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!

Forget complicated measurements or marks on the walls. Low tack adhesive tape such as Painter’s Tape or SpacerTape gently sticks to walls without damaging them and is easy to remove when you’re done. Once you’ve tried this easy trick, you’ll never go back to your old ways.

1. Hang your first frame.
2. Cut the tape the desired length to match the space needed between each frame. (See info below)
3. Stick the tape on the wall next to the frame that is already hung.
4. Hang the next frame using the tape as a guide. Repeat steps for additional frames.
5. Peel off the tape and you’re done.

How do I know how much distance to leave between frames?

Generally speaking, an odd number of frames on the wall are more aesthetically pleasing to look at. They also have the added benefit of being much easier to hang. You can center the first piece on the wall and then add the other piece (pieces) either to the left or right. It doesn’t matter.

It makes hanging pictures over a piece of furniture very easy, as you center the middle piece with your furniture and then determine the space you need to leave between your pieces depending on the size (length) of the furniture sitting below.

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.

We love Ribba™ frames from IKEA. They’re inexpensive, stylish and versatile. But they can be frustrating as well. We’ve hung more Ribba frames over the years than we can count and along the way we’ve come up with some tips and tricks to make things easier. We hope they help you too.

Problem: The Wire that comes with the frames is stiff and hard to twist.

• Buy a roll of galvanized braided picture hanging wire. Choose the wire that holds up to 20lbs. It’s strong, easy to twist, loops very easily around the metal clips and doesn’t look bulky when using on smaller lighter frames.

Where do I place the metal clips on the back of the frame?

• Place the clips 1/3 of the way down from the top of the frame. This rule of thumb works with any size of frame, and will make sure your frame hangs nicely against the wall.

How do I get the wire onto the frame?

• If fishing the wire through the clip proves to be challenging, simply bend the tip of the wire and feed it through the hole.
• Loop the wire through the clip, leaving 1 ½” of extra wire.
• Twist the wire tightly around itself several times. Keep the ends face down (towards the picture) to avoid scratching your walls.
• Stretch the wire to the top of the frame to determine the total length of wire you need. Add 1 ½” of extra wire and cut to length. Insert the end through the second clip, and twist the wire tight.
• Make sure the wire doesn’t go over the top of the frame, and you’re done!

How to replace the wire with a sawtook hook.

• The correct position for a sawtooth hook is in the middle of the top of the frame
• Measure the frame and make a pencil mark at the centre point, then align the middle of the sawtooth hook with the mark (Note – some sawtooth hooks have a mark in the middle to make this easier)
• Make sure the hanger can’t be seen from above the top of the frame
• You can pre-drill the holes for sawtooth hanger using a small drill bit to prevent the frame from splitting
• Use screws to secure the sawtooth hanger, making sure not to over tighten them

If you have more questions about picture hanging, ask us, we’d be glad to help!

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!

If you’ve been putting off hanging pictures because you’re afraid of messing up your walls, stop worrying. Here’s a quick way to patch those ‘mistake holes’ so you can go ahead and hang those frames without fear.

There’s no need for a loaded tool belt when it comes to fixing a regular sized nail hole. All you need are a few supplies:

How to fix the hole:
• Scoop a tiny amount of spackling just enough to fill the hole
• Use finger or other tool to apply
• Wipe off excess with cloth or tissue
• Let dry for a few minutes and you’re done!

If the hole is on a white wall, there’s probably no need to paint it. On the other hand, if you have a colored wall, use a Q-tip, a clean nail polish brush or other very small brush to cover only the repaired area with paint. Try not to spread the paint beyond the edges of the repair, as it will make the spot more visible.

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’s easy to recreate beautiful wall arrangements like this one that you see in your favorite decorating magazines or design shows.   You just need to know where to start.

Here’s how:

• Start by hanging the middle frame of the bottom row; then go left or right.
• Next, hang the center row, aligning the frames with the bottom row.
• Finish the look with the top row, lining up the frames with the row below.
• Tip: Mark the back of your frames with “center, left, right, top row, bottom row.  If you ever get tired of the pictures in your frames, you can swap the pictures and rehang them quite easily.

