How to Hang a Canvas Painting: A Beginner’s Guide to Perfect Wall Art

Artists have been using canvas as their main means of displaying creativity and expression since the 16th century. Even today, canvas remains the most convenient medium for oil and acrylic paintings. And let’s admit it: canvas art looks stunning. But hanging canvas on a wall can turn into a real challenge if you haven’t figured out the right approach.

Unfortunately, crooked frames, damaged walls, or art that keeps moving can ruin the look you worked so hard to achieve. Can you imagine the heartbreak of seeing your cherished artwork destroyed just because it wasn’t hung correctly? For painters, this directly means wasting all the time and effort they put into creating it. Similarly, it would be a pity to purchase a painting you adore and see how your investment in something so valuable gets ruined in seconds just because it wasn’t hung in the right way.

But guess what?

You just need a few simple tools, such as nails and screws for a sturdy hold, picture-hanging wire for better balance, and adhesive strips for a renter-friendly option. And of course, it’s no less important to know how to hang a canvas painting correctly. In this quick guide, you can choose from 5 different methods to hang canvas paintings in a secure and stylish way. 

Key Takeaways

• To hang a canvas painting, you need tools, such as a screwdriver, nails, wire cutters, D-rings, picture wire, and measuring tools such as a pencil, tape measure, and spirit level.

• The size of your painting and the type of your wall determine what kind of tools you need to choose.

• The process of hanging a canvas painting consists of these 5 steps: measuring the wall and canvas, marking placements, choosing appropriate hardware, installing it securely, and hanging the canvas with precision.

• The methods to hang a canvas painting vary from easy to hard. It can be something basic, such as using adhesive strips or a more secure option, like sawtooth brackets. You can even lean the artwork against the wall.

What Tools Do You Need to Hang a Canvas Painting on a Wall?

To hang your canvas art effectively, you need the right tools and materials, such as a screwdriver, nails, wire cutters, D-rings, picture wire, and measuring tools. The thing is that if you have the right tools at hand, chances are that the process will feel way easier and you’ll end up having the desired result.

So, start by gathering supplies that you might need. Note that not all of these tools are necessary to hang every canvas but their presence indeed makes the process much easier.

• Towel or blanket to protect your canvas from scratches or damage;
• Screwdriver for securing D-rings or eye hooks to the back of the canvas;
• Wire cutters to the correct length and pliers to adjust or secure hardware (optional);
• Nails and screws
• D-rings and picture wire for heavier canvases (optional);
• Adhesive strips that are a damage-free alternative for lightweight canvases (optional); 
• Measuring tools, like a pencil to mark placements, a tape measure to ensure spacing, and a spirit level to keep everything straight.

As a rule of thumb, the tools you choose depend on 2 main factors: the size of your painting and the wall type. 

In fact, you can hang lightweight canvases easily with just strips or nails, while larger or heavier pieces require stronger hardware like screws, D-rings, and hanging wire. Similarly, tools vary depending on whether you’re working with drywall, concrete, or brick walls.

5 Different Ways to Hang a Canvas Painting

It might seem like a simple process to hang a canvas painting on the wall. Regardless of the content and medium of your painting, the aim is to display it in a way that enhances both the artwork and the space around it, right?

Well, it turns out that just hammering a nail into the wall isn’t always enough. As a matter of fact, there are 5 different methods of hanging a painting on the wall.

How to Hang a Canvas Painting with Nails or Screws?

If you’ve ever hung canvas art by yourself, you probably understand that the easiest way to do this is to use just nails or screws. 

The thing that makes this method especially simple is that everyone has nails and screws at home, which means you don’t need to go the extra mile to gather new tools or materials. What’s more, you can use nails and screws with all types of drawings and paintings. 

Here’s what to do to hang a picture using nails and screws.

1. Measure and mark the wall where you want the canvas to go.
2. Use a hammer or drill to install the nail or screw into the wall. 
3. Place the back of the canvas on the nail or screw.
4. Check that the canvas is straight and adjust if needed.

Pro tip: Use small nails for small canvases, like 8×10, and medium-sized nails for sizes over 16×20.

How to Hang a Canvas Painting with D-Rings and Picture Wire?

D-rings and picture wire are especially suitable for heavy or large-sized canvas paintings. This method is almost as simple as using nails but is more reliable if your artwork requires extra balance and support.

1. The first step is to attach D-rings to the back of the canvas frame.
2. Measure a wire to make sure it’s a bit longer than the width of the frame and cut it. 
3. Thread the wire through each D-ring and create a secure hold.
4. Test that the wire is fully secure and balanced before hanging a painting.

