A picture frame can make a room, but only if it’s hung straight, securely, and where it should be. Too high, too low, crooked, or fixed with the wrong hardware, and your frame can look out of place or end up falling on the floor.
Our guide cuts out the guesswork with a simple, foolproof process for a professional finish. You’ll learn the right tools to use, how to work with different wall types, and the small adjustments that make a big difference.
While we recommend hiring a professional picture frame hanger for the most secure result, explore our insider tips to dodge the common DIY mistakes and achieve a finish you’ll love.
Quick Answer: How to Hang a Picture Frame
To hang a picture frame, mark your ideal height, use the right hardware for your wall type, secure the fixings, and level the frame for a clean, straight finish.
- Mark the height – Typically 145–150cm from the floor to the frame’s centre.
- Identify your wall type – Use the correct fixings for brick, plasterboard, or concrete.
- Install hooks or screws – Anchor them securely into the wall, not just the surface.
- Hang the frame – Use wire or D-rings for stability.
- Level and adjust – Adjust with a spirit level until straight.
Picture Frame Hanging Tools & Materials Checklist
Having the right gear from the start makes hanging easy. At Print Frame Send, every piece arrives ready-to-hang with wire already fitted. If your artwork doesn’t, gather these essentials first to avoid mid-job runs to the shed or hardware store.
- Measuring tape – To mark your ideal height on the wall.
- Pencil – Makes light, removable marks you can wipe away.
- Spirit level – Your guarantee of a straight, professional finish.
- Wall fixings – Hooks, screws, or anchors matched to your wall type.
- Screwdriver or drill – Makes installing hardware quick and easy.
- Wire or D-rings – If your frame doesn’t already have them.
- Stud finder (optional) – A lifesaver when hanging heavy frames.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging a Picture Frame
Step 1: Choose the Frames Placement and Height
The right placement is what makes a frame feel like it belongs. A good rule of thumb is to position the centre of the frame 145–150 cm from the floor, which puts it at natural eye level for most people.
When hanging above furniture, aim for 15–25 cm above the top edge so the frame feels connected without crowding the space. For gallery walls, treat the layout as one complete arrangement, and maintain 5–10 cm between frames for a balanced look.
Hot tip: Stand back after marking your spot. Sometimes a small shift up, down or sideways makes a big difference to how the piece feels in the room.
Step 2: Mark and Measure
Start by using a measuring tape to accurately mark the spot for your hook or screw, based on the placement you decided in Step 1. Lightly mark the wall with a pencil (it’s easy to erase and won’t damage the surface.)
If your frame has a hanging wire, measure the distance from the top of the frame to the highest point the wire will reach when pulled taut. Subtract that from your original height measurement so the hook sits exactly where it needs to be.
For frames with D-rings, measure the distance from the top of the frame to each ring and mark both points on the wall. Use a spirit level to make sure the marks are aligned before you drill or hammer anything in.
Hot tip: When hanging picture frames on brick walls, mark spots that avoid mortar lines for a stronger hold. For plasterboard, use a stud finder to locate studs or mark where you’ll use wall anchors for stability.
Step 3: Install the Right Hardware
The right hardware keeps your frame secure and your walls intact. Match your fixings and installation to both your wall type and the weight of your frame.
By wall type:
- Brick or concrete: Drill pilot holes with a masonry bit, insert wall plugs with cup hooks, and screw in hooks or screws until secure.
- Plasterboard: If you can’t hit a stud, use weight-rated plasterboard anchors before adding hooks or screws. (In Australia, load capacity should be stated on packaging).
- Timber walls: Pre-drill a small hole to avoid splitting, then fix standard screws or hooks in place.
By frame style:
- Wire hanging: For light frames, one hook is fine. For heavier frames, use two hooks spaced apart to prevent tilting and spread the weight.