Of course owning the right tools to hang your frames will help. Use Hang & Level to hang each picture. It will mark the exact location for your hardware, eliminating the chance of making extra holes in your walls.

As for spacing between frames, keep it consistent to achieve a well balanced look.  Cut a desired length of SpacerTape, usually 2 to 3 spacers are perfect when hanging multiples. And simply peel the tape off when you’re done.

Once you’ve done all this work, you’ll want to make sure your arrangement stays straight.  By placing small Anchor Points on the bottom corners of your frames, they will stay straight forever.

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!

If you’re hanging pictures that will be viewed from a standing position such as in hallways and foyers the best rule of thumb is to hang your artwork so its center hangs at 60” to 66” from the floor.

Regarding hanging pictures at eye level, it can be very confusing especially if you’re 5’4” and your partner is 6’3”. To avoid any confusion, refer to standing height versus eye level.

Check the following links if you’re hanging pictures above a couch, headboard, fireplace mantle, towel bar, or in a staircase.

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.  

Hanging a large framed picture, mirror or big piece of art doesn’t have to be challenging. With Hang & Level, a few simple steps and a friend to help, you’ll have your piece hung in no time.

In this example, our frame is fitted with two D-rings just like most heavy items would have. It’s important not to take any chances with a large piece. Avoid accidents by using the proper wall anchors to safely secure your frame to the wall.

1. Placing Your Frame

• Have your helper hold the frame against the wall while you step back and determine the right placement on the wall.
• Once you’ve found the right spot, mark the height of the frame with a horizontal piece of tape on the top edge

2. Find the spot for the first screw

• Place the first D-Ring onto the single hook of the Hang & Level and with your helper, place the frame and tool against the wall.
• Line up the frame using the tape on the wall to make sure it’s at the right height. ( Note: If the tool’s handle doesn’t clear the top of the frame, turn it sideways. You’ll get the same results.).
• Use a small level on top of the frame to make sure it’s straight.

3. Install the first screw

• Once the frame is in the right spot, keep the tool on the wall while your helper takes the picture down.
• Press the single button to mark where the screw goes.
• Tip: To make sure the drill bit goes in the right spot, you can enlarge the hole by tapping the screw into the hole with a hammer.
• Drill a hole directly into the mark and insert a plastic anchor.
• Install the first screw, but only ½ way in. This will make it easier to hang on the D-ring when you’re ready to find the spot for the second screw.

4. Find the spot for the second screw

• With your helper, place the frame 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.
• Once again, 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 frame

• 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 frame onto the two screws and remove the tape from the wall.
• Enjoy your newly hung frame!

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. 

Every room in your house can be beautifully decorated, including the bathroom. Create a focal point by hanging pictures over the bathtub, towel racks or toilet. Here are some tips to get you started:

Above The Tub

• If you want your tub to be the centre of attention, hang one large piece above it.
• Choose a soothing print that will help you relax when soaking.
• Make sure to leave enough wall space between your artwork and tub to avoid any damage from splashing water.

Above The Towel Bar

• Display one large piece or a combination of pieces that are at least 2/3 or equivalent to the towel bar’s width.
• Center your artwork with the towel bar.
• Placement is important. Don’t hang your art too close to the bar as it could get damaged every time you reach for a towel but don’t hang it so high that it’s floating on the wall.

Above The Toilet

• Choose pieces as wide as the toilet tank to create balance between the two.
• A tall vertical piece or a combination of pieces hung in a column will help fill the space.
• Leave enough space between the back of the toilet and your art to display some accessories such as: tissues box, folded towels, a basket etc.

Use the right hardware

• Safety is key when hanging a piece with glass in the bathroom. Be sure it’s fastened securely to avoid an accident.
• Alternatively, replace the glass in the frame with plexiglass which is more impact resistant.
• Place Anchor Points on the bottom corners of your frame to keep it in place and straight.

Avoid damaging artwork with hairspray or perfume

• Use caution when looking in the mirror and using hairspray or perfume. Artwork is often hung opposite the mirror and you don’t want to overspray and damage the art that’s behind you.

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.

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.

