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!

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! 

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! 

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!

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!

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! 

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! 

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!

We’re always on the lookout for great ideas for fun new wall projects. Recently, we came across this unique idea that we love!

Jen and Tim of Insideways were looking for a piece of art big enough to hang above their couch when they decided to make their very own wall art. The initial inspiration came from Tim’s love of scrabble. http://www.insideways.com/2011/03/alphabet-soup.html  Three days and $50 later, they had finished their masterpiece and say, “It’s definitely worth it.”

A great conversation piece that not only looks fantastic but is guaranteed to keep guests entertained. What words can you find?

Once you’ve done all this work, you’ll want your arrangement to stay straight. By placing small Anchor Points on the bottom corners of your frames, you can keep your frames from looking scrabbled.

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!

It can be a real tour de force trying to keep picture frames straight on a wall. But take heart there are solutions available. Choose carefully though, some options are only temporary fixes, some are more damaging to walls than others and some choices will cure the problem.

Some people use tacky wax, silly putty, sewing needles, double sided tape or any type of tape folded on itself to hold the bottom corners in place.

Here are our top 3 solutions:

If your frame is fitted with a picture wire:

• Keep the wire tight so your art will hang flush against the wall reducing the chances it will shift. In addition, using 2 picture hooks or nails will equally distribute the weight of the piece keeping it looking straight.

Silicone bumpers or “rubber feet”:

• Place them on the bottom corners of your frames. Their gummy texture will stick to the wall without damaging the surface.

Use Anchor Points:

• Just like the bumpers, they stick to the bottom corners of your frames. When pushed into the wall, they’ll keep your frames perfectly straight.  Guaranteed to survive dusting and a busy household.

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!

Work doesn’t have to feel like work when the view from your workspace is inspiring. If you need a piece to fill the space above your desk that will inspire you without breaking the bank, here are 3 budget friendly looks that require minimal work and deliver huge impact.

Lighten up your office atmosphere by framing a funny picture of your pet, or other fun character. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you walk into the room. The white frame and white mat look crisp and classy all year around and fits any décor.

Maps are perfect to fill a large horizontal space. Pick a map of the world, your city or a place you’ve visited and loved. No need for a mat. Here, we’ve picked a thin colored frame to add playfulness to the space. For an even more budget friendly option, go without a frame and simply use push pins to hold it in place.

No need for post-it notes when you can keep your to-do list right in front of you. Cut a piece of plywood to the desired size and paint it with chalkboard paint, or buy a board from an office supply store like we did. You can paint the frame if you like, or reframe it to give it a more stylish look.

The focal point of every bedroom is the bed and what’s hanging above it, so it’s important to pick your artwork carefully. You can create a grouping, or choose to feature one special piece as we show in these examples:

What should I hang above my bed?
Hang things you love and bring you a sense of calm and serenity. Try abstract paintings, prints of nature or landscapes, black and white images or even nude art, for your eyes only.

Size It Right…
To create balance, your artwork (or grouping) should be at least 2/3 the length of the headboard. The shape doesn’t matter, it could be square, vertical, horizontal, round or oval as long as it’s the right size to counterbalance the headboard.

How High / How Low?
As a general rule, the bottom of your frame should hang 8” to 10” above the headboard. If you hang your artwork any higher it will look like it’s floating away from the headboard instead of being connected to it.

Use the right hardware…

• Safety is key when hanging a heavy piece. Be sure it’s fastened securely to avoid an accident.
• Use wall anchors or use 2 picture hooks or nails to secure your piece properly.
• Place Anchor Points on the bottom corners of your frame to keep it in place and straight.

Avoid this common mistake!

Don’t center your picture between the top of the headboard and the ceiling. It’ll end up hanging too high and look as if it’s floating. It’s best to visually connect your artwork to the furniture below.

At Under The Roof Decorating, our mission is to make picture hanging easy.  We design products such as Hang & Level and Déco Nails to help you hang pictures exactly where you want them without making extra holes in your walls.

My First Time – Hanging a picture grouping

For years I have looked at my living room walls, and the run of the mill artwork that hung there and wished I could change it. What I really wanted was to hang pictures of my family, but I was terrified to even attempt a photo arrangement. How would I space the frames properly? How would I make sure they were all level? What if I did a bad job?