- D-rings: Always use two hooks or screws aligned with a spirit level to keep the frame
Hot tip: All Print Frame Send pieces come with wire, ready to hang, so you can skip extra fitting and go straight to installation.
Step 4: Hang and Level the Frame
With your fixings in place, hang the frame carefully and check it’s straight before you step back.
Place a spirit level along the top edge of the frame and make small adjustments until it’s perfectly straight. Even a slight lean can throw off the look, especially if it’s part of a gallery wall.
Hot tip: For stubborn tilts, add small adhesive bumpers to the bottom corners. They’ll help the frame sit flush and stop it shifting over time.
How to Hang Picture Frames Without Nails - Damage-Free DIY
Whether you’re renting or simply want to avoid drilling into your walls, there are secure, wall-friendly options for hanging frames without nails. The key is matching the method to your frame’s weight.
- Adhesive hooks or strips – Ideal for lightweight frames (generally up to 3–4 kg). Clean the wall surface, press firmly, and give the adhesive time to bond before hanging.
- Tension rods – Perfect for alcoves or window recesses. Frames can hang from wire or clips attached to the rod.
- Rail systems – Common in galleries, these use a horizontal track mounted near the ceiling with adjustable hooks.
If your frame is heavy, these no-nail solutions may not hold securely. We highly recommend hiring a professional picture frame hanger for the sturdiest approach, especially for valuable or oversized pieces.
Our HD Metal Prints are lighter then normal pieces, making them the best lightweight frame solution if you want to hang picture frames without nails.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hanging a Picture Frame
Even a great frame can look wrong if it’s hung poorly. Steer clear of these common mistakes:
- Hanging too high or too low – Frames should sit at eye level, not near the ceiling or halfway down the wall.
- Skipping the measuring tape – Eyeballing almost always leads to uneven results.
- Using the wrong hardware – Fixings that aren’t suited to your wall type or frame weight can lead to damage or falls.
- Ignoring the spirit level – Even a slight tilt is noticeable, especially in a series of frames.
- Placing in direct sunlight – Over time, this can fade some lower-quality prints and artwork.
Experienced picture frame hanger Jim Flemming, from Australian Art Installations, warns that hidden wall materials, such as bracing ply, FC sheeting, or insulation in unit blocks, can cause unexpected problems during installation.
Without knowing exactly what’s behind the surface, it’s easy to hit resistance, damage the wall, or end up with a fixing that isn’t secure. When in doubt, we highly recommend contacting a professional.
Why We Recommend a Professional Picture Frame Hanger
You can hang a picture frame yourself, but if you want a flawless, secure result, a professional picture frame hanger is the way to go. Millimetre-accurate alignment, the right fixings for every wall type, and a finish that lasts for years give your frames the attention they deserve.
We spoke with the experienced picture frame hangers at Australian Art Installations to get their advice. They explained that plenty of DIYers start with a trip to Bunnings, asking for advice without fully understanding their needs.
They often leave with around $70 worth of different hooks and wall anchors, only to get home and realise they still don’t know which to use, or how to install them correctly. It becomes a waste of time and a waste of money.
If you want your frames to be perfectly straight, securely fixed, and looking just as good in five years as they do on day one, hiring a professional picture frame installer like the team at Australian Art Installations is the smartest choice.
Order Ready-to-Hang Frames, Delivered to Your Door
At Print Frame Send, we make it simple to transform your favourite photos or artwork into beautifully finished, ready-to-hang pieces. Every frame arrives fitted with high-quality wire, so you can enjoy it straight away — no tools, no assembly, no hassle.
Choose HD metal prints for vibrant colour, scratch-resistant durability, and a lightweight design that makes hanging easier. Or go for our classic print-and-frame option for a timeless framing look. Both are crafted to last, with the quality and attention to detail your images deserve.
Just upload your image, select your print style and frame, and we’ll print, frame, and send so you get professional-grade results without leaving home.
Order your frame or contact us online to learn more and enjoy your photos the way you want to today.
