Do you want to install an artwork but don't know how to go about it? Artsper and its expert installation advice is here to help.
Our toolbox and tips:
Get out a tape measure, pencil, eraser and leveler. Use cotton gloves when handling your artwork to avoid damaging it.
Some things to consider before deciding on the best way to hang your artwork:
- the type of wall
- the weight of the artwork
- the size of the work
Take the time to think about what will best suit your artwork. You have several options: hanging it off of the wall itself, from the back of the work or you can also call on professional installation services.
On the wall
- A nail
This is the simplest technique, but should be reserved for lightweight works. Adapt the size and width of the nail to the size of the artwork so that it is supported, without the risk of falling.
- A screw
Directly into the wall if it is made of wood.
- Screw with dowel
If your wall is made of plaster, plasterboard or brick, you can drill into your wall, adding the dowel and then screwing the screw into it.
- Adhesives
There are adhesive hooks that you can use for light works, preferably ones without glass.
- Picture rails
Picture rails are recommended if you don't want to affect your wall or if you regularly change the way your artwork is displayed. However, the work will not be against the wall and the rails will remain visible.
With screws and dowels, install a rail to the edge of your ceiling and use metal or nylon cables, which are the most discreet option. You can cut the excess wire below the artwork.
The back of the frame
If your artwork is light, you can use a ring to hang it. Be sure to place it at the center of the artwork so that it doesn’t lean to one side or the other. Be careful not to hang it too close to the top of the frame, otherwise the ring will stick out.
You can hang several suspension rings if your artwork is heavy or large. Make sure that they’re at exactly the same height and distance from the frame's edges.
You can also opt for a hanging hook if you’re afraid that the artwork is not perfectly and horizontally aligned. In fact, this type of hanging allows you to readjust the layout of the artwork more easily.
For very large and/or heavy artworks, choose a fanged crossbar or aluminum rail to screw onto the whole width of the frame. This system allows you to center the work freely and distribute the weight, so as to not damage either the artwork or the wall.
Artwork installation professionals
Professional technicians can offer expertise and experience for the installation of your artwork, regardless of size, weight or complexity. The safety of your artwork is their priority. The installation technicians’ own insurance covers the service.
Choosing the arrangement of artworks on your wall
There are 3 kinds of arrangements:
- Centered: the middle of the artworks is uniform, but the top and bottom vary.
- Top-level alignment: the top of the works follow the same line.
- A wall of frames: no rules except for those you define yourself. You can also vary the spaces between the artworks in order to let the eye breathe.
Tastes and colors are obviously different for everyone, but you can create a visually pleasing ensemble by varying compositions, dimensions and the type of framing that you place side by side.
Be careful to ensure that one work doesn’t overwhelm another by its size, color or by what it represents.