Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging Prints: 6 Easy Steps

'Anti Hero' print. Off-white with 'It must be exhausting always rooting for the...' along the top in yellow with a blue outline and 'Anti Hero' in multi colour angled block text. Colour combo 2. Framed on apartment wall. MaadWeb.

Decorating your walls with prints is one of the easiest ways to inject some personality into your space. Whether you’re building a carefully curated gallery wall or just hanging up that one print you impulse-bought at a craft fair, getting it right makes all the difference. A wonky frame can go from ‘effortlessly chic’ to ‘chaotic energy’ in about two seconds. But don’t worry – this Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging Prints: 6 Easy Steps will make sure your prints stay straight, stylish, and securely on the wall (rather than crashing down at 3 a.m.).

Table Of Contents

Step 1: Gather Your Tools (and Maybe a Cup of Tea)
Step 2: Pick the Perfect Spot
Step 3: Plan Your Layout Like a Pro
Step 4: Measure, Mark, and Try Not to Overthink It
Step 5: The Moment of Truth – Hanging Your Prints
Step 6: Adjust, Admire, and Bask in Your Handiwork
Bonus Tips for Hanging Like a Pro
- Shop now and give your room the glow-up it deserves!
FAQ
FURTHER READING….
A Few of Our Products…

Personalised Custom Sports print - Illustration of Cricketer from submitted photo with crest, initials, club - workshop wall

Step 1: Gather Your Tools (and Maybe a Cup of Tea)

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need. Nothing kills the creative process faster than having to rummage through the junk drawer for a tape measure.

A tape measure (yes, accuracy matters)
A spirit level (unless you enjoy the look of slightly off-kilter art)
A pencil (or anything to make light marks that won’t leave a permanent mess)
Hanging hardware (nails, hooks, adhesive strips, or whatever suits your wall type)
Hammer or drill (for those heavy-duty jobs)
Painter’s tape (ideal for planning the layout and avoiding regret)
A keen eye for detail (or a friend to double-check your work)

Step 2: Pick the Perfect Spot

Finding the right spot for your print is like choosing a seat in a restaurant – location is everything. Some key things to consider:

Eye Level is Key: The centre of your print should be around 57-60 inches from the floor. It’s the magic number that museums and galleries swear by. If you’re taller or shorter, you can adjust slightly, but let’s keep things in the general ‘not too high, not too low’ zone.
Spacing Matters: If you’re creating a gallery wall, leave around 2-3 inches between prints. You want an airy, effortless vibe, not a jigsaw puzzle.
Think About the Lighting: Avoid direct sunlight unless you like the faded, vintage look (and if that’s the case, go for it!). Prints can lose vibrancy over time if they’re constantly exposed to the sun.

'Alright Mush?' print. Step-by-step guide to hanging prints - pick the perfect spot

'Are You Ready For Love?' print. Horizontal. Blue with a rainbow disappearing to the top right and multi-coloured flowers and 'are you ready for love?' in yellow. Elton John inspired. Colour combo 8. On blue workshop wall. MaadWeb.

Step 3: Plan Your Layout Like a Pro

Here’s where the painter’s tape comes in handy. If you’re a perfectionist, you’ll love this step. If not, pretend you are just for today.

Lay your prints on the floor first to test different arrangements.
Use painter’s tape to outline the arrangement on the wall before committing.
Step back, squint at it, call a second opinion if necessary, and adjust accordingly.

'Feeling Good As Hell' Print. Pink with a distorted blue grid and the words 'Feeling Good As Hell' in script and bubble font in yellow and blue. Lizzo inspired pop music wall art. On white apartment wall. Colour Combo 6. MaadWeb.

Step 4: Measure, Mark, and Try Not to Overthink It

Once you’re happy with your layout (or as happy as any indecisive person can be), grab that pencil and get marking. A few quick tips:

Use a measuring tape to ensure precision – eyeballing it can lead to heartbreak.
A spirit level is your best friend here unless you enjoy the ‘intentionally crooked’ aesthetic.
Don’t forget to double-check your marks before drilling or hammering – mistakes are forever (or at least until you get out the wall filler and repaint).

You Can't Fool All The People All The Time print - Bob Marley - Red/gold/green distressed wood look - unframed on easel

Step 5: The Moment of Truth – Hanging Your Prints

Now comes the big moment! Depending on your wall type and print weight, here’s what to do:

For Nails or Hooks: Hammer gently – your wall (and neighbours) will thank you.
For Adhesive Strips: Follow the instructions carefully; they’re finicky but effective.
For Picture Rails: If you have these, congratulations, you’re living in a fancy period home! Just attach picture rail hooks and suspend your prints with string.

'I'm Just Chasing Rainbows All the Time' print. Beige background with black text and an undulating cartoon rainbow. Shed Seven-inspired music lyric wall art. Colour combo 1. On workshop wall. MaadWeb.

Step 6: Adjust, Admire, and Bask in Your Handiwork

Take a step back, straighten anything that’s slightly off, and admire your work. If it’s not quite right, tweak it now rather than telling yourself, ‘I’ll fix it later’ (we both know that won’t happen).

That’s all for this Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging Prints: 6 Easy Steps – happy hanging!

Bonus Tips for Hanging Like a Pro

Renting? Use removable adhesive strips to avoid losing your deposit.
Heavy Frames? Wall anchors or screws are your best bet – no one wants to hear a crash in the middle of the night.
Prints Won’t Stay Straight? Add small adhesive bumpers to the back corners to stop them from shifting every time someone slams a door.

And that’s it! Your walls are now officially upgraded. Whether you’ve created a sleek, modern look or a charmingly chaotic gallery wall, take a moment to appreciate your handiwork. And if you find yourself itching to rearrange everything next week? Well, welcome to the club!

Shop now and give your room the glow-up it deserves!

FAQ

What’s the best height to hang prints?

The centre of the print should be around 57-60 inches from the floor – this is the standard eye-level height used in museums and galleries. If you’re hanging a group of prints, aim for balance and symmetry.

Can I hang prints without nails?

Absolutely! Adhesive strips, removable hooks, and picture rails are great alternatives for renters or those who don’t want to damage their walls.

How do I keep my prints straight?

Using a spirit level while hanging helps a lot, but if your prints keep shifting, add small adhesive bumpers to the back corners of the frame.

What’s the best way to arrange multiple prints?

Lay them out on the floor first to test different arrangements. Painter’s tape on the wall can help you visualize the final look before committing.

What if my prints keep falling?

If you’re using adhesive strips, make sure the wall is clean and dry before applying them. For heavier frames, consider using wall anchors or screws for extra stability.

Will sunlight damage my prints?

Yes, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause prints to fade over time. If possible, hang them away from direct sunlight or use UV-protective glass in your frames.

So, that’s my step-by-step guide to hanging prints! Now you’re fully equipped to hang your prints like a pro. Have fun decorating!