Hang It Like a Pro: Your Guide to Displaying Framed Art Prints

So, your beautiful new ready to hang framed art print from This Art World has arrived, and you're ready to transform your space! But before you grab the hammer, let's make sure your "Artspiration" is hung perfectly and cared for properly. Hanging framed art can feel daunting, but with a few simple tips, you'll have your piece looking like it belongs in a gallery.

Before You Begin: Gathering Your Tools

First things first, gather your supplies. Here’s what you’ll likely need:

• Pencil: For marking the wall.

• Tape Measure: Essential for accurate placement.

• Level: To ensure your art is perfectly straight.

• Hammer: For nails (if using).

• Drill and Wall Plugs/Anchors: For heavier pieces or if you're hanging into drywall without a stud.

• Picture Hanging Hooks/Nails: Choose appropriate hardware for the weight of your frame.

• Adhesive Picture Hanging Strips (e.g., Command Strips): An excellent option for lighter frames, especially if you want to avoid nails.

• Painter's Tape (Optional): Great for visualizing placement.

• Microfiber Cloth: For cleaning your artwork.

Finding the Perfect Spot: Measuring for Wall Placement

This is where the magic happens! Proper placement can make a huge difference in how your art integrates with your room.

1. Eye Level is Key: A general rule of thumb is to hang the center of your artwork at eye level. For an average person, this is usually between 145 cm and 155 cm (57-61 inches) from the floor. Adjust this if you have particularly high or low ceilings, or if the art is going above furniture.

2. Above Furniture: If you're hanging your print above a sofa, console, or bed, aim for the bottom of the frame to be 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) above the top of the furniture. This creates a cohesive look without feeling cramped.

3. Consider the Space:

• Scale: Don't hang a tiny print on a vast, empty wall. Similarly, a massive print can overwhelm a small space.

• Balance: If you're hanging multiple pieces, think about how they balance each other in terms of size and visual weight.

• Traffic Flow: Ensure your art isn't in a spot where it might be easily bumped or knocked.

How to Measure Precisely (for Nails/Hooks):

Once you've roughly decided on the height, here’s how to get exact:

1. Measure the Frame: On the back of your framed print, measure the distance from the top of the frame to the hanging wire or hook. Let's call this measurement 'X'.

2. Mark the Wall (Initial Height): Determine where you want the center of your artwork to be. Mark this spot lightly with a pencil.

3. Calculate the Hook Placement: From your marked center point, measure up half the height of your frame. Then, measure down the 'X' measurement you took from the frame (top of frame to hanging wire). This is where your nail or hook should go.

   • Mark 150cm from the floor.

   • From this 150cm mark, measure up 30cm (half the frame height).

   • Then, from that point, measure down 10cm (the 'X' measurement). That's your hook placement.

• Example: If your frame is 60cm tall and the hanging wire is 10cm down from the top, and you want the center of the artwork to be 150cm from the floor:

Hanging Your Print: The Moment of Truth

• Using Nails/Hooks:

• Small/Light Prints: For lighter frames, a single picture hanging nail or hook might suffice. Angle the nail slightly upwards for extra grip.

• Heavier Prints: For larger or heavier pieces, it's always best to use wall anchors or find a wall stud. If your frame has two hanging points, ensure they are perfectly level using your tape measure and level.

• Using Adhesive Picture Hanging Strips:

• Check Weight Limits: Always choose strips rated for the weight of your frame. Our framed prints are relatively light due to the Perspex, making them a great candidate for these strips.

• Clean the Surfaces: Ensure both the back of your frame and the wall surface are clean and dry. Use rubbing alcohol on the wall for best adhesion, letting it dry completely.

• Apply to Frame First: Apply the strips to the back of your frame, typically near the corners. Press firmly for 30 seconds.

• Attach to Wall: Remove the liner from the wall side of the strips. Align your frame with your desired wall marks (you can use painter's tape to mark the top corners if it helps with placement). Press the frame firmly against the wall for 30 seconds.

• "Click" and Cure: Many brands recommend "clicking" the strips together and then removing the frame for an hour to allow the adhesive to cure fully on the wall before re-hanging. Follow the specific instructions on your chosen strips.

• Double Check: Once hung, stand back and admire! Use your level one last time to ensure it's perfectly straight.

Caring for Your Framed Artwork (with Perspex!)

Unlike traditional glass, our frames feature high-quality Perspex (acrylic glazing). This offers several advantages: it's lighter, shatter-resistant, and provides excellent clarity. However, it requires slightly different care to keep it looking pristine.

• Cleaning:

• Dust Regularly: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently dust the Perspex.

• For Smudges/Fingerprints: Lightly dampen a clean microfiber cloth with a small amount of water (or a mild, non-abrasive acrylic cleaner specifically designed for Perspex). Gently wipe the surface.

• Avoid: Never use ammonia-based cleaners (like window cleaner), abrasive cloths, or paper towels, as these can scratch the Perspex. Harsh chemicals can also cause clouding or damage.

• Handling: Always handle your framed art by the frame itself, not the Perspex, to avoid fingerprints and smudges.

• Placement: While Perspex offers UV resistance, avoid hanging your artwork in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can still cause fading over time.

You've done it! Your "Artspiration" is now beautifully displayed and ready to inspire. We hope this guide helps you confidently hang and care for your new This Art World print. Enjoy!