How to Hang Pictures Perfectly — The Complete Wall Art Hanging Guide
The One Rule That Changes Everything
Most people hang their wall art too high. It is the single most common decorating mistake, and it happens in almost every home. The fix is straightforward: hang your artwork so the centre sits at 145 to 150 cm from the floor. That is the average eye level for an adult standing in a room, and it is the standard used by professional art galleries around the world.
Whether you are hanging a single statement piece or planning a full gallery wall, getting the height right is the first and most important step. This guide covers everything else — hardware, weight, levelling, and the no-damage method for getting it perfectly right before you put a single hole in the wall. For more detail on what your frames weigh and which hardware suits each situation, see our wall art weight and hanging guide.
Getting the Height Right — The Eye-Level Rule
The 145 to 150 cm rule refers to the centre of the artwork, not the top of the frame. This distinction matters, because frames come in all heights. Measure from the floor up to 147 cm, mark that point with a pencil, and use it as your centre reference when calculating where the hanging hardware needs to go.
Above furniture the rule adjusts slightly. When hanging framed prints above a sofa, bed head, or console table, the bottom edge of the frame should sit 15 to 20 cm above the top of the furniture. Any closer and the piece looks like it is resting on top; any further and the visual connection between art and furniture is lost. The art and furniture should feel like they belong to each other.
In hallways and stairwells, the rule shifts again. Because you are moving through the space rather than sitting in it, you can follow the line of movement — hang pieces so their centres follow a diagonal line that tracks the angle of the stair. This creates a natural, flowing arrangement that reads well in motion.
The most important thing: resist the urge to hang high. It feels instinctive to push artwork towards the ceiling, but it creates a disconnected, floating effect that makes rooms feel unfinished. Lower is almost always better, and 145 to 150 cm at centre will serve you well in virtually every room. Browse our full range of art prints and framed art prints to find the right piece for your wall.
Choosing the Right Hardware
The right hanging hardware depends on three things: the weight of your piece, the type of wall, and the style of the frame. Using the wrong hardware is the most common cause of damaged walls and fallen artwork.
- Under 2 kg — a standard picture hook is sufficient for most plasterboard walls
- 2 to 10 kg — use a wall anchor (also called a rawl plug) with a screw for a secure hold
- 10 kg and over — locate a wall stud and drive a screw directly into the timber frame
- D-rings with wire — the most versatile option; used on most framed art prints
- Sawtooth hangers — suitable for lighter pieces on a single central hook point
- French cleats — ideal for very heavy or oversized artwork requiring maximum support
All framed prints from Olive et Oriel include hanging hardware in the box, so you can get your piece on the wall as soon as it arrives. No hardware hunt required.
Finding Wall Studs and Hanging Without Damage
For heavier artwork, hanging into a wall stud provides the most secure result. Studs in Australian homes are typically spaced at 450 mm or 600 mm centres. The easiest way to find them is with a stud finder, available at any hardware store for under $30. Alternatively, the knock test works well: knock firmly across the wall and listen for the sound to change from hollow to solid — that denser sound indicates a stud behind the plasterboard.
If you cannot locate a stud where you need to hang, use a wall anchor rated for the weight of your piece. For plasterboard walls, toggle anchors and spring toggles are the most reliable options. Avoid small plastic anchors for anything over 3 kg — they can pull out over time, particularly in warmer Australian climates where thermal expansion occurs.
For renters or anyone who wants zero wall damage, picture hanging strips (adhesive strips designed for frames) work well for lighter pieces up to around 3 kg. Follow the manufacturer's weight limits carefully, and always press firmly for the recommended time before hanging. Command strips from 3M are widely available across Australia and work reliably on painted plasterboard.
Hanging Level Without a Spirit Level
A spirit level is useful, but you do not need one to hang artwork perfectly straight. The tape and pencil method works reliably: cut a strip of painter's tape and apply it to the back of the frame, directly over the hanging wire or D-rings. Press the taped frame lightly against the wall at your desired height. Mark through the tape onto the wall at the exact point where the hardware sits. Remove the frame, drive the hook or screw at your marked point, and hang.
For two-hook hanging systems where balance matters, this method is especially useful because you capture both hook points on the one strip of tape, then transfer them precisely to the wall. The tape is easy to reposition before committing, and leaves no marks when removed. It is the method professional picture hangers use when working quickly across a large number of pieces.
For a gallery wall with many pieces, extend the process: lay your entire arrangement on the floor first, photograph it from above, then trace each frame onto kraft paper. Cut out the shapes, arrange them on the wall using painter's tape, and step back to assess the layout before making any holes. This is the most efficient method for getting a gallery wall right with minimal re-hanging. See our full gallery wall guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.
A Decade of Australian Wall Art, Made Here
Olive et Oriel has been producing wall art from our studio on of New South Wales since 2015. Every print is produced in-house using archival inks on museum-quality paper, and our framed prints are assembled and quality-checked before they leave our facility. When your order arrives, hanging hardware is included — because we believe the experience should be complete from the moment you open the box.
Our team is experienced in helping customers choose the right size, placement, and style for any wall. If you have questions about hanging a specific piece, contact us and we will help you get it right.
Our Promise to You
Every piece that leaves studio is checked for quality before it ships. If something is not right when it arrives — whether it is the print, the frame, or the hardware — contact our team at help@oliveetoriel.com and we will resolve it promptly. We have been helping Australians find and hang art they love since 2015, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should you hang wall art?
The centre of your artwork should sit at approximately 145 to 150 cm from the floor — the average standing eye level. Above furniture, leave 15 to 20 cm between the bottom of the frame and the top of the piece below.
What is the most common picture hanging mistake?
Hanging art too high. When artwork is placed near the ceiling it looks disconnected from the room. Bringing it down to eye level — 145 to 150 cm at centre — immediately improves the appearance of the wall.
What hardware do I need to hang a framed print?
For most framed art prints under 5 kg, a wall anchor and screw, or a quality picture hook, will hold securely on plasterboard. All framed prints from Olive et Oriel include hardware in the box.
How do I find a wall stud without tools?
Knock firmly across the wall and listen for the sound to change from hollow to solid. That denser knock sound indicates a timber stud behind the plasterboard. Studs in Australian homes are typically 450 or 600 mm apart.
Can I hang art without damaging my walls?
Yes. For lighter pieces under 3 kg, adhesive picture strips (such as 3M Command strips) work well on painted plasterboard and remove cleanly. For heavier pieces, a small hole from a picture hook or anchor causes minimal damage and fills easily.
Where can I find more help with hanging and sizing?
Visit our wall art weight and hanging guide for a detailed breakdown of hardware by weight, or our gallery wall guide for help planning a multi-piece arrangement.
