Even I admit that I have been at fault
for being over enthusiastic about hanging a painting before my
guests arrived, you know... just so I could show off my new
work.
But
then I would stand back to take a look, only to realise that I've
catered for the height of kindergarten children
(that's what you get for trying to show off!)
When hanging paintings you need to take
into consideration:
The best environment for lighting
The correct viewing
height
Using the correct hanging supplies
An arrangement theme, particularly if there is
more than one painting
Picture Hanging Height
The best height
to hang a painting is at eye level.
Now.. if you are 7 foot and your partner is not quite 5 feet tall, then I am not sure how you would tackle the "hang at eye level" debate.
But the average height for eye level is approximately
66 inches from the floor.
It is also a good idea to
consider composition.
Keep your
arrangement relative to your wall shape.
For instance; a
long canvas would suit the end of a narrow hallway wall, thus
giving the length of the painting a broader impact and appeal.
Additional things to consider
when hanging a painting:
Keep in mind that paintings
should be hung with proper support to cater for the weight
of the painting.
Use two picture hooks on
your wall to properly secure your painting especially if the
painting is substantially heavy.
Use nickel plated (or brass)
screws or D rings (see picture right) to avoid weakening your
hanging structure as these hanging devices wont rust.
Ensure that your painting is
being supported from two points of the frame.
(see picture
left) - i.e.: with a hanging wire from one D-ring screw on
one side to the other D-ring screw on the other side.
To hang your painting
evenly, first find your centre point on the wall.
If you are hanging a painting approximately
66 inches off the ground to cater for standard eye level, keep
in mind that you will need to go another 6 inches higher above
that 66 inch mark.
So in essence you will be
inserting your hooks evenly on the 72 inch line to allow for the
painting to drop slightly when it has been hung on the hanging
hooks.
From your centre point you will
need to measure evenly either side to cater for an even distance
across the back of the painting frame to insert your hanging
hooks into the wall.
For example: if your painting is
100 centimetres in width, your centre point for the frame would
be 50 centimetres. Therefore you would make one hook hole 20 centimetres
left from the 50 centimetre centre point and then make another
hook hole 20 centimetres right of the 50 centimetre centre
point.
This will give you an even
distribution of weight.
If you feel your hooks are securely
fastened in the wall and your picture wire is also securely
fastened on the back of the painting...then go ahead and hang
your painting.
Hey, why not check out
this video below. It will show you how to go about the
whole procedure of getting your painting up on the wall.
Gee, the dude in the vid
even wears some goggles to use a hammer! Talk about
safety conscious eh. Enjoy.
