Expert Tips for Perfectly Spaced and Level Wall Art Hanging

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 6 min read

Unleashing your inner designer and hanging art with precision can be a transformative experience. It's about more than just nailing a frame to a wall—it's about bringing your room to life, creating visual harmony, and achieving even spacing and level placement on your walls. Let's dive into the world of hanging art with precision to help you create a visually pleasing environment that tells your unique story through art.

Choose Right Place for Art

Choosing the right place for your artwork is the first step to hanging art with precision. The location of your art can make or break the overall look of your room. Here, we'll evaluate the room layout, consider the size of the art, and assess the available wall space to ensure your art creates the perfect balance and symmetry in your room.

Evaluate Room Layout

Start by taking a good look at your room's layout. Is it spacious or cozy? Does it have high ceilings or low? These factors will influence where you hang your art. For example, in a room with high ceilings, you might want to hang your artwork a little higher to draw the eye upwards. Conversely, in a cozy room, hanging art lower can make the space feel more intimate and welcoming.

Consider Art Size

Next, think about the size of your art. Smaller pieces might get lost on a large wall, while oversized art can overwhelm a small space. A good rule of thumb is to choose art that fills two-thirds to three-quarters of the available wall space. For example, if you have a 60-inch wide wall, aim for art that's between 40 and 45 inches wide.

Consider Wall Space

Lastly, consider the available wall space. If you're hanging a single piece, ensure it's centered at eye level—about 57 to 60 inches from the floor. If you're creating a gallery wall, start in the center and work your way out, keeping the space between each piece consistent for even spacing. Remember, the goal is to create a sense of balance and harmony, so don't be afraid to move things around until it feels right.

Select Appropriate Hanging Materials

Now that we've found the perfect spot for your art, let's turn our attention to the tools of the trade. The right hanging materials can make the difference between a perfectly level piece of art and one that's always tilting to the side. We'll discuss how to choose the right nails, select quality wall hooks, and use durable wire for hanging art with precision.

Choose Right Nails

The type of nail you choose can impact how securely your artwork hangs on the wall. Standard nails are perfect for light frames, while heavier artwork might require a picture-hanging nail or even a wall anchor. But remember, it's not just about weight—it's about the thickness of the frame and the type of wall material. When in doubt, go for a slightly larger nail—it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to hanging art with precision.

Select Quality Wall Hooks

Wall hooks offer another secure option for hanging artwork. They come in various sizes and can hold different weights. When selecting a wall hook, consider the weight of your artwork and the type of wall you're dealing with. Drywall might require a different hook than plaster or brick. And remember, quality matters—don't skimp on the hooks. A high-quality hook can support your artwork and keep it level for years to come.

Use Durable Wire

When hanging art with a wire, choose a durable one. The wire should be strong enough to support the weight of the artwork. Also, it should be flexible enough to adjust for even spacing and level placement on your walls. Remember, the wire will be supporting your artwork day in and day out, so it's worth investing in a high-quality one.

Measure Correctly

So, you have your art and your hanging materials — what's next? Precision! The key to achieving even spacing and level placement on your walls lies in accurate measurements. Let's discuss how to use the right measuring tools, calculate distance accurately, and always check your measurements twice.

Use Right Measuring Tools

Using the right measuring tools can make all the difference when hanging art with precision. A simple tape measure can do the trick for most tasks. However, a laser level might come in handy when you're dealing with multiple pieces of art or when you want to ensure a straight line. Remember, you're aiming for even spacing and level placement on your walls, so make sure your measurements are on point.

Calculate Distance Accurately

Calculating distance accurately is key to achieving even spacing between your artwork. You'll want to measure the distance from the ceiling to where you want the top of your artwork to sit. Then, measure the distance from the floor to that same spot. If these two measurements aren't equal, adjust accordingly. Also, consider the distance between artworks if you're hanging more than one piece. Consistent spacing can create a harmonious look in your room.

Check Measurements Twice

Remember the old saying, "Measure twice, cut once"? Well, when it comes to hanging art with precision, we say "Measure twice, hang once". Double-checking your measurements before you make any holes in the wall can save you from unnecessary patchwork later. It can also ensure that your artwork is evenly spaced and level, which is the ultimate goal here.

Hang Art Levelly

Now that you've taken precise measurements, it's time to hang your art. But remember, the goal is to hang art levelly, which is an art in itself. So how can you ensure that your wall art is as straight as a die? With the help of a bubble level, adjusting the art position, and confirming a level hang, that's how.

Use a Bubble Level

A bubble level is your best friend when it comes to hanging art levelly. This tool ensures that your artwork is perfectly horizontal, with no tilt to either side. Simply place the bubble level on the top edge of your frame and adjust until the air bubble is centered between the lines. Voila! You've got yourself a level piece of art.

Adjust Art Position

Even with a bubble level, you may need to make some minor adjustments to get your art perfectly level. Don't be afraid to step back and view your art from different angles and distances. Sometimes, what seems level up close looks off from afar. So, make those tiny adjustments as needed — your walls will thank you for it!

Confirm Level Hang

Once you've adjusted your art to the perfect position, take a step back and give it one last look. Make sure the artwork is level from all viewing angles. If everything looks good, give yourself a pat on the back. You've just mastered the art of hanging art with precision, achieving even spacing and level placement on your walls. Well done, you!

Maintain Art Position

Once you've managed to hang your art levelly, the next vital step is to maintain its position. Like a well-tuned instrument, wall art needs a little bit of fine-tuning every now and then. And how do you do that? By securing the artwork properly, checking its position periodically, and adjusting if necessary.

Secure Artwork Properly

Securing your artwork properly at the outset can save you a world of hassle down the line. Make sure to use durable wall hooks and wire that can bear the weight of your artwork. You might want to consider using two hooks for larger pieces — this not only distributes the weight evenly, but also helps to keep the artwork from shifting.

Check Art Position Periodically

Just as you would check on a plant to see if it needs water, you should also check your wall art occasionally to ensure it's still hanging level. Changes in temperature and humidity can cause your artwork to shift slightly. So, take a moment every so often to confirm your art still holds its position with precision on your walls.

Adjust if Necessary

Even with the best planning, sometimes art shifts out of position over time. If you notice that your artwork is no longer level, don't panic! With a slight adjustment, you can bring it back to its perfect position. After all, maintaining the level placement and even spacing of your wall art is all part of the journey of hanging art with precision.

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