How to Hang Up Artwork Using Picture Frame Wire

A quick and easy guide to hanging a picture with wire

When you want to hang a framed picture, mirror, or work of art, one of the most common ways to do so is by adding a wire. All you need to do is install 2 D-rings into each side of your piece and tie picture frame wire on both rings. We'll walk you through it all below and have even included expert advice from DIY specialist David Julien on how to hang your wired creation on the wall.

Putting Wire on a Picture Frame

  1. Measure ⅓ down from the top and mark each side of the frame with a pencil.
  2. Drill pilot holes into the marks and screw a D-ring into each side of the frame.
  3. Cut a piece of wire 5 in (13 cm) longer than the width of the frame.
  4. Push the end of the wire down through 1 D-ring and loop it over itself.
  5. Pull the end up through the ring and push the end through the loop created.
  6. Wrap the end around the wire and cut off the excess. Repeat on the other side.
1

Put a felt bumper in each of the bottom corners.

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  1. Make sure the top of the painting is facing away from you and flip it over so you’re looking at the backside. Put one small adhesive felt bumper in each of the bottom corners. This will steady it on the wall once it is hung and allow air to circulate behind it. [1]
    • Quickly flip over your picture and double-check that the bumpers are in the bottom corners before installing the hardware.

    Tip : Air circulation behind a picture is important because if there is no airflow, the picture can suck up moisture from the wall behind it and grow mold or get damaged. [2]

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2

Mark ⅓ of the way down from the top of the frame.

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  1. Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure no further than ⅓ of the way down from the top on 1 side and make a mark with a pencil. Repeat this on the other side. [3]
    • For example, if the picture frame is 30 cm (12 in) long, make a mark on each side 10 cm (3.9 in) down from the top of the frame.
    • Alternatively, mount the D-rings further up on your painting (about ¼ of the way down) so the painting lays flat against the wall. Stick bumper pads underneath the top corners to ensure there’s still airflow between the painting and the wall. [4]
3

Drill pilot holes and screw a D-ring into each side of the frame.

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  1. Use a drill to make pilot holes on each side. Lay the D-rings so the screw holes line up with your marks and the D shapes face inwards towards the center of the frame. Attach the D-rings using the provided screws and a screwdriver. [5]
    • Make sure to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris from the drill.
    • In wood frames, pilot holes prevent the frame from splitting. If your frame is plastic, pilot holes will give you a clean hole through the metal for your screw to go into.
    • If your picture is open in the back, allowing you to access the inside of the frame, screw eye-hooks about 1 ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) in from the back of the frame. [6]
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4

Choose the right wire for the weight of your picture.

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  1. Picture frame wire comes in different sizes that can support different weights. Choose a gauge of wire that can support the weight of the picture you want to hang. [7]
    • Braided wire : Made from strands of galvanized steel that have been braided together, this material is sold in a variety of thicknesses. The thickest wire can hold up to 36 lb (16 kg).
    • Vinyl-coated wire : This is stainless steel wire that’s coated with a soft layer of vinyl, making it gentle on your hands and surfaces. Use for pictures up to 60 lb (27 kg).
    • Stainless steel wire : This is stronger than braided wire but less flexible. It’s best for hanging large, heavy pictures that weigh up to 100 lb (45 kg).
5

Cut the wire 5 in (13 cm) longer than the frame’s width.

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  1. Measure the width of the picture frame with a ruler or measuring tape and add 5 in (13 cm) to the width. Measure out the wire to this length and clip it with wire cutters. [8]
    • This allows you to tie and secure the wire in place while still leaving a little slack so the wire can hang on the wall.
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6

Tie the wire to the D-rings using slip knots.

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  1. Insert the end of 1 wire down through the D-ring on 1 side. Cross the loose end of the wire over itself and insert it up through the D-ring to create a loop. Pass the end of the wire through the loop and pull both sides of the wire to tighten the knot. [9] Repeat on the other side. [10]
    • Make sure there is a little slack in the line so the wire can stretch upward to hook onto the wall. If the wire is tight with no slack, undo the slipknots and retie them with less wire.

    Tip : Leaving some slack in the wire puts less strain on it after the frame is hung. It also makes it easier to use 2 hanging hooks if you want to.

7

Wrap the end of the wire around itself 4 to 5 times.

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  1. Pull the end of the wire on 1 side tight to make sure the slip knot is tightened all the way. Wrap the excess wire around the main length of the wire, pushing the coils down toward the D-ring as you go. Repeat with the end of the wire on the other side. [11]
    • Cut off the excess wire on both sides with a pair of wire cutters.
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8

Measure from the top of the frame to the taut wire.

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  1. DIY specialist David Julien says the first way to hang a piece of artwork or mirror with a wire is to “hold the artwork by the wire and… measure the distance from the top of the frame to the tensioned wire.”
    • If you’re using 2 nails or mounting points to hang your picture, pull up on the wire at both points, then measure to the top of the frame. [12]
9

Mark the top of the frame and where the wire hits on the wall.

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  1. Julien says the next step to hang a wired piece of artwork is to “Place the artwork in the desired location and mark the wall at the top center of the frame.” Then, “Mark where to place your nail, starting from your last marker and adding your first measurement down.”
    • If the distance from the top of the frame to the wire is 2 in (5.1 cm), measure 2 in (5.1 cm) down from the mark on the wall from the top of the frame. This is where the hanging hook will go.
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10

Hang the frame using a picture frame hanging hook.

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  1. Nail or screw a picture frame hanging hook into your wall. Carefully place the frame against the wall over the hook and slide it down into place until the hook catches the wire on the back. Use a level to make sure the picture is hanging straight on the wall. [13]
    • Julien says “If the artwork or mirror is heavy, be sure to nail it into a wall stud or use gypsum anchors.”
    • Use a hanging hook that can support the frame’s weight. The packaging will tell you the weight capacity of the hook.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you hang the picture on the wall if the frame came with wire on the back of it?
    David Julien
    DIY Specialist
    David Julien is a DIY Specialist and the Principal Owner at Nice DIY based in Quebec, Canada. David specializes in creating plans to make unique, affordable, and modern home furnishings. He holds a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Quebec Outaouais. Nice DIY uses sustainable and high-quality materials to create products that are simple to make for everyone.
    David Julien
    DIY Specialist
    Expert Answer
    First, hold the frame by the wire and measure with a tape measure the distance from the top of the frame to the tensioned wire. Place the frame in the desired location and mark the wall at the top center of the frame. Mark where to place your nail starting from your last marker and adding your first measurement down. Install your nail or screw, then hang your artwork.
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      • Many art galleries require artworks to be hung with wires instead of sawtooth hangers or other hardware that tends to be less reliable. [14]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/general/guides/hanging-pictures-right-the-first-time/
      2. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/-H4z2aZa0Yk?t=100
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/-H4z2aZa0Yk?t=156
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/-H4z2aZa0Yk?t=126
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/-H4z2aZa0Yk?t=65
      7. ↑ https://bbartcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/HOW-TO-WIRE-ARTWORK-FOR-HANGING.pdf
      8. ↑ https://bbartcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/HOW-TO-WIRE-ARTWORK-FOR-HANGING.pdf
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/0YTdphzDHTY?t=55
      1. ↑ https://www.gpacarts.org/how-to-wire-artwork
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/0YTdphzDHTY?t=89
      3. ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/general/guides/hanging-pictures-right-the-first-time/
      4. ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/general/guides/hanging-pictures-right-the-first-time/
      5. ↑ https://www.gpacarts.org/how-to-wire-artwork

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      • Barbara St Clair

        Nov 5, 2020

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