How To Hang Pictures

As we in the midst of our nursery makeover for our next little girl, I realize I have never put much effort into decorating with artwork or photos. We have added a few things here and there, often given to the girls as gifts from family. This time around I know that not only do we need artwork for the nursery, but that the other two girls should get some artwork as well.

I chose to purchase inexpensive downloadable printable artwork online. Each of the girls have their own bedding theme, so I wanted to get artwork that would compliment that. Our oldest has a jungle theme, our middle has an owl theme, and our next little baby girl is getting a sheep theme.

Preparations

I am a perfectionist. When it comes to hanging artwork and photos, I stress over it looking perfect. So the best way for me to avoid this stress, is to plan ahead and to expect an imperfect finished product. How do I do this? First, I intentionally lay out my frames so they do not line up. Next, I keep it random, mixing frame sizes, orientations, and styles. Finally, I vary the spacing between frames so that if it doesn’t end up exactly where I want, you can’t tell.

Once I have downloaded all my printable artwork files to my computer, I uploaded them to be printed. I like to print at my local Costco Wholesale since I am a member, their prices are very reasonable, and they have a very good turn around time. Most of the prints I chose are 8×10 with a few 5×7 as well.

Next on the list was to purchase frames. Personally I like black frames because they go with pretty much everything. I got all the frames for the girls artwork collections from Walmart. The price point is great, some of the smaller or simpler frames are 2/$12 on sale, and the most expensive frame I chose is $22. They have a variety of styles so I can create a bit more of eclectic look.

Time To Hang

Before I go near the wall, I lay out my frames on the floor or a bed. This lets me play around with the layout and placement to decide what looks best before I grab the drill.

1. Once I decide on the placement, I roll out a piece of brown craft paper and lay the frames on it. (You can also tape multiple pieces together if you need to.)
2. Next I trace the frames, and then flip them over and measure the distance from the top of the frame down to the hook. I mark this distance on the paper so I know exactly where to place my nail or screw.
3. I tape my paper up onto the wall.
   • TIP: I mark the centre of my paper, and then it’s easy to place if I am centring the paper on the wall.
   • Alternatively, taping the paper up is great because you can stand back and look to see if you are happy with the placement. This is especially handy if you are hanging it over furniture and don’t want it to be too close or too far from the furniture or ceiling.
4. I hammer in my nails or drill pilot holes for screws, then remove the paper. I find it is easier to put the screws in without the paper up on the wall.

 

Hang & Enjoy

Then you just hang your framed artwork, photos, canvases, etc. This is a quick & simple way to hang things up on the walls without a lot of measuring, marking, and moving. I find it works really well, and it allows me to prepare in advance, aka during nap time.

Now that we have some artwork up on the walls, I am excited to keep decorating the nursery in preparation for our next little girl, who should be arriving in late March.