Choosing a Hanger

When you’re getting ready to hang art on your wall, you’ll need to decide how to attach it securely. Depending on the material that the wall is made from, there are several options for attaching and displaying artwork.

Dry Wall / Sheetrock

Most newer homes have drywall or sheet rock on the walls. This is by far the easiest material to attach a hanger for your new art. Lighter weight pieces may be hung with a small finishing nail, or a nail with a small head. Some of our lightest pieces (see paw prints or ovals) will actually work with something as light-weight as a straight pin. These leave such small holes, that you’ll probably find it unnecessary to repair the wall if you remove the art at a later time.

As you increase to heavier art, you’ve got several options available. Many people find it easiest to go with a small nail. It’s important, however to be sure the dry wall will support the weight of whatever is being hung onto the nail. Even if the nail holds, the wall may crumble around the nail hole and create a situation where the art falls. This could cause injury if anyone is around when it falls.

If you’re unsure that a nail is sufficient, there are a few other options available. We often recommend a product called Monkey Hooks. These are poked through your wall by hand, and a small hook on the outside holds your art while the inside uses leverage to support the weight against the wall. Alternatively, you might consider using a screw & molly style anchor, or for the largest pieces, even attaching a screw directly into a stud within your wall.

Brick/Plaster/Stone

If you’ve got a stone-like material for your walls, such as plaster, river rock or brick, you have far fewer options for displaying your art. There are several types of anchors made specifically for this type of materials. A masonry screw support will usually be your best bet here. (If you’ve never used masonry screws, please contact your local hardware store or building professional for instructions) For very lightweight products, you may be able to use a 3M command Strip to avoid any permanent damage to your walls.

Wood

Wood walls might be the easiest for hanging almost any art. For the smallest pieces, use a small tack or brad that will secure firmly into the wood to support your new decor pieces. If you’re going with a heavier piece, consider upgrading to a large nail, a wood screw, or even a lag-bolt for very heavy products.

Other Materials & Troubleshooting

If your wall is made out of a material we didn’t cover, we recommend stopping by your local hardware store and speaking with someone there about hangers for displaying your favorite art. Of course, if you’re not comfortable with the above methods, aren’t finding the assistance you need with the local hardware helpers, or don’t have the necessary tools to perform the above tasks, your best option is to consult with a professional builder about your options. There are a lot of great options out there, such as Angie’s List, to help you find a reliable, trustworthy & quality handyman/builder/contractor to help you attach your new favorite art to the walls. Always be sure you know your local building codes, HOA or apartment regulations, and any other health and safety regulations and considerations before modifying a wall or structure.