Tips for Keeping a Picture Frame Level

Woman Hanging a Picture Frame If you’re mildly OCD, and you visit a friend or family member’s house with crooked artwork and framed items, don’t you just want to move them into “the right position?” Or maybe at your own house you keep noticing your picture frames aren’t level, and that annoys you. It happens.

What are some tips for keeping a picture frame level?

Painter’s Tape

Use painter’s tape, which won’t damage the wall. Place it on the wall as straight as possible and draw a line along the tape for reference. Then place your hook and nail along that line. Meanwhile, you can also utilize a tool known as a level, which uses a “bubble” to show you when your line is straight as intended or a little off.

Measuring Apps

If you have a smartphone then look for a “measure” app to use. You can also search for built-in or app “levels” on your phone or other devices.

Extra Wire

Sometimes with larger frames, like metal ones, it’s a good idea to use an extra wire that goes diagonally across the back of the frame for better stability. There are also mounting brackets and/or “wall buddies” which can help straighten larger frames, including wooden ones. Ideally, hanging hardware should be on the upper part of the frame– not the center, or too low. If you’re using a hook, you want it to be as centered as possible along the wire of your frame.

Multiple Wires

If you’re having trouble with just one hook, try using two, instead, equally distant from one another, draping your wire across both. The second hook should help give the frame more balance and security.

Framewoods Gallery of Lawrence, Kansas, is in the business of framing pictures, artwork, and more. So, if you have any questions or concerns about framed objects, you can call Framewoods Gallery at 1-800-399-5199. Read about framing services, here.