Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or just starting out, the first step to creating a stunning home environment often begins with a simple choice: how to hang wall decor.
While adding a touch of personality to your walls can transform a space, ensuring that your wall decor hanging tips are spot-on is crucial to avoid any mishaps. From lightweight photos to heavy mirrors, each piece requires a different approach, especially when dealing with how to hang decor on drywall. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to hang your wall art with confidence and style.
Once you know how best to securely hang wall decor, it’s time to actually decorate. The first step is to browse our unique and custom wall art collections.
Choosing the right hooks and hangers
The foundation of a well-organized home lies in selecting the right tools, and when it comes to hanging, choosing the right hooks and hangers can make all the difference. Whether you’re hanging a delicate piece of fabric art or a heavy mirror, the type of hook or hanger you choose will determine the security and longevity of your display.
Light decor
For lightweight decor, such as small pictures or lightweight shelves, adhesive strips are an excellent choice. They are easy to apply, cause minimal damage to your walls, and are perfect for renters or those who want to avoid drilling holes.
However, it’s important to choose high-quality adhesive strips designed for the specific weight and material of your decor to ensure they stay in place over time.
Heavy decor
For heavier items, such as large mirrors, heavy artwork, or substantial shelves, it’s crucial to use hooks and hangers that can provide the necessary support. Toggle bolts are a reliable option for these items, especially when hanging on drywall. They expand inside the wall to distribute the weight evenly, making them much more secure than standard nails or screws.
When using toggle bolts, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation to ensure they are properly anchored and can handle the weight of your decor. Additionally, consider the aesthetic of the toggle bolts; some come in decorative finishes that can complement your wall decor.
Decorative hooks offer a stylish and functional solution for hanging various items. They come in a wide range of designs, from minimalist and modern to ornate and vintage, allowing you to choose a hook that not only holds your decor securely but also enhances the overall look of your space.
These hooks are particularly useful for hanging items like coats, hats, or even smaller pieces of art. When selecting decorative hooks, think about the theme and style of your room to find the perfect match. For example, a rustic-themed living room might benefit from wrought iron hooks, while a contemporary kitchen could feature sleek, brushed nickel hooks.
Fabric & paper art
For fabric or paper art, specialty clips can be a game-changer. These clips are designed to hold lightweight materials without causing damage, and they often come in a variety of styles that can blend seamlessly with your decor. Magnetic clips, for instance, are great for hanging prints or photos without the need for nails or adhesive. They can be easily adjusted, making it simple to rearrange your wall display as desired.
Another option is to use picture hanging strips, which are discreet and can be used for a variety of lightweight items, including fabric wall hangings or paper art. These strips are often invisible from a distance, allowing your art to take center stage without any distractions.
Marking the perfect spot on your wall
Finding the perfect spot on your wall is both an art and a science, blending personal taste with practical know-how to ensure your decor is not just beautiful but also secure. One of the most critical aspects of this process is measuring and marking the center points for balanced wall decor placement.
Before you even pick up a hammer or drill, take the time to measure the wall and the pieces you intend to hang. For a single piece, find the midpoint of the wall where it will be centered. If you’re hanging multiple items, measure the total width of all pieces and the spaces between them to create a harmonious arrangement. Mark these points lightly with a pencil, ensuring they are evenly spaced and aligned.
Make sure the decor is level
Using a level is another essential tool in your wall decor hanging tips arsenal. A level helps ensure that your wall art hangs straight and true, which is crucial for a polished look.
Place the level on the top edge of your frame or on the wall where the top of the frame will sit. Adjust the frame or your marks until the bubble in the level is centered. This step is particularly important for larger pieces or when hanging a gallery wall, where even the slightest misalignment can be noticeable and detract from the overall aesthetic.
Get a look from a distance
Consider the view from main seating areas to optimize the visual impact of your wall decor. The height and placement of your art can significantly affect how it is perceived. Generally, the center of the piece should be at eye level when seated, which is typically around 60 inches from the floor.
However, this can vary depending on the room and the specific seating arrangement. Take a few moments to step back and visualize how the decor will look from different angles. This can help you make adjustments that enhance the room’s ambiance and draw attention to the right focal points.
Don’t overcrowd your wall
Finally, adjust the spacing for larger pieces to prevent overcrowding and ensure harmony. When hanging larger items, it’s important to leave enough space around them to avoid a cluttered look and achieve a beautiful display.
A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least 2 to 3 inches of space between pieces, though this can vary based on the size and style of your decor. For a cohesive gallery wall, consider using a grid or layout on the floor to plan your arrangement before marking the wall. This allows you to see the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments before committing to the wall.
Drilling holes in drywall like a pro
With a few tips and tricks, you can transform the daunting task of drilling holes in drywall into a smooth and hassle-free process. One of the most important steps to ensure your wall decor stays securely in place is using a drywall anchor. Drywall anchors are designed to provide a solid hold, preventing your decor from pulling out or causing damage to the wall. When you’re hanging heavier items, such as large mirrors or heavy frames, anchors are essential.
They distribute the weight more evenly and reduce the risk of the screw pulling through the drywall. To install an anchor, first, drill a hole slightly smaller than the anchor itself. Then, gently tap the anchor into the hole with a hammer until it is flush with the wall. Once the anchor is in place, you can screw in your hook or hanger, ensuring a secure and damage-free installation.
Picking the right drill
Selecting the right drill bit is another critical step in the process. You want to choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw you plan to use. This might seem counterintuitive, but it helps to create a snug fit that will hold the screw firmly in place. A drill bit that is too large can cause the drywall to crumble and make the hole too loose, leading to an unstable hang. On the other hand, a drill bit that is too small will make it difficult to insert the screw, increasing the risk of damage. To find the right drill bit, measure the diameter of your screw and select a bit that is about 1/16 inch smaller. This will give you the perfect balance between a secure hold and minimal wall damage. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to test the drill bit on a scrap piece of drywall to see how it performs before drilling into your actual wall.
Marking the drill spots with a pencil is a simple yet effective way to ensure your wall decor hanging tips are followed accurately. After you’ve determined the perfect spots for your hooks or hangers, use a pencil to make small, precise marks on the wall. These marks should align with the mounting points of your decor. Take your time to measure and double-check the placement to avoid any mistakes. If you’re hanging multiple pieces, consider using a level to ensure they are perfectly aligned. Once you’ve marked the spots, you can proceed with drilling. Remember, accuracy in marking is key to achieving a professional and aesthetically pleasing result.
Drilling into drywall
When drilling into drywall, apply gentle pressure to maintain control and prevent the drywall from crumbling. Start by drilling at a slower speed and gradually increase the speed as the bit penetrates the wall. This technique helps to create a clean, precise hole without causing unnecessary damage.
If you feel the drywall starting to crumble, stop drilling and carefully remove the bit. You can then use a small amount of spackle to fill in the damaged area and start again. It’s also a good idea to keep a steady hand and avoid jerky movements, as this can lead to uneven holes and a less secure hang. Once you’ve drilled the hole, you can insert the anchor or screw, depending on your chosen method.
If you need to reposition your decor on drywall, sealing the drilled holes with spackle and paint can help maintain the integrity of your wall. Spackle is a lightweight, quick-drying compound that fills in small holes and imperfections. Apply a small amount of spackle to the hole using a putty knife, and smooth it out until it is flush with the wall. Allow the spackle to dry completely before painting over it with a matching color. This will ensure that your wall looks tidy and professional, even if you need to adjust the placement of your decor.
By following these steps, you can hang your wall decor with confidence, knowing that your walls will remain in excellent condition.
