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How To Hang A Canvas Print

How To Hang A Canvas Print

So, you've bought a canvas print. It's beautiful, it's classy, and it's currently leaning against a wall because the thought of hanging it up is about as appealing as another round of "Baby Shark." Fear not, fellow mom! This guide will walk you through the process of hanging your canvas print, with a few laughs along the way.

Materials Needed

Before we start, let's gather our tools. You'll need:
  1. Your canvas print (obvi)
  2. A hammer (no, it’s not a rage room)
  3. Nails or picture hanging hooks (like 3M hangers with hooks)
  4. A level (because no one likes a wonky picture)
  5. A pencil (maybe the one your kid used to draw on the wall)
  6. Measuring tape

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

First things first, you need to pick the perfect spot for your canvas. Consider the size of the canvas, the wall space available, and how it fits into your decor. Remember, the center of the artwork should be at eye level, which is typically 57 to 60 inches from the floor.

Unless you're an NBA player, in which case, you do you.

Line from the floor to the center of a canvas showing it should be 57-60 inches from the floor.

Step 2: Mark the Spot

Choosing the right location for your canvas print is more than just a matter of aesthetics. It's also about ensuring the artwork is at a comfortable viewing height. The general rule of thumb in galleries and museums is to hang artwork so that the center of the piece is at eye level, which is typically 57 to 60 inches from the floor.

Once you've chosen the location, use your pencil to mark on the wall where you want the center of the canvas to be. This should be at the aforementioned eye level, around 57 to 60 inches from the floor.

Next, you'll need to determine where the top of the canvas will sit in relation to this mark. To do this, measure the height of the canvas and divide it by two to find the center point of the canvas.
Diagram showing a 20 inch canvas divided by 2 equalling 10 inches, the center of the frame (eye level).

Add this number to your initial mark on the wall. This will give you the spot where the top of the canvas should align. Mark this spot with your pencil. This is where the top of your canvas will sit once it's hung on the wall.

For example, if your canvas is 20 inches tall, the center point of the canvas is 10 inches. If you've marked the wall at 60 inches for the center of the canvas, you would add 10 inches (the center point of the canvas) to 60 inches. This gives you 70 inches, which is where the top of the canvas will sit.

Yes, there's math involved. I know, I'm sorry.
Digram showing 60 inches from the floor to the center of the frame plus 1/2 the frame height.

Step 3: Prepare the Canvas

If your canvas print doesn't already have a wire or hooks on the back for hanging, you'll need to attach them. This is not the time to call for your kid's help. Trust me.

This is one way FrameStory differs from a Canvas print

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Step 4: Install the Nail or Hook

Hold the canvas up to the wall again and mark where the canvas's hanger touches the wall. This is where you'll hammer in the nail or picture hanging hook. If you're feeling particularly stressed, feel free to imagine the nail is that singing fish.

[[[[how to hang framestory here]]]

Step 5: Hang the Canvas

Now, carefully place the canvas on the nail or hook, making sure the hanger is fully seated. Use the level to make sure the canvas is straight. If it's not, don't worry. It's not a metaphor for your life.

Step 6: Make Adjustments

Take a step back and admire your work. If it's not level or if it's too high or low, adjust as necessary. If it's perfect, do a little victory dance. You've earned it.
If you’re using FrameStory, you might notice something pretty cool. The fabric doesn’t have the glare that canvas does. When your FrameStory is in the back of your photos, there won’t be any bouncing light in undesirable places ruining your photo aesthetics.

You Did It! You Hung Your Canvas Print

Hanging a canvas print or FrameStory doesn't have to be a chore. With the right tools, a little patience, and a sense of humor, you can turn your home into a gallery in no time.
Woman admiring her hung FrameStory gallery wall.

And remember, if all else fails, there's always wine. Happy decorating!

Upgrade to FrameStory

Now that we’ve introduced you to FrameStory, you’ll never want to go back to your old canvas again. Just grab a FrameStory frame with Gallery Wrap fabric and live your Pinterest dreams.