames have hanging wire, measure the distance from the top of the frame to the wire when taut — mark that spot for your nail/hook so all three sit at the same height.

6. Final Check

• Step back and check from a few angles.

• Tiny adjustments make a big difference when pictures are side by side.

✅ Quick Tip:
If you’re worried about small misalignments, align the centers of the pictures. Our eyes naturally follow the middle line, and tiny differences in top/bottom edges won’t be as noticeable.

Getting a Gallery Wall Straight and Balanced

Creating a gallery wall takes a bit more planning, but the results are worth it.

1. Plan Your Layout on the Floor

• Lay all your frames on the ground first.

• Play around with arrangements until you find a layout you love.

• Take a quick photo so you remember the setup.

2. Use Paper Templates on the Wall

• Cut out paper the same size as each frame.

• Tape the paper pieces to the wall with painter’s tape.

• Move them around until you’re happy with the spacing and balance — no holes in the wall yet!

3. Keep Spacing Consistent

• A general rule: 5–8cm (2–3 inches) between frames looks balanced.

• Use a ruler or spacer block to keep gaps even.

4. Work Around a Central Line

• For neatness, choose either the top line, bottom line, or the center line of your frames to align.

• This gives the whole wall a sense of order, even with different frame sizes.

5. Step Back Often

• After hanging a few frames, step back and look at the wall from different angles.

• Small adjustments now make a big difference later.

💡Quick Tips for Stress-Free Hanging

• Always check if the ceiling is straight. I have seen many homes where the ceiling is in an angle and distance to floor differs up to 2 cm from one corner to the other of the room.

• Aligning to door frames or arches check if both corners have the same hight.

• Sometimes a picture can look unlevelled even when it is. Check the frame or colours and arrangements in the painting. Adjust the picture to what you feel right and look straight.

✨ With these steps, you’ll have straight-hanging artwork and a gallery wall that feels balanced, stylish, and personal.

🎨 More Tips for Hanging and Styling Art