How To: Mock up the perfect picture wall

When it comes to DIY, especially of the putting-holes-in-the-wall sort, my darling husband is a big fan/enforcer of the measure twice-cut once rule.  A trip to the Better Homes and Garden website (via the always helpful Lifehacker) turned up some great advice I know he’d love on how to mock up up a picture wall before breaking out the hammer and nails.

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In three easy steps, from BHG.com:

1. 1. Trace pictures onto brown kraft paper and cut out. Label each of the papers with a description of the picture or a corresponding number.

   2. Using blue painter’s tape (which won’t pull up wall paint), tape the papers to the wall. Experiment with arrangements until you have one you like.

   3. Install picture-hanging hardware directly through the paper. Pull paper away and hang pictures one by one.

 One note: given the difference between where frame manufacturers place hangers, you should proably mark on the paper where the best point to hang the frame is.

The end result looks like you paid a professional to do it for you:

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Since most of our framed artwork is currently resting on the mantle, this may be just the inspiration we need to try to fill out some of the remaining blank walls in our apartment.Â

5 Responses to “How To: Mock up the perfect picture wall”

1. Angie
   August 15th, 2007 19:31
   1

   Very cool- thanks for the tips!

2. sk*rt
   August 15th, 2007 20:09
   2

   Measure Twice, Cut Once…

   If you\’ve got a lot of framed art to hang, you want it to look great. Before you start banging holes in the wall, check out this great idea from Better Homes & Gardens for mocking up a wall of art using craft paper….

3. Anonymous
   August 16th, 2007 03:29
   3

   This looks very nice and the tip is great… Although, I stick to the feng shui here - it’s not good to have anything hanging above your bed… It’s like a threat of something falling on your head… I dont like that feeling…

4. abigail
   August 16th, 2007 10:28
   4

   Anon: I totally agree about the bad feng shui of hanging things over the bed - I hate the feeling too that something might fall on you! I’m thinking of trying out this hanging technique for a vast space of white wall over my desk instead. In the bedroom I prefer to have artwork hung over the side tables next to the bed. Thanks for reading!
   – Abbey

5. Camilla
   August 20th, 2007 14:04
   5

   Thanks for the tips… I am currently trying to figure out what to hang by our staircase. This strategy just may bring the clarity I’ve been seeking!!

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