The idea of measuring, planning, and hanging four frames on my wall was completely overwhelming to me, so I put it off. Even with the frames purchased, it took me longer than three weeks to get up the nerve to tackle the project. But with the holidays quickly approaching, I couldn’t procrastinate any longer. I had family coming, and I wanted to be able to show off the new photo wall.

To get ready for the project, I took out my Picture Hanging Kit and prepared my supplies. I laid out the frames on the floor and tried the pictures in different variations before deciding on the formation I liked best. Finally, I couldn’t put it off any longer.

I took the HeightGuide and taped it to the wall to determine how high I should hang my arrangement. Using it as a guide, I found the perfect height for everyone to enjoy the photos. Next, I was ready to start with my first picture. Using the Hang & Level, it was easy to figure out exactly where I wanted it to go. I pushed the button and hammered in my nail. Next came the part that terrified me.  Spacing.

As it turns out, I had nothing to be worried about. I used the SpacerTape, ripped off three squares and stuck it to the wall. Using that as a guide, I could easily place the next pictures without fooling around with a measuring tape. I decided to line up the bottoms of the frames to keep them all level and after a few more nails, I was done.

The entire arrangement took less than thirty minutes to hang and it looks fantastic! With friends and family coming over for the holidays, I couldn’t be prouder to show off my family photo wall and now that I know how easy it really is to make a stunning grouping, I can’t wait to try it out in the other rooms of my house.

Elena, Calgary

For an extra special touch this year, why not create a memory wall that tells the story of your family through photos? The challenge is that you likely have frames of different sizes, shapes and colors. Some with mats, some without. And some black and white pictures mixed with full color. Not to worry! Here’s a creative and easy way to display all your photos without overwhelming yourself.

In just a few easy steps you can hang 2 horizontal rows to showcase your pictures. With this type of arrangement the bottoms of the frames are lined up in the upper row and in the lower row, the tops of the frames are lined up to create visual symmetry and cohesiveness to the display.

Hang your arrangement in places where you and your guests can easily enjoy them. Popular locations include hallways, staircases and family rooms. Here’s how to do it:

Build the look:

• Use the floor to lay out the display. Start by choosing one picture in each row to serve as the focal point and build out from there. Be sure to balance out sizes and colors of frames on either side of the focal point frames so it’s even.
• When you think you have it, take a snapshot. It’s amazing how this will help you notice things that you didn’t see the first time.

Start hanging in the middle:

• Determine the proper height for the display. Be sure not to hang the top row too high or it will be difficult to appreciate the pictures. In our example, the tops of the frames in the bottom row hang at 62” from the floor (Red line in the photo).
• Start by hanging the middle frame in the bottom row. Hang the top frame, centered above it leaving 1-2” (we used 2”) space between the two.

Hang the lower row:

• Continue hanging the bottom row leaving the same amount of space between each frame. We used 2” to give the arrangement an organized and cohesive look.
• Using Hang & Level™, you can visually hang all the frames easily by lining up the top of each frame with the one next to it. Continue hanging, working out from the middle.

Hang the upper row:

• Using Hang & Level, visually line up the bottom of the frame with the one already on the wall to find the correct location.
• Hang your pictures working out from the middle leaving the same amount of space between the frames.

Tip:

• You may need to re-level each frame before hanging the next one as frames can shift when hammering.

Fun and affordable, mirrors are a great alternative to hanging art on your walls and they come in a wide array of shapes and sizes so you will be sure to find one to suit your space, style and budget. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Front Entrance

• A mirror by the door is a must. Not only does it allow you or your guests to take a glimpse at yourself before you head out; a mirror also reflects daylight so if you have a small entrance way it will make the space appear larger and brighter than it actually is.

In the Hallway

• You can use a mirror to trick the eye and bring the far wall of a hall forward or diminish the depth of a long narrow hallway by placing a large mirror at the other end. It will also help bounce light from the ceiling, therefore brightening up a space that’s often dim.

Above a Mantel

• A large mirror is an excellent way to accentuate a fireplace as the focal point of a room. It can reflect and increase the light in the room, and if you’re lucky enough to have a great view, a mirror will showcase the reflection of the scenery you may have. Hang your mirror the same way you would hang art over the mantel. Click here for more tips on hanging over a mantel.

Above a couch or on a Large Wall

• Be creative and jazz up that space with starburst shaped mirrors, large round ones, or even a grouping of several smaller mirrors. They could all be the same shape or all different depending of the effect you want to create and your personal style. Hanging a large mirror in the center of the wall with smaller ones around it creates a stunning arrangement.

