How to hang pictures

Although selecting artwork and pictures for your home reflect personal taste and style, hanging them correctly is just as important as the theme and color. Experts say most wall art should be hung at eye level. Since eye level is different for different people, start out by hanging the picture about 60 inches from the floor. When you hang a picture over a sofa or other furniture it should be about two-thirds the width of the piece and positioned 5 to 10 inches above the lowest edge of the furniture.

Keep balance and unity in mind as you organize wall art. If you want to hang a group of different sized pictures, decide on the overall shape of the arrangement first. Save time and eliminate unwanted holes in the wall by first laying out items on the floor. Vertical wall arrangements make your room seem higher, and horizontal lines make it seem wider. Large paintings or objects can be balanced with a pair of smaller prints, or one long object. Try using wall displays in a grouping of three to create drama and eye appeal.

To keep pictures from sliding out of place once they're on the wall, wrap a small piece of tape around the wire where it hangs on the hook. You can also put double-sided tape on the back of the frame in its lower corners to make the picture less likely to shift. Just be sure that the tape won't damage the surface of the wall.

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