Wall Art Weights and Hanging Guide — What You Need to Know | Olive et Oriel
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Wall Art Weights and Hanging Guide — What You Need to Know
Hanging art confidently is about knowing your weights, your walls and your hardware. This guide gives you everything — typical weights by format and size, the right fixings for every wall type, and step-by-step guidance for hanging a gallery wall level the first time.
Typical Art Weights by Format
Before choosing hanging hardware, know what you're hanging. Here are typical weights for Olive et Oriel formats:
| Format | Size | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Unframed print | A4 (21x30cm) | ~50g |
| Unframed print | A2 (42x59cm) | ~150g |
| Framed print | A4 (21x30cm) | ~400g |
| Framed print | A2 (42x59cm) | ~600g |
| Framed print | 60x80cm | ~1.2kg |
| Framed print | 70x100cm | ~1.8kg |
| Canvas | 60x80cm | ~800g |
| Canvas | 100x140cm | ~2.2kg |
All OEO framed prints ship with hanging hardware included. Canvas prints include a hanging system on the stretcher frame.
Choosing the Right Fixings for Your Wall Type
Plasterboard (drywall) — most Australian homes: The standard interior wall. For pieces under 2kg, a standard picture hook or 3M Command strip works reliably. For pieces 2-5kg, locate a stud with a stud finder and screw directly into it. Studs are typically 600mm apart in Australian residential construction. If no stud is at your ideal position, use a plasterboard anchor (toggle bolt or spring toggle) rated for the weight.
Brick or masonry walls: Drill with a masonry bit, insert a masonry plug, and use a screw. Masonry anchors hold extremely well — a single properly installed masonry screw will support even the largest canvas. Avoid adhesive strips on masonry.
Timber-panelled walls: Any standard screw works — timber is forgiving. For larger pieces, use two fixing points rather than one to prevent the art from swinging.
Tiled walls (bathrooms): Use a tile drill bit at low speed with no hammer action, then insert a tile plug. Adhesive strips on tiles risk damaging the grout when removed.
Every piece is produced at our two manufacturing facilities on of NSW — crafting Australian wall art since 2015. We deliver to over 40 countries worldwide, with custom sizing available on all prints. Over a decade of experience, every order ships within 24 hours with our satisfaction guarantee.
Email help@oliveetoriel.com
Hanging Height — The Universal Rule
The single most important hanging guideline: the centre of the artwork should sit at approximately 145-150cm from the floor — roughly eye level for a standing adult. This rule applies regardless of wall height or room style. Art hung too high is the most common mistake in Australian homes, and it's easily avoided with this one measurement.
When hanging above furniture — a sofa, bed, console or sideboard — the bottom edge of the art should sit 20-30cm above the top of the furniture. This creates a visual connection between the piece and the furniture beneath it. Art hung higher than this starts to feel unmoored from the room.
For a gallery wall, identify the centre point of the entire arrangement and hang that at 145-150cm. Individual pieces in the arrangement will sit above and below this line — and that's correct. See our full how to hang wall art guide for step-by-step instructions.
Hanging a Gallery Wall Level
A gallery wall looks relaxed when it's level — and chaotic when it isn't. The method that works every time:
- 1 Lay all pieces on the floor in your intended arrangement
- 2 Photograph from above — check spacing and composition
- 3 Cut paper templates for each piece, tape to wall with painter's tape
- 4 Use a spirit level (or phone level app) to check alignment
- 5 Mark your nail positions through the templates, then hang
Aim for 5-8cm between frames throughout the arrangement. This spacing is tight enough to feel intentional but loose enough that each piece reads as an individual. OEO's curated print sets include sizing guidance for exactly this reason.
No-Hole Hanging Options
Renters or those who want to avoid drilling have good options. 3M Command picture hanging strips are rated for pieces up to 3.6kg per set of four strips — suitable for most A2 framed prints and lighter A1 pieces. They remove cleanly without damaging paint when removed per the instructions.
For unframed prints, a simple poster clip or magnetic frame hung on an adhesive hook is effective, stylish and fully removable. This is a popular approach for renters creating gallery walls with OEO unframed prints.
For very large or heavy pieces (60x80cm framed and above), traditional fixings are recommended for safety. Questions about hanging your specific piece? Email help@oliveetoriel.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy is a framed art print?
Weight varies by size. A framed A4 is ~400g, a framed A2 is ~600g, and a framed 60x80cm is ~1.2-1.5kg. Canvas prints are slightly lighter — a 60x80cm canvas weighs around 800g. See the weight table above for a full reference.
Do OEO framed prints come with hanging hardware?
Yes. All Olive et Oriel framed prints ship with hanging hardware included — D-rings, picture wire and wall hooks. Canvas prints include a hanging system on the back of the stretcher frame.
How do I hang art on plasterboard walls?
For lighter pieces (under 2kg), standard picture hooks or adhesive strips work well on plasterboard. For heavier pieces, locate a wall stud using a stud finder and screw directly into the stud. If no stud is available, use wall anchors rated for the piece's weight.
How do I hang a gallery wall level?
Cut paper templates of each piece, tape them to the wall, adjust until perfect, then use the templates as your drilling guide. A spirit level or phone level app keeps everything aligned. Start with the centre piece and work outward.
Can I hang wall art without making holes?
Yes — 3M Command strips work for lighter pieces. Check the weight rating on the packaging and match it to your art's weight. For renters, unframed prints in poster clips on adhesive hooks are a popular, fully removable solution.