There were more than 10,000 Home Hardware dealers and vendors from across Canada in attendance at the Home Hardware Market in St. Jacobs, Ontario on September 12-14 and the UTR team was right in the middle of the action! It was a busy weekend as we introduced both Hang & Level and Stoppy to hundreds of dealers and demonstrated our great products in preparation for the Christmas season.

But it wasn’t all work and no play when Liette had the opportunity to meet Canadian Fashion Designer, Simon Chang. Simon was at the show to reveal The Simon Chang Collection, a brand new line of paint colors for the home that brings Simon’s fashion expertise to the home.

“Congratulations to Simon and his team for bringing such an energizing color collection to the market!”
~Liette Tousignant

Displaying pictures over a couch is an easy way to create a focal point in your living room. Here are a few tips to get the job done:

Size it up

• To create balance, your artwork (or grouping) should be at least 2/3 the length of the sofa.
• Don’t have a large piece? Use two or more pieces in a group to create the size you need.
• Pictures should not be wider than the couch or the artwork will overwhelm the furniture instead of enhancing it.

How high, how low?

• As a general rule, the bottom of your frame should hang 8” to 10” above the back of the sofa. There are exceptions when you’re hanging a grouping of frames and in this case, you may have to play with the measurements a bit.
• If you hang your artwork too high it will look like it’s floating away from the couch instead of being connected to it. Keep your wall arrangements low enough to enjoy when you’re sitting.
• Have someone hold your artwork in position while you step back and have a look to ensure the height is perfect.

Spacing between pieces

• When hanging a grouping of pictures, leave 2” to 5” between each frame for proper spacing. View a short video on Using Spacer Tape™ to keep spacing consistent between frames.
• Hanging frames too far apart will look disjointed, like you are trying to fill the wall instead of connecting each piece of art.

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At Under The Roof Decorating, our mission is to make picture hanging easy.  We design products such as Hang & Level and Déco Nails to help you hang pictures exactly where you want them without making extra holes in your walls.

A few quick tips for displaying your vacation photos:

• Consider white frames and mats to frame summer vacation pictures. White looks crisp and classy all year round and fits any décor style.
• Picking identical frames and mats lets the viewer focus on the pictures rather than the frames.
• Holiday pictures can brighten up any room in your house:
  • If your pictures are from a vacation at the beach, the bathroom is the perfect spot for them because they’re bright, fun and related to water. Inexpensive frames are a good choice for the bathroom to prevent damage from the humidity.
  • Pictures of children can be hung in each child’s bedroom providing great memories for the children and an inexpensive, personal decoration alternative.
  • We often forget about the laundry room, but what better place to hang holiday pictures? Looking at pictures of your vacation will help the tedious chore go faster, and may just inspire you to plan your next getaway.
  • Maybe you’ve visited some cafés, or have some great shots of your children eating ice cream or watermelon? Pictures related in some way to food add a personal touch to the walls in the kitchen.
  • Have fun and display your pictures in the mudroom. It’s a room that gets used every day, and vacation photos are a great way to welcome you home when you’re back to your routine.
  • Start a holiday wall and add to it every year. Group photos in a hallway or in a stairway.

For more creative wall décor ideas and to watch a quick video for tips and tricks on picture hanging, visit www.utrdecorating.com

At Under The Roof Decorating, our mission is to make picture hanging easy.  We design products such as Hang & Level and Déco Nails to help you hang pictures exactly where you want them without making extra holes in your walls.

It’s easy to create a beautiful space that will encourage you to spend more time outdoors and help you relax when you return home at the end of the day. You can hang artwork on the exterior walls of the house, garage, or shed and don’t forget that every fence is a blank wall ready for your personal touch.

Whatever you use in the yard, it should be weatherproof and tolerant of the elements. Mirrors, pottery, wrought iron and even old picture frames are just a few great choices. We recently came across these outdoor art canvases from Rittenhouse, which is a perfect choice for decorating outside.

With a little imagination, and Hang & Level™ to help you find the perfect place to position your art, you will be able to create a personalized, inviting outdoor space that you will enjoy year round.

Additional Resources:

• Kings Flower & Garden
• Canvas Republic
• Soothing Patios
• InsideOut Garden Art
• Weatherprint Outdoor Art
• How to make your own outdoor canvas