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 are different ways to hang a group of pictures; picking the right approach depends on the number of pieces, their sizes and how much wall space you want to fill.

A foolproof approach that works exceptionally well with pieces of different sizes and shapes like we have here is to create an imaginary large square or rectangle.

Getting Started:

1. Lay all the pieces right in front of the wall where you will display them.
2. Line up the outside borders of the square or rectangle with big pieces then fill the inside with the leftovers.
3. Imagine a vertical line running through the middle of your square or rectangle and see that items on either side of it are visually equal in weight. Balance colored items, light and dark pieces, different shapes etc… Move them around until you find the right combination.
4. Keep the center of your arrangement at about 60” to 66” from the floor, standard standing eye level.
5. Hang pieces 2” to 4” from each other.
6. Take a picture of your walls to verify if you have created a successful wall arrangement or not. Pictures don’t lie!

Click here to view a short How-To video showing you how to use Hang & Level™ to create a grouping of pictures quickly and easily!

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.

One of the things we love about the Hang & Level picture hanging tool is that it allows you to position your items visually without any measuring or marking up your wall. However there may be some occasions where you want your picture to be in an exact spot on the wall, perhaps to line up with an item on an adjacent wall. In those circumstances we have found a couple of helpful tips which make it quick and easy to do. Let’s say you want to hang your picture so the top lines up exactly with another picture on an adjacent wall. Here’s how.

1. Measure the distance from the floor to the top of the item you want to match (A). Always measure from the floor rather than the ceiling which is rarely even.
2. Use a piece of painters tape, apply it horizontally on the wall where you want to hang your picture, so that the bottom edge of the tape is exactly at the same height from the floor that you measured previously (B). Make sure that the tape is not in the centre of the picture, otherwise it will be covered by the Hang & Level tool.
3. Place your picture on the Hang & Level tool and position it on the wall so that the top edge of the picture lines up with the bottom edge of the painters tape (C). Here’s a little tip to make it easier to line things up: when you are positioning your picture on the wall, hold the bottom edge of the picture and pull it away from the wall slightly so that the frame is parallel to the wall (D), then lining up the top of the picture is a little easier…
4. Once you’ve hung your picture remove the painter’s tape and you’re done!

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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.

We love to hear from you. Sign up for our Déco Newsletter or click the Product Feedback button on the left to tell us what you think, and don’t forget to cast your vote on our Quick Poll available on our homepage.

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.

With summer right around the corner, it’s also time to freshen the décor on your walls! Why not bring some of the bright seasonal colors inside for a new look? Nothing says summer like crisp white frames and matts paired with photos of vivid blossoms from your garden. Here are three quick and easy looks you can try to bring the vibrant colors of the season right into your own home.

Look A – Horizontal Grouping

This grouping is very versatile and looks great on its own or hanging above a piece of furniture. Create a balanced look by leaving equal space between frames. Here we left 5 inches.

• Hang the middle picture first, then using the SpacerTape™, measure out identical space between frames and hang the pictures on either side.
• It’s important to hang your frames at the right height. Learn more about Which Eye Level is the Right Eye Level and hang your pictures perfectly every time.

Look B – Vertical Grouping

This look works great on a tall narrow wall or in between windows and has the advantage of making a ceiling look higher than it actually is. Create a column of artwork by keeping the spacing between frames identical. Here we left 8 inches.

• Always hang your favorite piece in the middle as it will be noticed first
• It’s important to start with the bottom piece first, working your way up so the handle of the Hang & Level will not interfere with the rest of the pictures and you will have perfect alignment.

Look C – Creative Grouping

You don’t have to group pictures in a line. Tell a story by grouping frames closer together to create a compact look. If you have a small square wall space, a triangular arrangement looks great. Here, we left 2 inches between frames.

• Hang the bottom piece first, so the handle of the Hang & Level will not interfere with the picture above
• Next, hang the one on top followed by the frame on the right.

No matter which grouping you choose, you will create a fresh new look for your walls and the great thing is it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We took these beautiful pictures ourselves. For more great, inexpensive ideas check out Wall Décor on a Dime. And when you’re ready for a change, simply swap out your photos for a whole new look.

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.