If you’re in the market for picture hanging hardware, it may seem that there are about as many options as there are styles of wall art itself. From D-rings and picture wires, to sawtooth hardware and adhesive-backed hooks, it can be difficult to decide which picture hook will work best for your art. Here, we’ve put together a rundown of some of the most common options, and tips for choosing the right one for your walls.
Picture Hanging Hardware Styles
Sawtooth Hardware. A sawtooth hanger is screwed directly onto the back of a picture frame, and then hung straight onto a nail in the wall. Because of it’s simplicity, sawtooth hooks work especially well if you have a lot of art to hang (for ecample you’re creating a galllery wall). These hooks are best for lightweight, smaller pieces.
D-rings D-Rings are arguably the most versatile wall art hooks on the market, becasue they can be used alone to hang smaller works, or in conjunction with picture wire for larger pieces. Before purchasing, note the weight limit on the hooks — different sizes and materials can hold anywhere from one pound, to ten or more.
Security Hardware. If you have art that is particularly heavy or valuable, or if you’ll be hanging in a high-traffic commercial space, a gallery, or a home with children, security hardware is the way to go. Security hardware features two components (one for the wall and one for the art), that when fitted together, essentially lock the art on the wall, preventing theft, and the piece from accidentially being knocked to the ground.
Adhesive hardware. Adhesive-style picture hooks and double-sided tape are another incredibly easy way to hang wall art. Simply stick the backing to the picture, then hang and press the piece into the wall. While adhesive hooks can be convenient and a good solution for apartment-dwellers who are worried about putting holes in their walls, we don’t typically recommedn adhesive hardware as a long-term art hanging solution, or at all for heavier pieces.
Picture rails and cable systems. For a more creative or unique solution, picture rails and cable systems are a beautiful, interesting choice. Both products allow you to suspend your art from wires — in the case of a cable system, it’s suspended from the ceiling, and with a picture rail, from a rod attached to the wall.
Need help choosing the right picture hanging hardware for your space? Get in touch with ILevel at info@ilevel.biz.