February 2nd, 2012

Over the years, we’ve tried many different laser levels but never found one that worked well for hanging pictures. That is, until now. Recently, we used Black & Decker’s new SureGrip™, along with Hang & Level™ to hang these three pictures. It took us less than ten minutes to hang them all perfectly leveled and we didn’t make any extra holes in the walls.
The SureGrip laser level projects a straight line on the wall while the suction cup keeps your hands free. Hang & Level helps you line up the top of the frame with the laser line, and marks exactly where the nail goes. Using both tools together makes the perfect picture hanging combination that will save you time and frustration.
Find the right height for your display:
Use a measuring tape or our HeightGuide™ to find the right height for your display. Ours hangs at 60″ from the floor to the center of the image, which is the perfect standing eye height. 
Using Hang & Level, hang the first frame, level it and secure it in place withAnchor Points™.
Spacing your frames:
Cut 2 pieces of low adhesive tape (painter’s tape or SpacerTape™) identical in size. Place one directly against the right and left edge of the frame already on the wall.

Position the laser level:
Turn on the laser and while holding it against the wall, move it up and down until you get a straight line running right across the top of the frame already on the wall. Once you have the right spot, push the SureGrip button to secure it on the wall. Adjust the position of the laser, the light will turn green when it’s leveled.

Hang your next frame:
Using Hang & Level, line up the second frame with the end of the tape and the top with the laser line. Remove the frame from the tool, mark the spot, hammer the nail in and hang your picture.

Completing your display:
Repeat the steps above to hang the last frame. Once you are done, remove the laser level and the spacing tape from the wall.

About the frames
We used identical frames in this example, but you can use the same steps to hang items of different sizes, just line up the tops or bottoms of the frames using the laser line as a guide.
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January 31st, 2012

If you’ve shopped for framed art or picture frames lately you’ve probably noticed that many of them come fitted with two D-rings which can be quite challenging to hang. But don’t let that discourage you from buying the artwork you want. Simply wrap picture wire around the D-rings and you’ll have the option of hanging your piece with 1 nail instead of 2.
This short video done by eHow with expert art framer Minnie Bell, shows how simple and easy it is to wire a frame http://www.ehow.com/video_2381448_add-hanging-wire-photo-frame.html.
To keep your frame from moving, she recommends placing rubber bumpers on the bottom corners, anchor points work as well.
At Under The Roof Decorating, we make picture hanging easy. Our innovative products as well as helpful tips and tricks make it simple to hang pictures where you want them – the first time!
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January 31st, 2012
Looking for a quick way to decorate your walls that won’t cost a fortune? Here’s one that cost less than $70 and took only minutes to put together.

We bought 3 frames and wrapping paper at Walmart. Yes, gift wraping paper. We picked the bright daisies to add a fun and energetic touch to the walls and to the space. You can frame anything that appeals to you. Try pages of your favorite calendar, kids art, wallpaper, maps, or magazine covers; the possibilities are endless. Stay away from anything with linear or geometric patterns that requires precise lining up. It will be too fussy and time consuming to frame.
Have fun! And if this project inspires you to try your own, send us a picture – we’d love to see it.

Cut the gift-wrap the same size as the back of the frame. It will sit nicely between the backing and the glass without needing to be glued.

Cut a thin piece of cardboard the same size as the backing, to make sure the metal tabs on the back fit tightly under the frame. This prevents the backing from sliding when the frame is hanging.

The frames we bought were fitted with 2 small D-rings. We installed a picture wire through the rings, which made them easier to hang.

Voilà! Done!
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, customize this look further by framing pictures of hearts for a fun and romantic look.
At Under The Roof Decorating, we make picture hanging easy. Our innovative products as well as helpful tips and tricks make it simple to hang pictures where you want them – the first time!
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January 10th, 2012
When it comes to hanging pictures, the standard rule of ‘hang at eye level’ can be pretty confusing. Especially if you’re 5’6″ and your partner is 6’4″.

Whose Eye Level is the right choice? His or Hers?

If she hung all the pictures at her eye level – that’s what it would look like.
On the other hand, can you imagine if he was to hang all the artwork in the house at his eye level? She’d get a sore neck trying to see them.
So who is right? Him or Her?.