Pro tip: Ideally, aim to place a wire about one-third of the way down from the top edge of the frame. This will ensure proper weight distribution. In order to secure the rings tightly, use a screwdriver. 

How to Hang a Canvas Painting Using Adhesive Strips

Are you trying to avoid putting holes in your walls?

Luckily, some canvases just don’t require nails or screws, especially if they are lightweight.

1. Clean the wall surface and the back of the canvas with rubbing alcohol. 
2. Attach adhesive strips to the corners and edges of your canvas.
3. Press the canvas firmly onto the wall for about 30 seconds.

Adhesive strips are a great option for those who are looking for damage-free solutions. According to home improvement experts, drilling directly into a wall leads to specific concerns, such as weakening drywall, chipping paint, or leaving behind holes. 

In fact, Issabel Williams, an expert on Fantastic Handyman UK, advised avoiding drilling into a wall: “The main dangers are hitting an electrical wire, water pipe, or gas pipe. All of these scenarios can lead to electrocution or flooding.”

So, if you’re aiming to maintain your walls in perfect condition, use adhesive strips. 

Pro tip: Decide where the hardware will go and mark the place with a pencil. If you’re using wire, measure the distance between the top of the canvas and the wire.

How to Hang a Canvas Painting Using a Sawtooth Bracket

Did you know that sawtooth brackets are one of the easiest ways to hang small and medium-sized canvas paintings?

The main advantages of this particular type of bracket are that they are lightweight, simple to install, and provide a secure hold. And, of course, they can keep your artwork ideally balanced on the wall. 

The method looks similar to installing adhesive strips. How so?

1. You just need to attach the sawtooth bracket to the back of your canvas frame. 
2. Position the bracket at the center of the top edge.
3. Use a small screwdriver to secure the bracket with screws.

There’s one concern with this method, though — sawtooth brackets must be placed in the middle of the frame. Since they come in different sizes, you need to be careful and only choose the one that can perfectly hold your canvas size. 

Pro tip: Determine the width and height of the canvas. Also, measure the wall space where you want to hang your canvas and decide on the ideal placement. Leave at least a 6–12-inch gap between the furniture and the wall.

Can I Lean the Canvas Against the Wall?

The final method might seem a little bit unconventional but no less stylish or effective. If you don’t have the needed tools, you can just lean your canvas against the wall.

Sounds surprising, right?

Well, this is a modern, effortless approach often used in galleries and contemporary interiors. For instance, the Saatchi Gallery in London often exhibits artworks that are leaned on the wall in order to create a relaxed, minimalist aesthetic. That way, viewers can engage with pieces at a more personal level. 

1. Choose a stable surface, such as a sturdy floor, shelf, or mantelpiece.
2. Lean the canvas slightly against the wall.

The best part is that thanks to this method, you no longer need to use tools, such as nails or screws. Plus, it’s ideal for delicate mediums like watercolors or pastels that are prone to damage from vibration during hanging art on nails or screws. 

If you haven’t decided which art medium works best for your space, check out the features of our custom watercolor paintings and decide if it’s worth it to add a personalized touch to your canvases.

Pro tip: Before hanging, make sure your artwork is clean and dust-free. Check out this guide on how to clean a painting without damage to keep your canvas in the best possible condition. 

Create a Stunning Art Display in Minutes

Now you’re well-equipped with all the knowledge and tools to hang your canvas painting without any complication. You know how to choose the basic tools, like screwdrivers and nails, essential hardware, and measuring tools, such as a pencil and tape. 

If you’ve already mastered the basic steps for hanging a canvas, we recommend considering these extra tips to ensure your display looks professional and lasts long.

• When arranging multiple paintings, leave at least 2–4 inches of space between each canvas. This creates a clean and organized look.
• Combine large and small canvases to create visual interest. For example, place a larger artwork at the center and surround it with smaller complementary pieces. To choose the best dimensions for your wall, check out this guide on painting sizes. 
• Stick to similar color tones to maintain harmony. If you’re displaying colorful pieces, balance them with neutral-toned artwork to avoid overwhelming the space.

Once you’re done hanging a canvas painting on the wall, don’t forget to step back and admire your work. But what if you don’t have the perfect artwork to display yet? 

In that case, you should know that the professional artists at Photo2Painting are here to help! Get in touch with our team, order a custom painting from your photos, and fill your space with personalized memories in the form of unique artwork. That’s how you can turn your space into something truly special!