How to Hang a Framed Print like a Pro
Salt & Stone, Shot as part of our Shark Bay series.
1. Choose the Right Location
Before reaching for the drill, spend some time deciding where the print will work best. Consider the lighting, surrounding furniture, and how the artwork fits within the room. Prints are usually most effective when they feel connected to the space around them — above a sofa, bed, console table, or along an open wall with room to breathe.
Avoid placing framed prints in direct sunlight where possible, as prolonged exposure can cause fading over time.
2. Find the Ideal Height
One of the most common mistakes is hanging artwork too high. A good general rule is to position the centre of the print at eye level — typically around 145–150 cm from the floor.
If you’re hanging the print above furniture, leave approximately 15–25 cm between the bottom of the frame and the top of the furniture. This helps the artwork feel visually connected to the room rather than floating above it.
3. Measure Before You Hang
Take accurate measurements before making any holes in the wall. Measure:
The width of the wall space
The size of the frame
The distance between hanging points on the back of the frame
Using painter’s tape or paper templates can help you visualise placement before committing.
A spirit level is essential if you want the frame sitting perfectly straight — especially with larger landscape prints.
4. Use the Right Wall Fixings
Different walls require different hardware. Using the correct fixings is important not only for keeping the frame level, but also for safety.
Plasterboard walls: Use plasterboard anchors or wall mates for heavier frames
Brick or concrete walls: Use masonry plugs and screws
Timber studs: Screwing directly into a stud provides the strongest support
For larger framed prints, using two hooks instead of one can help keep the artwork stable and prevent it from shifting over time.
5. Consider Spacing and Balance
If you’re hanging multiple prints together, keep spacing consistent. Around 5–10 cm between frames usually creates a clean, balanced look.
For gallery walls:
Start with the largest piece first
Keep the layout centred overall
Maintain even spacing throughout
Laying the arrangement out on the floor beforehand can help you refine the composition before hanging anything.
6. Final Adjustments
Once the frame is on the wall:
Step back and view it from different angles
Check alignment with nearby furniture or architectural lines
Adjust the frame until it sits perfectly level
Small details make a big difference when styling artwork in a home.
Bringing the Space Together
Framed prints do more than fill empty walls — they help create atmosphere, tell stories, and bring personality into a space. Taking the time to hang them properly ensures the artwork feels intentional and balanced within the room.
Whether it’s a quiet coastal scene, red outback earth, or a windswept landscape from Western Australia, the right placement allows the artwork to become part of the home itself.