For the sake of domestic bliss, and beautifully decorated walls, it’s not about winning. Instead, it’s about finding the perfect height that everyone will be happy with – so meet in the middle.
Here’s How
For pictures that will be viewed from a standing position such as in hallways or an entryway, the best rule of thumb is to position your artwork so the center hangs at 60″ to 66″ from the floor. This never fail rule works for everyone.

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December 15th, 2011

Do you walk by your artwork without really noticing it? If you have not changed up your wall décor for a while, it starts to blend into the background. Move your pictures around and it will feel brand new again. And the best part is, it won’t cost you a dime.
In our example, this white frame and matt blend into the white wall and looks fresh and serene. But when you move the same art to a red background, the result is a vibrant and energetic new look.
At Under The Roof Decorating, we make picture hanging easy. Our innovative products as well as helpful tips and tricks make it simple to hang pictures where you want them – the first time!
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December 7th, 2011

We love it when people try out our products so they can see for themselves what all the fuss is about. We especially love it when they take the time to review them. And that’s exactly what Alan Henry of Lifehacker.com did. A few months ago, there was a discussion on Lifehacker about how to hang art without damaging walls. Readers were asked if they would use a paint can stirrer and a screw to get the job done or if they would buy a Hang & Level instead. Because Hang & Level was designed specifically to hang pictures without causing damage to your walls, we wanted Alan to see for himself how easy it is to use. Liette, the inventor of the tool, sent one over for him to try and after using it, Alan admitted “Hang and Level makes positioning photos and art together on the wall quick and easy.” You can read the complete review here….http://lifehacker.com/5864086/the-hang-and-level-makes-positioning-photos-and-art-together-on-the-wall-quick-and-easy
Thanks, Lifehacker!
At Under The Roof Decorating, we make picture hanging easy. Our innovative products as well as helpful tips and tricks make it simple to hang pictures where you want them – the first time!
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December 1st, 2011

Okay, admit it – when you go to someone’s house and there’s a mirror by the front door, you sneak a peek at yourself, don’t you? It’s all right, most of us do.
From a decorating perspective, mirrors reflect daylight which means your entrance space will appear larger and brighter than it actually is. Mirrors come in all shapes and sizes, so you can have fun picking one that will match your wall space the best. For an alternative to putting holes in your walls, consider decorating with a floor mirror, just lean it against the wall.
That being said, you don’t need to be afraid of hanging a large mirror or making those holes. It’s easy when you know how. Here’s how we did it:
What You’ll Need:
- Painter’s Tape or other low tack adhesive tape
- Wall anchors & screws
- Screwdriver
- Electric drill & bits
- Small level
- Hang & Level picture hanging tool
- A helper
1. Placing your mirror

- Have your helper hold the mirror while you step back and determine the right placement on the wall.
- Once you have the right spot, mark the position of one corner of the mirror with a couple of pieces of low adhesive tape.
2. Find the spot for the first screw

- Start with the side opposite the tape, place the D-ring onto the single hook of the Hang & Level tool. (Note: if the tool’s handle doesn’t clear the top of the frame, move the D-Rings up).
- With your helper, place the frame and tool against the wall. Line up the corner of the mirror with the tape on the wall to make sure it’s in the right spot.
- Use a small level on top of the mirror to make sure it’s straight.
3. Install the first screw

4. Find the spot for the second screw

- With your helper, place the mirror back on the wall, and hang it on the first screw. Place the other D-Ring onto the single hook of the Hang & Level.
- Place a level on top of the frame, and move the Hang & Level vertically until the bubble is in the middle, to ensure it’s straight.
- Have your partner remove the frame while you keep the tool in place, and press the single button to mark the spot.
5. Install the second screw & hang your mirror

- Repeat the steps above to install the second anchor and screw.
- Tighten both screws, leaving enough exposed to catch on the D-rings.
- With your helper, hang the mirror onto the two screws and remove the tape from the wall.
- Enjoy!

