I'm a new homeowner in the US and I'm looking for some guidance on how to hang art pieces on drywall. Back when I rented, I used pushpins, but now I'm realizing I need to learn the right techniques and tools.
I want to know if I should:
(a) make holes that match the hooks of the painting, which raises some concerns:
1. Where exactly do I need to make these holes?
2. What tool should I use to create the holes?
3. What kind of nails or anchors would be best?
or
(b) use existing holes left by the staging team, but I have questions here too:
1. The holes don't line up with the painting hooks—can I still use them somehow?
2. They seem quite deep; is that something to worry about?
3. How do I figure out what kind of anchors or screws to use with these existing holes? I have a stud finder but haven't used it yet, and I'm anxious about making mistakes while putting holes in my wall. Any help would be appreciated!
2 Answers
If you’re just putting up pictures and not heavy shelves, you don’t need to overthink it! For regular art, you can often just use a pin right into the drywall. But if you’re hanging something a bit heavier, definitely use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall. If you hit a stud, drill a pilot hole and use a screw that’s about 1.5 to 2 inches long.
For anything not in line with studs, I recommend using drywall anchors—they’re super simple and reliable. Check out the type of anchor I like in this detailed video here: [YouTube Link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcrw3sMpzto). If you have pre-existing holes, toggle bolts work great in those scenarios too!
No problem! Good luck, and just take your time with it!
When hanging art, consider the weight. For lighter pieces, you can usually just push pins, but heavy art needs different anchors. If you have two hooks on the back of the frame, using picture wire is a crisp way to simplify—it’ll only need one point on the wall. If you prefer using two mounts, grab a level and some tape to mark where the hooks are; it keeps your art aligned and nice!
Great advice! Using a level sounds like a smart way to ensure it’s straight. I appreciate the suggestions!
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely check out the video. I didn’t know about toggle bolts—sounds like a good option for those random holes I have.