Some dread hanging a picture on the wall, as they wonder if it will come crashing to the ground along with a big chunk of wall plaster. With some good supplies and a methodical style, you can hang the heaviest of frames without fear.
What to Put in the Wall
One of the keys to hanging any picture frame is to make sure you have the right hanging materials for your specific weight and size of frame. If you can hang your frame in a wall stud or joist, you can get by with using a basic nail or screw (ensuring it's long enough to go fairly deep into the stud or joist). If your frame will hang where a stud or joist isn't present, use a wall anchor. There are a variety to choose from, and as long as they'll hold the weight, you can pick and choose. Picture hanging hardware that you commonly find available is often made for lighter-weight frames. If you do choose one of these, be sure they are rated for more than what your frame weighs to provide insurance that it really is strong enough to hold your frame.
Back of the Frame
Your frame may already have eyelet screws and picture wire on the back, but more often, a new picture has nothing mounted to the back. If that's the case, invest in some heavy gague picture wire and small eyelet screws for the back of your frame. Make sure the wire is rated strong enough to handle the weight of your frame. Do some precise measuring on the back of your frame, and attach the eyelets where they make sense. Then attach your wire to each eyelet, making sure to wind it around several times and knot it if possible. Use a long enough piece of wire so it hangs nicely but can't be seen.
Measure, Measure and Measure Again
When you are ready hang your frame, be sure to have someone help. Double-check all of your measurements--height from the floor (or furniture it will hang above), distance from the ceiling and center of the frame. Take your time, don't panic, and when you're finally sitting down with your feet up enjoying the fantastic view of your new framed photo or art, you'll remember it was all worth the effort.
