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Hanging a painting: here's how
The artwork is chosen, the size is right. Now for one last step. Easier than you think, whatever the material.
The basics
Most materials come with a hanging fixture that fits straight onto screws or nails. Small piece? One fixing point is enough. Larger piece? Use two points for stability.
Exceptions are loose photo prints, seamless wallpaper and ArtFrame™, these need a little more attention. You'll find the specific instructions for those further below.
Before you start: height, size and placement
Before you start drilling, it helps to determine three things. It'll save you re-measuring and holes in the wrong spot later on.
How high should you hang a painting?
The rule of thumb: the centre of the piece at eye level, roughly 145 to 150 cm from the floor. That's the height used in galleries and museums, and it's comfortable for most people to look at. Hanging above a sofa or sideboard? Then don't measure from the floor but from the piece of furniture: leave about 20 to 30 cm between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the artwork, so the two feel like they belong together.
How big should a painting above the sofa be?
A piece above the sofa looks best when it takes up around two-thirds of the sofa's width. Not narrower, or it'll get lost. Not sure about the size? Mark it out on the wall with tape first.
One piece or several?
Hanging several paintings together? Treat the group as one whole: keep the same gap everywhere, usually 5 to 8 cm, so it looks calm and cohesive. Lay the composition out on the floor first, shift it around until it feels right, and only measure once it does. That way you only have to drill once.
Got all that sorted? Then all that's left is the right material. Below you'll find exactly what you need, per type!
Everything you need to know
How do I hang my new artwork?
Most materials except loose photo prints, wallpaper and ArtFrame are immediately ready to hang. But how exactly do you hang your work? All works can be hung from screws (or sturdy nails) without problems - all options, except for loose prints and wallpaper, are delivered with fittings that affix to one or more screws depending on size. Do you specifically want more tips for the material you choose, please click here.
Would you rather not drill a hole in your wall? Then take a look at the hanging systems from STAS. After installing the hanging system, you will never have to drill holes in your walls to hang wall decoration again. Are you ready for something new? Then simply change without drilling.
How do I hang acrylic glass?
The acrylic glass is delivered with a metal fitting on the back. This system is easily hung on 2 screws.Due to the profile of the fitting, the art appears to be floating just in front of the wall.Would you rather not drill a hole in your wall? Then take a look at the hanging systems from STAS. After installing the hanging system, you will never have to drill holes in your walls to hang wall decoration again. Are you ready for something new? Then simply change without drilling.
How do I hang ArtFrame™?
ArtFrame is delivered as self-assembly kit. You simply assemble the frame with the supplied allen key and attach it to the wall with the supplied wall brackets. The art frame cannot be hung on a ceiling rail. Curious how it works? Watch the assembly-video.
How do I hang canvas?
Canvas comes with a hanging system already affixed. The metal fixture can be easily hung from a screw or nail. You place the hanging system on top of a screw or nail, on the ribbed edge. For works under 1 metre, there is a single fixture, for works larger than 1 metre, there are two.
Have you ordered a canvas with a floater frame? The hanging system works identically.
How can I hang my photo print?
You can hang a photo print in various ways. Unframed prints can be attached directly to a wall, or you can use any available frame. Framed photo prints can be hung conventionally from a nail or screw.
Hanging without drilling
Renting your home, or simply don't want holes in the wall? With a ceiling rail system you can hang artworks using hooks and cords, and swap them out whenever you like.
Order a hanging rail via stas.nl or pick one up at a hardware store near you.
Please note: ArtFrame™ cannot be hung on a rail system. These pieces are always mounted directly on the wall.
Not sure yet what size you need?
Check out all our tips and tricks and find the perfect size for your artwork.