How to Hang Canvas Prints Perfectly Every Time

There's something deeply satisfying about stepping back to admire a perfectly hung canvas print. The right height, the right position, the right balance—it transforms a room. Yet hanging artwork intimidates many homeowners, with fears of crooked frames and unnecessary holes keeping beautiful prints propped against walls for months.

The truth is, hanging canvas prints is straightforward when you follow a systematic approach. In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire process, from preparation to that final satisfying moment when everything lines up perfectly.

Essential Tools You'll Need

Before starting, gather these supplies. Having everything ready prevents frustrating mid-project searches and ensures professional results:

• Measuring tape: Essential for accurate placement
• Pencil: For marking positions (easily erased)
• Spirit level: Ensures your canvas hangs straight
• Hammer: For driving nails or picture hooks
• Appropriate hardware: Nails, picture hooks, or wall anchors depending on your wall type and canvas weight
• Stud finder (optional): Useful for heavier pieces or locating secure mounting points
• Painter's tape: Helpful for visualising placement before committing

Step 1: Choose the Perfect Location

The right location makes all the difference. Consider these factors when selecting your spot:

Height Guidelines

The centre of your artwork should typically be at eye level—approximately 145-150cm from the floor. This gallery standard ensures comfortable viewing. However, context matters:

• Above furniture: Leave 15-25cm between the top of furniture and the bottom of the canvas
• In hallways: Eye level works well as people view while standing
• In living areas: Consider that people are often seated—you might lower slightly
• Above beds: Position 20-25cm above the headboard

Horizontal Positioning

Centring over furniture or architectural features creates visual harmony. When hanging above a sofa, the canvas should be roughly two-thirds the sofa's width and centred over its middle—not the whole wall. For standalone pieces, centre them on the wall or within the visual space created by the room's architecture.

Lighting Considerations

Avoid hanging canvas prints in direct sunlight, which causes fading. Consider how artificial lighting will illuminate the piece in the evening. Position artwork where it catches natural light without being bleached by it.

Step 2: Visualise Before You Drill

This step saves countless unnecessary holes. Before picking up your hammer, verify your chosen position:

The Paper Template Method

Cut paper or newspaper to your canvas's exact dimensions. Tape it to the wall in your planned position. Step back. View it from different angles and distances. Live with it for a few hours or even overnight. Adjust until you're certain of the placement.

The Helper Method

If you have a willing assistant, have them hold the actual canvas in position while you step back to evaluate. This gives you the most accurate preview of how the finished result will look. Take photos from your usual viewing positions to review.

Step 3: Mark Your Mounting Points

With your position confirmed, it's time to mark where the hardware will go. This step requires precision:

For Single-Hook Hanging

1. Mark the desired position for the top edge of the canvas on the wall
2. Measure the distance from the top of your canvas to the hanging wire or bracket when it's pulled taut (as it will be when hanging)
3. Mark this distance down from your top-edge mark—this is where your hook goes
4. Use a spirit level to ensure your mark is level with any nearby artwork

For Double-Hook Hanging

Larger canvases benefit from two hooks for stability and weight distribution:

1. Find the centre point where the canvas will hang
2. Mark two points equidistant from the centre, typically one-quarter of the canvas width from each edge
3. Ensure both marks are at exactly the same height using a spirit level
4. Install hooks at both marked points

Step 4: Understanding Your Wall Type

Australian homes feature various wall constructions, each requiring different approaches:

Plasterboard (Gyprock)

Most common in modern Australian homes. Standard picture hooks work for lighter pieces, but heavy canvases require wall anchors or mounting into studs. Plasterboard alone won't support significant weight—the hook will eventually pull through.

Brick or Masonry

Common in older homes and feature walls. Requires masonry bits and appropriate anchors. The good news: once properly installed, brick provides extremely secure mounting for even the heaviest artwork.

Timber Panelling

Can usually accept screws directly, but be careful of splitting. Pre-drill pilot holes for best results.

Concrete

Similar to brick—requires masonry anchors and proper drill bits. Common in apartment buildings.

Step 5: Install the Hardware

With marks made and wall type identified, installation is straightforward:

For Picture Hooks in Plasterboard

1. Position the hook over your mark
2. Drive the nail through the hook at a downward angle (usually 45 degrees)
3. Ensure the hook is secure and doesn't wobble

For Wall Anchors

1. Drill a pilot hole at your mark (size specified by anchor manufacturer)
2. Insert the anchor until flush with the wall
3. Drive the screw into the anchor, leaving enough protrusion for hanging

For Masonry

1. Use a masonry drill bit to create a hole at your mark
2. Insert the appropriate masonry anchor
3. Drive in the screw or hook

Step 6: Hang and Adjust

The moment of truth:

1. Carefully lift your canvas and position the hanging wire or bracket over the hook(s)
2. Gently release and step back
3. Use your spirit level across the top edge to check if it's straight
4. Make minor adjustments by tilting the canvas slightly
5. For persistent tilting, add a small piece of museum putty to the bottom corners

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' errors:

• Hanging too high: The "gallery height" rule exists for a reason—don't let artwork float near the ceiling
• Using inadequate hardware: A picture hook rated for 2kg won't hold a 5kg canvas safely
• Ignoring wall type: The right hook in the wrong wall is as bad as no hook at all
• Rushing the process: Measure twice, hang once saves holes and frustration
• Forgetting the wire tension: Hanging wire stretches—measure with tension applied
• Solo hanging of large pieces: Get help for canvases larger than 100cm—they're awkward alone

Special Situations

Multi-Panel Sets

Triptychs and multi-panel arrangements require careful spacing. Typically, leave 5-8cm between panels. Treat the entire set as one unit when determining centre placement and height. Hang the centre panel first, then work outward ensuring consistent spacing.

Gallery Walls

Collections of multiple canvases require planning. Lay out your arrangement on the floor first, photograph it, then transfer measurements to the wall. Maintain consistent spacing between all pieces—typically 5-10cm. Our gallery wall guide covers this in detail.

Rental Properties

If you can't drill, consider removable adhesive hooks rated for your canvas weight. Products like Command strips can support surprising weight when used correctly. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and use hooks rated for at least 1.5x your canvas weight.