How to hang pictures in a straight line

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HOW TO HANG MULTIPLE PICTURES ON A WALL

As a homeowner, you've likely noticed pictures hanging on someone else’s wall that weren't exactly level. Even something as seemingly minor as this can throw your decorating efforts off-kilter!

Table of Contents Show

HOW TO HANG MULTIPLE PICTURES ON A WALL
HOW TO HANG PICTURES ON WALL
PROFESSIONAL PICTURE HANGING SERVICES
On This Page
Necessary Materials
How to Hang Pictures
Measuring
How to Arrange Pictures
Plot Out Your Pictures
Find a Common Thread Between Artwork
Let Your Furnishings Guide You
How to Arrange an Eclectic Group of Pictures
How do you hang evenly spaced picture frames?

If you're wondering how to hang three pictures in a row, Mr. Handyman has some tips that will make the job easier. Need a hand? Our picture hanging services are here to help.

HOW TO HANG PICTURES ON WALL

It really doesn't matter whether you have three pictures, five or even more. What you want is for your pictures to be level so that one or two aren’t out of line, throwing everything out of balance. This is a lot harder than it sounds!

Use the tips below for an easier installation process:

First, spend the most time focusing on the first picture you hang on the wall, the one that will hang in the middle. This will determine everything else, so take your time to find the perfect spot.
Pictures should be hung at eye level so they're not too high or too low. A height of about 5' 6" is ideal in most cases, though certainly adjust for your height! You'll want to hang the center picture first so that the two on each side can be perfectly balanced.
Make sure the frames on each picture hang the same height from the wire you'll be hanging them with; otherwise, you'll have to adjust the anchor point for each frame.
To ensure you have the right height, measure from the floor to the bottom of the first picture frame. This way you'll have a reference point whether you want to hang the remaining two pictures at the same height, or higher/lower than the middle picture.
Once you've determined the proper height for the first picture, mark it lightly on the wall using a pencil, which can be erased when you're done. Blue painters tape also comes in handy for this, as it can be pulled from the wall without leaving a mark.
When you've hung the first picture and it's where you want it, measure from the floor to place the remaining pictures at each side, then mark with a pencil or blue painters tape. You'll also want to measure the vertical space between pictures so they're evenly spaced. The amount of space you leave between the pictures depends on furnishings beneath them and how you want to balance the wall.

Pro Tip: Put a small dab of toothpaste on the hanging hardware behind each frame then gently press the frame against the wall. This will show you exactly where to install the nail in the wall. This technique works best with sawtooth-style picture hanger hardware.

Keep in mind that you don't want picture frames interfering with lampshades, the back of the couch or other items. Consider everything that will be placed below the pictures when deciding the best height for hanging.

It's also wise to use a level to make sure your pictures are hanging perfectly straight. There are also anchor points you can use at the bottom of frames to make sure they remain where you want them, even when dusting!

Hanging a lot of frames? A picture-hanging level tool makes the installation process a lot easier (and quicker).

Using these tips to hang three pictures in a row, you'll enjoy perfectly spaced, level pictures that won't get visitors' attention for all the wrong reasons!

PROFESSIONAL PICTURE HANGING SERVICES

Need a hand? Our drywall services can repair any picture-hanging mistakes and we can take care of the picture installation process while we’re there.

For all your home repair, maintenance and home improvement projects, count on Mr. Handyman. Request service online or give us a call at (877) 685-1377.

August 21, 2018
By Mr. Handyman

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Amp up your home décor with perfectly placed frames.

The process of hanging a new painting or a collection of family photos can feel overwhelming. There are multiple pieces to examine and there ultimately isn't just one correct way to put them all together. Don't be afraid to play with a few different arrangements before landing on the best one for your space—the most pleasing set up may be the one you least expect.

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Necessary Materials

As is the case with any home decorating project, you'll need a few basic supplies to get the job done correctly.

Tape measure
Hammer
Carpenter's level (24 inches long)
2 picture hooks
2 D-rings

How to Hang Pictures

Conventional wisdom suggests that pictures be hung at eye level, but there are many good reasons to hang pieces above or below a standard height. In any setting, you will need to react to the architecture and the furniture in your specific space. As a starting point, though, begin by learning how to hang pictures at eye level.

Measuring

When hanging pictures at eye level (or if you're setting up a grid or a series of pieces) precise measuring is needed achieve even spacing. If you're going by instinct as opposed to eye level, you don't need to be as exact.

When hanging something at an average eye level, position its center 57 to 60 inches from the floor.
Use this formula: Divide the height of the frame by two; from that number, subtract the distance from the top of the frame to the hanging hardware; add this number to 57, 58, 59, or 60.
The final sum is the height (measured from the floor), and where the hangers should be put into the wall.

Hanging

When it's time to hang your art, use the method that provides the most stability. It's usually best to use two picture hangers, so frames don't swing or tilt.

Install two D-rings on the back of the frame, directly opposite each other.
Once you've decided where you want to hang a picture, make a mark on the wall in pencil for each hook; use the level to make sure the marks are at the same height.
Hammer one picture hook into each mark you made on the wall.
Pick up your picture and hook the D-rings over the picture hooks to hang your piece.

How to Arrange Pictures

The arrangement of frames on a wall has as much impact as the pictures themselves. A precise grid gives a formal look, while a group of pictures hung within a set square or rectangle feels instantly more casual. Whether you're working with a grouping of pictures or just one, artwork should generally be centered horizontally between two points, which makes a room feel balanced.

Plot Out Your Pictures

First, set out the pictures you want to hang; prop them against the walls, and consider your options. Look at every reasonable possibility. Have someone hold a piece up to the wall while you stand back and appraise (just cover the hanging hardware with masking tape first to keep it from scratching the paint). If you are grouping several pieces together, arrange and rearrange them on the floor until you find a composition you like.

Find a Common Thread Between Artwork

In most groupings, a common thread will tie the pieces together. Perhaps the pictures are part of a set or collection. If not, maybe the frames share the same style or the mats are all the same color. Sometimes, a grouping may not need a linking element—the only unifying theme may be its diversity. Such collections take a little more nerve and are best suited to a less formal room.

Let Your Furnishings Guide You

A few inches' shift in a hanging arrangement can affect the tone of an entire room. Move the pictures over a sofa or chair down a bit and the area will become more cohesive and cozy. Emphasize a chair rail by running a series of photos right above it. Hang several small pieces just over a desk—they'll provide a refreshing view when you look up from your work.

How to Arrange an Eclectic Group of Pictures

Mismatched elements are more of a challenge to hang than a set of identical prints in similar frames, but the results can be compelling and really make a room. Sketches, oil paintings, architectural renderings, a display of cameos, and a decorative wall bracket could be arranged in a free-form, asymmetrical grouping. The frames can be varied, but should share a somewhat formal feel to prevent your arrangement from feeling too chaotic.

Before putting a hole in the wall, establish the arrangement of pictures and pieces. Lay them out on the floor and up against a wall or piece of furniture; move them until the results suit you. For a mismatched grouping, the spacing doesn't need to be even, but try to avoid unbroken "rivers" of space running horizontally or vertically between pictures. Once your arrangement is set, use the same steps outlined above to hang the art.