How To Put Art Prints on the Wall to Elevate Your Space with Ease
Transforming a house into a home involves adding personal touches, and what better way to do that than with art prints that reflect your style?
In this post, we'll go over how to put art prints on the wall so they elevate your space.
Hanging art prints is an art in itself.
It's not just about putting a nail in the wall—though that helps too! Instead, putting art prints on your walls is about reflecting your personal style and creating harmony in your living space. If you live with a partner or other family members, your wall art likely needs to reflect the collective tastes of the household.
This quick guide will walk you through some ways to display art prints, hang unframed pieces, avoid wall damage, showcase a collection, and elevate the appearance of your prints.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging Wall Art and Prints:
1 - Gather Your Tools:
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools, including the following:
- a hammer
- nails
- picture hangers
- a level
- measuring tape
- pencil for marking
2 - Measure Your Space:
Decide where you want your art print to go. Measure the wall space to ensure the print will be centered and at eye level, which is typically 57 inches from the floor to the center of the artwork.
When you hang your print too high or too low it can feel awkward when you enter the room. But sometimes you have to break the rules. For example, when you hang a small but bold piece over a love seat, you may want to bring the print down a little.
Use your eye, and stand back from the wall to get a sense of the space.
Tip: If you hang a print and you’re not sure why it doesn’t look right, take a photo with your cell phone. Then analyze the picture. You can often tell what’s wrong when you look at it through a different lens!
3 - Mark the Spot:
Use a pencil to lightly mark where the hanger will go. If you’re hanging a collection, consider using painter's tape to outline each piece's position before you start making holes. Or you can cut out butcher paper in the size of each frame and tape that to the wall to see how it will look. Use the frames as your templates.
Things get a little trickier when you're hanging two prints side by side. Then you'll need to pull out your level and make sure that the spots you've marked are level.
4 - Install the Hanger:
Choose a picture hanger that can support the weight of your print and gently hammer it into the wall at the marked spot. The reason a picture hanger is a good idea if you've got a heavy frame is that the angle of the nail when used with a picture hanger results in the weight of the frame actually helping the nail go deeper into the wall (on a downward angle) and thus making it more stable.
5 - Hang and Level:
Hang your print on the hanger and use a level to make sure it’s straight.
Tip: When you’re deciding where to put a print or group of prints, take a look at the space and decide if you want to create a moment that’s symmetrical or asymmetrical. Sometimes asymmetry enhances a space while other times you’ll want to go with a symmetrical look.
Questions About Hanging Art Work and Prints
What is the best way to display art prints?
The best way to display art prints is to frame them with a mat that complements both the artwork and your room's decor. Ensure that the frame is the correct size and that the matting showcases the print without overpowering it. Using a frame also protects the print and adds a professional touch.
How do you hang unframed prints?
For unframed prints, you can use magnetic poster hangers that clamp at the top and bottom of the print, which are both elegant and minimalist. Another option is to use adhesive strips that stick to the back of the print and the wall, leaving no marks or holes. They cost about $12 per package and are easy to use. However using that method will damage the print.
How do you hang prints without damaging the walls?
To hang prints without damaging walls, use adhesive hooks and strips that are designed to come off cleanly. These are ideal for renters or those who frequently change their decor. Make sure to select strips that can support the weight of your print. When you buy a hook, you’ll be able to see the weight that it is rate for. Go ahead and put your artwork on the bathroom scale and make sure your hook is going to work.
How do I display a collection of prints?
Displaying a collection of prints can be done by creating a gallery wall. Choose prints that have a common element, such as a theme, color scheme, or frame style.
Lay your arrangement on the floor first to finalize the placement before moving to the wall. You can maintain consistent spacing between each print for a cohesive look. Or you can create something with a more Victorian or Cottagecore look where there are many different types of frames and asymmetrical spacing.
How do you make art prints look impressive?
To make art prints look their most spectacular, invest in quality framing with single or double mats. Consider custom framing for unique sizes and the best fit. If you’re on a budget, then go thrifting and find cool frames that you can paint with chalk paint.
The placement of the print can impact its perceived value; ensure it's a focal point in your room.
But most importantly, buy high-quality prints with beautiful imagery that you love.
What makes a print look the most impressive is often simply the quality of the art itself. If you have a bigger budget, then getting larger prints will create a greater visual impact. You can often get low-cost frames at Ikea that work perfectly fine.
Final Thoughts
With the right tools and techniques, you can display your art prints like a pro, making them look beautiful without damaging your walls.
Whether you're hanging a single piece or an entire collection, remember that the process itself can be a creative and enjoyable experience.
Check Out June Hunter's Prints
Check out June Hunter’s collection of crow, raven, garden bird and blue botanical prints which will add a vibrant touch of nature to your home.
Read More:
Botanical Prints: A Guide to Encorporating this Style of Wall Art Into Your Home
Explore June Hunter's Gift Shop
This article was written by Colette Nichol and reviewed by photographer and nature enthusiast June Hunter. Our aim with these short articles is to bring interesting bird facts and nature-inspired home décor info to more online readers while also highlighting June Hunter's photography and designs. To read June Hunter's popular blog the Urban Nature Enthusiast, where she shares stories about crows and ravens, please click HERE.