At Under The Roof Decorating, we make picture hanging easy. Our innovative products as well as helpful tips and tricks make it simple to hang pictures where you want them – the first time!
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November 24th, 2011
Floating shelves are extremely trendy and are a great way to display pictures without putting extra holes in your walls.
But if your shelf doesn’t have a lip along the length, how do you prevent your picture frames from falling off? A simple, inexpensive solution is to use drawer liners. Available in a variety of colors, choose one to match your shelf and no one will know it’s there. Because they’re non-adhesive, they grip nicely but won’t damage your shelf and you can peel them off easily when it’s time to change your display.

Easy to use on shelves, mantels or any other surface, simply cut a narrow strip and place it along the bottom edge of the frame, directly where it touches the shelf when your frame is leaning against the wall. Repeat for each frame, and you’ll no longer have to worry about your frames falling off and shattering into a million pieces.
At Under The Roof Decorating, we make picture hanging easy. Our innovative products as well as helpful tips and tricks make it simple to hang pictures where you want them – the first time!
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November 24th, 2011

It sure felt like Christmas around the office when we opened House Beautiful Magazine and saw our cute Stoppy had been selected as one of “the Best” of the season. “It’s extremely exciting and what a joy to be featured in such an elegant decorating magazine” says Liette Tousignant, founder of UTR.
Since we’ve introduced Stoppy to North America, homeowners, retailers and the media have been intrigued by its unique shape and have referred to it as a tear drop, an apostrophe, and even, “a little comma to make a door pause,” by the editors of House Beautiful.
No matter what you call it, it’s a fun and stylish doorstop that will make the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone on your list. And make sure to include a copy of House Beautiful too, so they can see for themselves how trendy their new Stoppy is.
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November 22nd, 2011

In addition to your lipstick, wallet, phone, pen, and the million other things you have in there, make sure to carry a pocket size measuring tape in your purse.
A small light weight measuring tape (they usually go to 10ft) will come in handy for measuring furniture or artwork when you’re out shopping. Don’t forget to carry measurements of the walls you want to buy art for. Retail stores have such high ceilings that frames and other wall décor often look smaller then they actually are. Knowing the dimensions you need will save you time and make it easier to find the right piece on your first visit.
Another handy tip is to have a picture of the room you’re buying for. Save it in your phone to keep it handy. It’ll help you take into consideration the colors you need when you’re faced with many choices.
If you can’t decide on what to buy, take pictures of all the pieces you like as well as the prices, download them and look at them on your laptop when you get home. Seeing the pictures on a large screen and in your home environment might be exactly what you need to make a final decision.
At Under The Roof Decorating, we make picture hanging easy. Our innovative products as well as helpful tips and tricks make it simple to hang pictures where you want them – the first time!
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November 16th, 2011

Image via Pinterest
Finding the perfect height to hang any artwork can be a challenge. But when it comes to a child’s room, the rules change again. Remember, your kids’ room is for them, so make sure to hang pictures, bookshelves, black boards etc…at their level, not at yours.
In this picture, it’s easy to see that this room was decorated for a young child. Everything on the wall hangs at the perfect height to allow the toddler to easily reach their books, toys or even doodle on the blackboard with ease. Although kids grow fast and you may have to raise the wall décor every 2 years, it’s worth it.
It’s easy to find the right hanging height, just get your kids involved testing various heights until you find the perfect spot. Make sure to anchor all items very securely to prevent your kids from getting hurt by falling items. Don’t hang any artwork with glass in a child’s room, replace it with Plexiglas which won’t shatter or forgo the glass all together. Frame inexpensive images, customized to your child’s interests or better yet, hang your kids’ masterpieces to create a fun and whimsical atmosphere that can easily be changed and updated.
P.S. Thanks Emma for posting this picture, we love it!
At Under The Roof Decorating, we make picture hanging easy. Our innovative products as well as helpful tips and tricks make it simple to hang pictures where you want them – the first time!
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November 14th, 2011
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November 12th, 2011

