on June 04, 2026
Hanging a picture frame well is a ten-minute task that most people make harder than it needs to be. The tools are simple. The technique is straightforward. The mistakes are avoidable.
What You Need
A spirit level is the only tool most people are missing. Everything else — a pencil, a tape measure, a hammer or drill depending on your wall type — is typically at hand. A spirit level is inexpensive, takes thirty seconds to use, and is the difference between a frame that's level and one that's slightly crooked.
For heavier frames or multiple frames, a stud finder is worth having. Fixing into a stud rather than drywall only is more secure and gives you confidence that the fixing will hold long-term.
Choosing the Right Fixing
Into a stud: A standard wood screw at the appropriate gauge is sufficient for any normal frame weight. Locate the stud, drill a pilot hole if needed, and fix directly.
Into drywall (plasterboard) without a stud: Use a wall anchor rated above the weight of the frame. Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions — the rated weight assumes correct installation. For frames over 5kg, find a stud or use multiple fixings.
Into masonry or brick: Use a masonry drill bit, a wall plug appropriate to the brick type, and a screw rated for the weight.
Without fixings: Adhesive strips (Command strips and equivalents) work reliably for lighter frames on smooth, clean, dry walls. Use strips rated above the frame weight. Read the installation instructions — the correct technique matters for adhesive performance.
Finding the Right Height
The centre of the frame should sit at approximately eye level — 145–155cm from the floor. This is the height at which a frame is most naturally engaged with when standing.
Above furniture, the bottom of the frame (or the lowest frame in a group) should sit 15–25cm above the top of the furniture piece. This creates visual connection between the two without the frame appearing to rest on the furniture.
Marking the Wall
Before drilling or hammering anything, mark the wall with a pencil at the exact point where the fixing will go. For frames with two hanging points, measure the distance between them on the back of the frame, find the midpoint on the wall, and mark both fixing points symmetrically from the midpoint.
Use a spirit level across your pencil marks before proceeding. Adjust until level. This step takes thirty seconds and prevents having to fill and repaint holes.
Hanging Multiple Frames
For a group arrangement, plan the full layout before making any fixings. Lay the frames on the floor in the arrangement you intend. Photograph from above. Transfer the arrangement to the wall using paper templates — cut paper to the frame dimensions, tape to the wall, confirm the arrangement looks right, then mark fixing points through the paper.
See our gallery wall arrangement guide for detail on planning multi-frame layouts.
After Hanging
Step back to the distance from which the wall is normally seen. Look at the frame as part of the room, not in isolation. A frame that's slightly off-level is much more visible from a normal viewing distance than when you're standing directly in front of it. Adjust now rather than later.
Browse ONE MAAY's full picture frame collection.
