7 Hacks That Will Change How You Hang Pictures
Knowing how to hang a picture frame is one of those things that seems like you should know how to do it, but it always ends up being harder than you think. These hacks for hanging pictures or other wall art make hanging quick and easy.
Bruce and Jeanne Lubin
Figure out Picture Placement
If you’re hanging more than one thing, plan out where they’re all going to go beforehand by cutting out the size and shape of the wall art in cardboard or dark paper. Then arrange the cardboard on the wall until you get a configuration that looks great. Better Homes & Gardens has more good tips for arranging artwork.
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How to Hang the Frame Where You Want It
Putting the nail in the wall in the right place can be one of the hardest things about hanging something. If you’re working with something that has hanging holes on the back, you can photocopy it and hammer the nail right through the photocopy. Or, use a little bit of toothpaste (yes, toothpaste). Place a dab of toothpaste on the back of the frame on the hook or string (whatever will touch the nail). Then hold the frame up to the wall, position it carefully, and press it against the wall. The toothpaste will leave a mark that you can hammer a nail through, then wipe away.
Protect Walls Before You Hang
Before you hammer a nail into your wall, cover the spot with clear tape. It will prevent the paint from chipping. If you’re mounting something with screws, coat a nail or screw with a light layer of lip balm to ease it into the wall before hanging a picture or shelf.
See Also: How to Create a Picture Collage
Hammering Trick
If you’re scared of hitting your fingers as you hammer, protect them from a pounding with this crafty tip. Keep nails in place while you hammer by using a thick (and cheap) plastic comb—yep, a comb you’d use on your hair! Just place the comb on your target spot, and slip a nail through two of its tines to hold it steady.
Tips for Hanging Wires
To hang lightweight artwork that’s not in a heavy frame, there’s no need to buy picture wire—dental floss will work just fine. If your picture refuses to hang straight, wrap clear adhesive tape around the center of the wire to prevent it from slipping sideways.
Protect Your Walls
Protect your walls from the dings and scratches picture frames can leave behind. Whenever you hang a framed picture or photo, grab two packing peanuts and slice them in half lengthwise. Then glue them to the corners on the back side of the frame. The Styrofoam will protect your walls from scratches every time you adjust the frame (or bump into it on your way down the hallway).
Bulletin Board Hack
Here’s a bonus hack for those who want to hang photographs on a bulletin board, but you don’t want to damage the photos with a hole from a pushpin. Solution? Use paperclips! Tack the paperclips, not the photos, to the corkboard, then slide your pictures into the paperclips. They’ll stay in place, and you won’t have a put holes in the photos.
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Photo by Shutterstock.
About the Author
Bruce Lubin and Jeanne Bossolina-Lubin are the proud parents of three boys and more than a dozen books. After saving thousands per year using everyday tips and simple lifehacks, they started their own business in the hopes of sharing their knowledge with others. They have been known to go into their friends’ refrigerators to turn their eggs upside down so that they last longer.