Picture Tips

Learn How to Frame, Mat, Group and
Hang Your Favorite Pictures

Listed are a few picture framing tips, grouping picture tips, and hanging picture tips to attractively display your art, photos and pictures on your wall.

• Picture Framing Tips

• Grouping Picture Tips

• Hanging Picture Tips

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Picture Framing Tips

• One at a Time:  Do not try to decide on the mat and the frame all at once.  Select one, then the other.  When deciding on your mat, you'll want to consider the color, texture and number you'd like.  If a mat is used, most pictures contain one or two.  Of course, three is also beautiful.

• Include a Mat?:  Do not include a mat if there is not enough room on the wall.   Generally posters don't require a mat for this reason.

• Mat Color:  The color of the mat should complement the color of the art.  If the picture contains subdued tones, do not overpower the artwork by using a mat that is too bright.  Otherwise the focal point will be on the mat, as opposed to your picture.

• Mat Texture:  Mats with texture can be a nice change of pace, and add uniqueness to the picture.

• Mat Size:  As a rule of thumb, the matting should be twice as wide as the frame.  The exception is when you want to display a small picture in an oversized frame.  Using an oversized mat will make the picture look more important, and draw your attention to the picture.

• Framing Classic Art:  Classic pictures look wonderful with thick wood, or old-fashioned gilded frames.

• Framing Folk Art:  Folk art looks best in frames with a rustic look.  Wood works wonderfully.

• Framing Modern Art:  Modern pictures look stylish with metal frames.

• Framing Posters:  Posters look wonderful with metal frames and do not require matting.

• Framing Vibrant Art:  Vibrant pieces look very nice with a simple frame which puts all the focus on the picture.

• Picture Frame Color:  The picture frame color should complement the color of the art, not overpower it.

• Same Frame for Groupings?:  Grouping with the same frame looks traditional and polished.  Using different frames, such as different colors, adds interest and whimsy.

• Save Lots of Money by learning how to make your own picture frames. This classic best-selling  picture framing book creation  teaches you everything you need to know about the art of picture framing!

Grouping  Picture Tips

• Focus on One Area of the Room:  Do not try to decorate your whole room with pictures all at once.  Focus on filling and completing one area of the wall.  This will make the project less overwhelming.

• Common Element for Groupings:  When grouping pictures, use a common element to tie them together.  For instance, perhaps the pictures are all black and white, or all bold colors, or perhaps they are all cat pictures.

• Height:  Hang pictures at eye level.  If they are in a location where you'll be sitting while viewing, such as in a dining room or office, hang the pictures at eye level while sitting.  If the picture will be viewed while standing, such as in the hall, hang the pictures at eye level while standing.

• Emphasizing High Ceilings:  To emphasize a high ceiling, hang pictures vertically.  This will draw the eye upward.

• Creating Intimacy:  To create intimacy, group the furniture directly below or near the picture.

• Focal Point of Room:  If you'd like a large picture to be the focal point of the room, do not place any furniture beneath it.  Also ensure the furniture does not obstruct the view.

• Wide Wall:  If you have a wide wall, either place a very large horizontal picture in the center, or create a horizontal grouping of multiple pictures.

• Similar Size Grouping:  If all the pictures are the same size, they will make a terrific grouping.

• Different Size Grouping:  Different sized pictures add interest and uniqueness.  If the pictures are all different sizes, it's nice to arrange them in some sort of order.  For example, if one picture is large, and the other two are smaller same size pictures, it's nice to arrange them small, large, small.  If you have a vertical grouping, you could arrange them either smallest to largest, or visa versa.  

• Making Different Sized Pictures the Same:  If the pictures are slightly different sizes, you can make them the same size by partially covering the larger one by the mat.

• Home Decorating Tips:  If you'd like more information of home decorating, I highly recommend this interactive home decorating guide.  It encourages you to work with materials you already own, plus it has tips for displaying and hanging art, as well as information on picture frames.

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Hanging Picture Tips

• Decide Your Picture Placement Without Putting a Hole in the Wall:  If you're like me, you've probably created a lot of holes in the wall before finding the perfect spot for your picture.  But there is a better way.  First cut out a piece of paper the same size as your framed picture.  Repeat for each picture you want to hang in the grouping.  Attach the paper "substitutes" on the wall with masking tape.  Move the paper "substitutes" around until you find the perfect height and location.  Use a very light pencil or a piece of chalk to mark the location.  Now you're all ready to hang your pictures!

• As a rule, hang pictures at eye level.  Please refer to the section Grouping Picture Tips for more tips.

• How Many Hooks?:  If hanging a small picture, one hook will do.  But if you're hanging a large picture, ensure to use two hooks spaced evenly apart.  This will distribute the weight.

• How Large of a Hook?:  The packaging of the hook normally tells you the weight it will support.  If it does not, use a large hook to be safe.

• Prevent Blemish on Wallpapered Wall:  If hanging a picture on a wallpapered wall, use a razor knife to first cut a small V-shape in the wallpaper.  Lift the flap and hammer in the nail for the hook.  In the future, when you decide to move the picture, you only need to remove the nail, and paste the "V" back down.  This prevents unsightly holes in the wall.

• Fill Hole After Picture is Removed:  You can easily fill a hole with poly filler (can be purchased at any hardware store).  After the filler is dry, use a fine grain piece of sand paper to smooth.   Don't have poly filler?  Here is a great substitute.  Use regular white toothpaste.  Do not use the gel type.  Smooth with your finger right away -- no need to sand.

• Want to ensure your artwork or picture hangs straight?  To ensure all your pictures and art hang perfectly straight on your wall, find the center of the hanging wire.  You can do this with a measuring tape. Then mark the center by wrapping a piece of masking tape around it.  When you match the center of the masking tape to the hook or nail on the wall, your picture will be nicely centered.

• Want to ensure your artwork or picture doesn't shift over time?  Ensure all your pictures and art hang as straight as the day you first put them up, by adding something a little sticky to each corner of your picture frame.  Attach / glue one of the following to each corner of the back of the picture frame, so it acts as a buffer between the picture and the wall.  Try a bit of silicone caulking, little rubber "feet" or "stoppers" (purchase at a hardware store), or glue on a piece of a thick rubber band.  If your picture if quite large, also attach it to a couple more places besides the corners.

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