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How to Hang Canvas Wall Art
The last important step after purchasing canvas art is hanging it on your wall. If you want the job to look professional and your art to be displayed at the right height, you are in the right place!
Below we will list out the tools needed and a step-by-step guide to learn how to hang canvas art like a pro. Let's get that beautiful canvas artwork off the floor and onto your wall!
List of Tools:
- Tape measure
- Level
- Pencil & paper
- Calculator
- Hammer
- Nail
- Picture hook
- Wall anchor (for drywall)
Assess Your Canvas Artwork and Wall Space
Prior to hanging art (or any type of wall decor), you should always take pause to assess what you are working with in terms of the canvas size, the hardware included, and your wall space.
What type of hanging system is on the back of your art piece? For both unframed stretched canvas prints and framed canvas prints that have a hanging wire or picture wire attached, you will simply need a nail and a picture hook (that hangs down from the nail) to make it secure. Note: if you are hanging a smaller piece, the picture hook is not necessary.
For canvas prints that have a sawtooth attached, you will simply need a nail. If your blank wall happens to be drywall, a wall anchor is recommended, especially for larger or framed canvas pieces. To learn how to use drywall anchors, check out Lowe's guide here.
PRO TIP: Are you hanging multiple pieces or a gallery wall? Grab some painters tape and tape out where you think you want each art piece prior to making a nail hole!
OK time to get down to business!
Step 1: Height Calculation
The formula below calculates the correct height at which the canvas print should hang for optimal viewing and minimal neck craning. The idea is to hang the art piece at “eye level” based upon the average human height of 5 feet 4 inches. That said, see below for a list of exceptions.
Formula
57 + (x-y)
x = 1/2 height of artwork
y = *distance from wire to top of artwork
*This measurement is essentially the distance from the point (with the wire pulled taut) at which the art will hang off the nail or hook to the top edge of the artwork.
FREE TOOL: Not a mathematician? Simply enter your numbers into our Art Hanging Calculator!
Exceptions to the Rule
- Are you tall? If you and your family members happen to resemble NBA players, use the starting number 60”.
- Short? If you are endearingly height-challenged, use the starting number 56”.
- Vaulted ceilings? If you have high ceilings, use the starting number 60”.
- Obstructions? Also adjust if your art will be hanging over furniture. The rule of thumb there is for the bottom of the artwork to be no less than 5-8 inches above the top of the furniture.
Remember, the formula is simply a guideline. In the end, assess and adjust your canvas wall art as needed to look aesthetically pleasing and use your judgement.
Step 2: Measure
Use the tape measure to measure up from the ground to your calculated height and mark the wall with pencil.
NOTE: If using a picture hook, add an extra inch or so (the height of the hook) to compensate and be more exact!
Step 3: Hammer Time
Tap the nail (and hook) into the wall with a hammer at your measured height.
Step 4: Hang Artwork and Level
Carefully hang your canvas print from the hanging wire, grab your level and adjust.
PRO TIP: If your canvas wall art insists on hanging crooked, use an adhesive strip such as Command Strips to stick one or both corners of the artwork to the wall.
Voila! Sit back, gaze upon your perfectly placed and secured canvas wall art, and enjoy!
Soft Curl on Gallery Wrapped Canvas by Dave Ness
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