Easy Tips on How to Hang a Canvas

In this post, we will give you some tips and tricks on hanging a canvas print confidently. You will learn everything, from accurately measuring and marking your wall to choosing the proper hardware. So, put your learning hat on and get comfy because this 'hang a canvas' project will be fun!

How to Hang a Canvas Print Like a Pro

Here at Optimalprint, you will find canvas prints in various shapes and sizes with a hanging kit included. Within the kit, we provide all you need to hang your canvas: a sawtooth bracket, two screws and a hook.

The way you hang them on your wall will be the same, whether it is a large or a small one. You must consider the type of wall you plan to hang the frame on because if it is made of brick or concrete, you might need to use a drill to make any holes in the walls. You may also need dowels for particularly large and heavy pictures. Nevertheless, for standard drywalls, mounting the canvas is straightforward, which we will discuss below.

Of course, the appearance of your canvas is captivating when it hangs impressively above the sofa. But you must not forget about safety. That is why you should always ensure it is professionally and securely attached to the wall.

Get your supplies ready

To hang a canvas, you will need some essential tools, most of which are probably in your toolbox. The list includes:

• Pencil

• Screwdriver

• Hammer

• Nails

• Spirit level

• Wall protection pads

• Measuring tape or ruler

• Screws

• Eye hooks

• Sawtooth hangers

Note that you might not need all of them because the size of the frame plays a role in determining the tools you need.

Conceptualise the placement

You should go beyond eyeballing the frame placement to hang your canvas correctly. One general rule of framing is you keep the centre of the piece at the level of your eyes, especially if you intend to hang the canvas above your sofa or bed. Keep at least 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) between the bottom of the canvas and the top of the furniture. That will give the view enough breathing space to appear clear and well-positioned. 

The best way to find the right placement is to follow the principles museums use, which is the 57-inch (or 145 cm) rule:

• First, measure the frame height accurately and divide it by 2 to find the measurement to the centre.

• Then, add 57 inches (or 145 cm) to that number. 

• This number gives the recommended distance from the floor to the top of your canvas, ensuring that it is at eye level. 

• You can now measure this distance from the ground and mark this point  using a pencil. You now know the recommended height for the top of your canvas!

• If you are using nails or screws to hang your canvas, don’t forget to adjust for the thickness of the canvas frame  - for example if your canvas frame is 4cm thick, you will need to place your nail 4cm lower than your pencil mark.

Note: The reasoning behind this guideline is that it corresponds to the average human eye level, which allows viewers to see the canvas comfortably. However, it is worth noting that the 57-inch rule is not strict and can be adjusted depending on the height of the ceiling or the size of the artwork.

Step by Step: How to Hang a Large Canvas using Nails

A simple way to attach a canvas is to hang it on the wall with nails. For this, you will need - depending on the size of the picture - one or two nails, a hammer, a spirit level and a pencil. Let's proceed:

Step 1: As already mentioned, note the optimal alignment of the canvas; find the position you prefer. Sometimes it is helpful to have another person holding the canvas against the wall while you figure out the best position from different angles in the room.

Step 2: Mark the desired height for the picture on the wall with the pencil. You should subtract the respective frame thickness. One mark is enough if you attach the picture with a single nail but if you are hanging a large canvas two nails are recommended for stability. If you need two nails, draw a line from the first mark using the spirit level to keep the line straight. Then you can use this line to position the mark for the second nail.

Step 3: Hammer the nails into the wall. It is best to align the nails slightly upwards. Depending on the thickness of the canvas, the nails should protrude about 2 cm from the wall. 

Step 4: Now attach the sawtooth bracket on the back of the canvas and hang the canvas by putting the sawtooth bracket over the nails.

Step 5: You can finally align the canvas and enjoy the sight of your new decorative piece. It is so easy to hang a canvas with nails!

How to Hang a Canvas without Nails: 5 Simple Steps

To hang your canvas without using nails, you can follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Pick the right adhesive – Since many types of adhesive strips are available, you must choose the right one based on the size and weight of your canvas print. Read the label carefully before buying.

Step 2: Clean the wall area – Make sure to clean and dry any surface before applying adhesive. Otherwise, it may not stick properly. 

Step 3: Apply the adhesive or adhesive strip – Follow the instructions on the adhesive packaging to apply it correctly. Ensure the adhesive has enough strength to hold the canvas in place.

Step 4: Attach the canvas – Press the canvas on the wall carefully. Make sure the placement is straight and level before letting go. (Hint - place your spirit level on top to check this).

Step 5: Wait for it to set – To hang a canvas properly, you must wait for the adhesive to set against the wall. This will ensure it is sturdy enough to attach the canvas print securely. Usually, the instruction label mentions how long the adhesive takes to dry completely.

Now you have the answer if you were wondering how to hang canvas pictures without using nails. There are easy ways to hang your canvas without causing any wall damage. With the right adhesive and patience, you can hang a canvas and make the wall look beautiful in no time!

Hanging a Canvas: Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results

These tips and tricks will help you hang your canvas for the perfect results if you have never done this.

Step 1: Choose the Right Spot - Before hanging your canvas, choose the right spot on the wall. Consider the height, lighting, and surrounding decor to make sure your canvas looks its best.

Step 2: Use a Spirit Level - A spirit level is an excellent tool for ensuring your canvas is straight and level when hung. Use it to make sure your canvas is evenly aligned and looking sharp.

Step 3: Measure Twice, Cut Once - Measure the distance between the top of your canvas and where the hanging hardware is attached to the back of your canvas. Mark this distance on your wall and use it to guide where to place your hangers or nails.

Step 4: Use a sawtooth bracket and a hook - like those provided in our mounting kit - to get the best results for hanging your canvas. 

Step 5: Make a Gallery Wall - For a creative and eclectic look, consider creating a gallery wall of canvases. Mix and match colours and styles to create a unique and visually exciting display.

There you have it! A complete 'How to hang a canvas' guide to take you from knowing nothing to having your first wall decor. With these tips and tricks, you can confidently hang canvas on the wall and create a beautiful and personalised home decor display. Do not be afraid to get creative and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you and your space!