An often neglected area for decorating are those tall skinny walls most of us have in our homes. Found between windows in the living room, next to the entrance or powder room, or at the end of a hallway, these spaces don’t need to go undecorated. A tall skinny wall makes the perfect background to hang artwork or even mirrors to reflect the daylight. The best thing about this look is that there are no rules, and there’s one easy way to hang your display – from the bottom up.
About the look
The ceiling height, size of pieces and the amount of spacing between pieces will determine how many items you’ll need. We took the arrangement all the way to the ceiling, you don’t have to. Hang 3 or 4 pieces, it’s your choice.
In this image, the bright yellow chair sets the tone. Center it on the wall, and determine how much space to leave between your chair and art. 2 inches was perfect for our display.
What you’ll need
- Frames
- Hammer
- Nails
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Hang & Level™
- Painter’s tape
- Bumpers
- Small level
- Step stool
Optional, available in our Picture Hanging Kit
How We Did It

- Center the chair on the wall, and determine how much space to leave between it and the bottom frame.
- Cut pieces of SpacerTape or low adhesive painter’s tape to the same size to ensure equal spacing between pieces.
- Place the first piece of tape right above the back of the chair, in the center of the chair.

- Using Hang & Level, position the first frame so that the bottom edge lines up with the top of the tape.
- Keeping the tool on the wall, remove the frame and press the button to mark exactly where the nail goes.
- Hang the frame and using Hang & Level, make sure it’s level.

- Keep your wall display perfectly straight by placing bumpers or Anchor Points on the bottom corners of each frame.
- Place a piece of tape at the top and center of each frame to use as a guide for hanging the next frame above it.
- Repeat the steps above for the remaining frames.
- Once you’ve hung the last frame, remove the tape and you are done!
Close to the ceiling…
For our final frame, we couldn’t use Hang & Level to hang it, as it was too close to the ceiling, so here is how you figure out where it goes:

- Mark the spacing with a piece of tape like you did for the other frames
- Turn the frame over, and holding the wire tight, measure the distance from the bottom of the frame to the taut wire.
- Make a pencil mark the same distance above the top of the tape, and hammer the nail into that mark.
- Hang and level your picture, remove the tape and you are done!
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November 9th, 2011

In November, and all year, it’s important to remember our veterans. At UTR, we show our appreciation by displaying a simple framed picture of a poppy in our reception area.
Every time we, or our visitors walk by the beautiful, bright poppies, we’re reminded why we must never forget to show our appreciation, gratitude and respect for veterans and members of the armed forces.
Thank you, veterans!
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November 7th, 2011

An easy way to perfect a multiple frame display is to lay them out on the floor to determine the best possible arrangement before hanging. Imagine a vertical line running through the middle of your display. Check that items on either side of that line are visually equal in weight. Balance colored items, light and dark pieces and different shapes for both sides. Move the pieces around until you find the right combination. This will also help you determine the right spacing between each piece.
When you think you have it, take a snapshot – yes, of all the frames on the floor. Hop on a chair and take the picture looking straight down. You’ll be amazed how this will help you notice things that you didn’t see the first time. A simple tip that will save you time and potential mistakes holes too.
At Under The Roof Decorating, we make picture hanging easy. Our innovative products as well as helpful tips and tricks make it simple to hang pictures where you want them – the first time!
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November 4th, 2011

If your piece is heavy, and fitted with a picture wire, use 2 hooks or nails to equally distribute the weight when you hang it. Not only will the frame be more secure on the wall, it will also hang straighter than if you used only one nail.
Additionally, if you’re hanging a series of pictures horizontally, the 2 nails will allow you to easily adjust the spacing between pictures by sliding the art back and forth on the nails without having to reposition them.
When you’re happy with the placement, simply stick Anchor Points on the bottom of your frames to keep them nice and straight – you’ll never have to waste time leveling them again.
At Under The Roof Decorating, we make picture hanging easy. Our innovative products as well as helpful tips and tricks make it simple to hang pictures where you want them – the first time!
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November 1st, 2011

