How to hang a picture level

For anyone who wants one straight frame on the first try and a clean wall behind it.

A picture hangs level when the support sits on one true horizontal line. You mark that line and prove it with a level before any nail goes in.

Have the picture, pencil, tape measure, spirit level, hammer, and a hook or nail rated for the weight ready.

Step 01
STAND three feet back and hold the picture to the wall so its center sits near your eye line, about five feet up in most rooms.
Lightly tick the top center of the frame with a pencil. Step back again and confirm the height still feels right before you measure anything else.
Step 02
MEASURE the drop from the frame’s top edge down to the wire peak while you pull the wire taut.
Keep the wire as high as it will sit on the hook. Read the tape and jot that number on scrap paper so the nail lands in the right spot.
Step 03
MARK down from your top-center tick by that same drop and make a small pencil cross on the wall.
The cross is where the hook or nail head will sit. Keep the mark tiny so the frame covers it later.

The most common mistake

Driving the fastener before the mark is leveled. Hold the level first, draw the true line, then drive on that line.

Pro tip

For a heavy frame with two hooks, place both fasteners on the same level line about two inches in from each side so the wire shares the load.

Say it every time

Mark, level, then drive.

Read it as an article on How To

Step 04

HOLD the spirit level across the cross and shift it until the bubble rests between the lines.

Draw one short light horizontal stroke through the cross while the bubble is centered. That stroke is your true level guide.

Step 05

DRIVE the hook or nail on the mark at a slight upward angle, about ten degrees, keeping your free hand off the strike path.

Stop when the head is firm and the hook opening faces up. Tug once gently; it should not wiggle or pull free.

Step 06

HANG the wire or sawtooth onto the hook and slide the frame until it looks centered on the wall.

Set the spirit level on the top edge. If the bubble sits between the lines you are done; if not, nudge the wire a finger-width left or right and check once more.