Ever wonder what the best picture hangers are, what the most secure method is, or perhaps what a minimalist way is to get pictures hung securely without knocking holes into your walls? Or even if that is possible? It is for some types of wall art. It depends on the weight of your frames.
Below are 4 types of picture hangers, and what they are suitable for.
- The Trusted Hooks and Nails
Picture hooks are ideal for lightweight picture frames. Two tiny pins, a triangular back plate with a single hook. For larger frames, use two picture hooks ensuring they are straight because misaligned hooks will likely cause your frames to hang crooked unless you use and adjust the picture hanging wire.
For heavier frames such as large paintings, nails are a more secure method as they go deeper into walls. The downside is, for a secure fit, they need to be hammered into the studs behind the wall. Most homes have studs spaced between 16 to 24 inches apart. That is a problem if you want to hang more wall décor together such as creating a gallery wall.
- Drywall anchors
Drywall anchors are the go-to picture hanging tool for heavy frames. They are self-expanding plugs that go into drywall, then screws go into the anchor. It creates a more secure anchoring point on drywall. Asides from heavy frames, these are handy when you need to hang a frame on the wall where there is not a stud available.
- CommandTM hooks or strips
CommandTM is the dominant brand for damage-free wall fixings. They rely on a strong adhesive and need to be applied with enough pressure for it to firmly bond to a dust-free surface. These are ideal for rental properties when you do not want to leave walls with multiple holes throughout the rooms, risking a deduction or loss to your deposit.
All of the products have weight recommendations so it is important to read the packaging and buy the appropriate product for the weight of the frame you want to hang from them and leave it enough time to bond to the surface before using them. Most require a waiting time of 30 minutes to one hour for the adhesive to fully bond to the wall surface before a frame is attached.
- Monkey Hooks®
Monkey Hooks® is an American brand with products available in the UK from online merchants. They provide a no tools approach to hanging frames on plasterboard. These are made of Alloy Steel to support heavy items and locks similar to how drywall anchors work. The only difference is the steel can be pushed into the wall by hand and as you twist the wire, it locks behind the plasterboard leaving you with a picture hook ready to use without waiting up to an hour. It will leave a hole, but for those who are not confident drilling pilot holes for anchors to be inserted, these may be a convenient alternative. They will not push into studs though.