Hairspray is great to keep hair in place but not so great for your artwork.
Use caution when looking in the mirror and using hairspray. Artwork is often hung on the wall opposite the mirror, which means you might easily overspray and damage the art behind you. You’ll end up with a sticky residue on your walls and pictures that can be a real challenge to remove.
So next time you reach for the bottle of hairspray make sure to aim away from the walls.
At Under The Roof Decorating, we make picture hanging easy. Our innovative products as well as helpful tips and tricks make it simple to hang pictures where you want them – the first time!
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October 15th, 2011
About this look
We selected colored photos, chose identical frames and mats and hung them in a grid which makes it easy to add to the display in the future while maintaining a cohesive look. All the spacing between frames is identical, at 1″. Increase the spacing if needed, it all depends on the size of your frames and the amount of wall space you want to fill.
What you’ll need
- 9 square 10″ frames (buy extras, they’ll come in handy when you’re ready to add to your display)
- Hammer
- Nails
- Measuring tape
- Hang & Level™
- Painter’s tape
- Bumpers
- Small level
- Step stool
Optional, available in our Picture Hanging Kit
Getting Started

- Find the centerline of the space and mark it with a vertical piece of tape.
- Determine the right height for your display by measuring from the floor or using our HeightGuide. In our example, the middle of the frames in the second row is about 63″ from the floor, which is perfect standing eye height. Mark the height of the centerline with a horizontal piece of tape. This cross marks the centre of your display.

- Position the centre frame from the middle row over the tape cross on the wall, and position the frame below it against the wall. Position it about 1″ below the centre frame and align the edges.
- Take down the centre frame while keeping the bottom frame against the wall, and mark the top edge of the frame with a horizontal piece of tape.
- Using Hang & Level, hang the frame, aligning its top with the horizontal tape, and making sure it’s centered on the cross.

- Next, hang the frames on either side, 1″ apart from the middle one. Use 1″ pieces of Painter’s tape or SpacerTape to keep the spacing even between frames.
- Place a 1″ piece of tape at the top and center of each frame to use as a guide for hanging the row above it.
- Continue hanging the rows from the bottom to the top. If you are right handed, start with the frame on the far left and work across, if you are left handed, start with the frame on the far right – working in this order makes it easier to line up the frames using Hang & Level.
- Once you’ve hung the last frame, remove the tape and you are done!
Expanding your display

If your space is tall, for example in a stairwell, expand the photo wall by adding rows to the top.
If your space is wide, add frames to the sides. Keep the look balanced, by adding the same number of frames on each side.
Some Tips & Tricks
- When you hang this many frames, it’s important that each one is perfectly level so you can align the next one to it. Secure each frame after hanging it with rubber bumpers or Anchor Points.
- Determine the order in which you want your pictures to appear on the wall ahead of time – arrange them by subject, color, or year they were taken.
- When purchasing frames for your photo wall, pick up a few extra ones – that way when you are ready to expand your arrangement you will already have matching frames.
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October 7th, 2011

Image via Elle Décor
Always look twice before hanging a mirror. You want to be sure the reflection you get isn’t of a messy kitchen, doorway or of a blank wall.
In this crisp white living room, the orange-framed mirror acts as the main focal point, reflecting lots of daylight as well as emphasizing a large collection of elegant black and white photography. All positive reflections.
Click here for tips on hanging a mirror over a mantel.
At Under The Roof Decorating, we make picture hanging easy. Our innovative products such as Hang & Level and Déco Nails as well as helpful ‘how-to” info and useful déco tips make it simple to hang pictures exactly where you want them – the first time!
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October 5th, 2011

That’s what Mariette Mifflin of About.com said after testing Hang & Level. When she started the testing, she was a bit skeptical and didn’t think the tool would perform as well as we claimed. But after hanging a 24”X 32” canvas oil all by herself and on the first try, she announced, “I now know that I can tackle pictures by myself and get them right.“
She gave Hang & Level 2 thumbs up and recommends it as “a must-have for those who move a lot or like to rearrange their living space often. With this gadget, you‘ll be anxious to get your pictures, paintings or wall decor up and running.“ Read the complete review……
http://housewares.about.com/od/storageorganizers/fr/Hang-And-Level-Picture-Hanging-Tool-Review.htm
Thanks Mariette!
At Under The Roof Decorating, we make picture hanging easy. Our innovative products such as Hang & Level and Déco Nails as well as helpful ‘how-to” info and useful déco tips make it simple to hang pictures exactly where you want them – the first time!
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