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Hanging artwork seems simple — until you’re standing in front of a blank wall, holding your artwork, surrounded by a tape measure, pencil, spirit level, and a slight fear of commitment.
Here’s everything you need to know to hang your art like an expert — with tips, tricks, and a few hacks that’ll save your walls (and maybe your sanity).
The Hardware of Hanging
Small Artwork - Up to 11x14 Inches
Command Strips
These damage-free adhesive strips are easy to apply, hold strongly, and come off cleanly — no tools, holes, or stress.
They’re ideal for renters or anyone who wants flexibility with their wall art.
I have held larger artwork with these (a 20×30-inch framed canvas), and it has held for years, but I added many more strips than recommended. So I don’t recommend these for larger… but they can work.
Always use more strips than you think you need, and make sure the wall and the frame surface are clean and dry before applying. Press and hold for at least 30 seconds when applying for a strong hold.
You can get them everywhere from the supermarket to Bunnings but I often find they are on special on Amazon.
Large Frames - Larger than 11x14 Inches
3M CLAW Drywall Picture Hangers
For larger and heavier pieces, we recommend the 3M CLAW Drywall Picture Hangers — a strong, reliable solution designed to hold up to 20kg without the need for wall studs or complicated tools.
What sets the CLAW apart is its clever, tool-free design: you simply push the pointed steel claws straight into the plaster wall, and they lock into place, giving you a secure hold in seconds.
Even better, it comes with a Spot Marker tool that makes it easy to position your artwork exactly where you want it before committing to a hole. It’s the perfect way to get a clean, professional look — no handyman required, no second-guessing needed.
I have seen these in Bunnings, but again, Amazon seems to love having them on sale a lot, so I’d check there first.
Hanging Tips, Ideas and Hacks...
Start with the Right Height
The most common mistake is hanging art too high. As a rule of thumb, the centre of your artwork should sit about 145cm from the floor, which is roughly average eye level.
Quick tip: If you’re hanging above furniture like a couch or console, keep the bottom of the frame about 15–25cm above the furniture. You want it to feel connected, not floating away.
Use Painter’s Tape to Plan Your Layout
Got multiple pieces? Don’t eyeball it. Use painter’s tape to mock up the dimensions of your artwork directly on the wall. It’s repositionable and lets you move things around without hammering anything in.
Bonus tip: Cut out kraft paper or newspaper to the size of each frame and stick those to the wall first. You’ll get a real sense of how the gallery wall will look before committing.
Use a Spirit Level (Or Your Smartphone)
A crooked frame can ruin the look of even the most beautiful piece of art. A basic spirit level will do the job — but if you’ve misplaced yours, your iPhone has a built-in level under the Measure app. Android has several free apps too.
Pro tip: Don’t rely on the tops of your furniture or skirting boards—sometimes, even if your eyes swear they are, they’re not level.
Measure Twice, Hammer Once
It sounds obvious, but with a bit of prep, many wall-hanging disasters can be avoided. Mark the height of the top of the frame, measure the distance from the top to the hanging point, and then transfer that mark to the wall.
Cheat tip: Use masking tape across the back of the frame to mark the distance between two hanging points. Then transfer the tape directly onto the wall to get the perfect spacing.
Groupings? Keep It Tight
When hanging multiple artworks together, keep the spacing between each piece around 5–7cm. Too far apart and they’ll look disconnected, too close and it’ll feel cluttered.
Don’t Want to Wreck the Wall? Try a Ledge
A picture ledge is a brilliant option for people who love to rotate artwork. It leans against the wall, can hold multiple frames, and doesn’t require re-hanging whenever you swap something out.
Securing Art in Kid Zones or High-Traffic Areas
If you’re hanging artwork in a child’s room, hallway, or anywhere things tend to get bumped — go the extra mile.
To prevent the frames from swinging or falling, use Blutak or small 3M Command Strips on the bottom corners.
Have a Grid or Gallery Wall Plan
If you’re going full gallery wall, lay everything out on the floor first. Photograph your layout so you can remember the order, then transfer it to the wall using painter’s tape or your paper templates. Start from the centre and work outward for best balance.
Still Not Sure? Call in a Pro
If all of this feels like a lot (or you want it done right the first time), it’s OK to bring in the experts. Professional artwork installers are trained to work with all types of walls, tools, and artwork, including oversized pieces and tricky layouts.
They’ll ensure your artwork is perfectly placed, securely mounted, and looks fantastic without you breaking a sweat (or a tile).
I recommend Hung By Cam in Melbourne.
Just a note — while we recommend what works for most people, walls can be tricky little or big things. Please follow hardware / hooks instructions carefully, and if in doubt, call a pro. We can’t take responsibility for any wonky DIY adventures.. except for the ones in my own home. Also some items linked on this page are affiliate links so we get a tiny kickback if you use them.
