Reader Marcelo recently sent in this tip for hanging artwork. We've learned How To Hang Artwork in Clusters and How To Hang a Wall of Pots. Here, Marcelo uses inexpensive wrapping paper printed with a grid to easily arrange his artwork and transfer the arrangement to a wall.
What You Need
Materials
inexpensive wrapping paper printed with a grid
a collection of artwork you wish to hang
Equipment
pencil
drafting tape
your preferred picture-hanging tools
Instructions
1. Arrange the various sized frames on the paper using the grid to keep the space between frames consistent.
2. Trace your arrangement onto the gridded paper
3. Set frames aside
4. With the outline of every frame on the paper, it is easy to move the paper to the perfect place on your wall. When you're ready, temporarily attach the paper to the wall with drafting tape.
5. Using the paper as a guide, portrait nails (or your frame-hanging hardware of choice) can be placed quickly and efficiently.
Marcelo used this Scotch brand paper.
Thanks for the tip Marcelo!
Originally published 1.14.2008 - AA
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i wouldn't have thought he put as much work into it as indicated. just looking at the patter it seemed like m. hung one pic at eye-level, then built up/down symmetrically in each color until he was done.
either way, well done! it makes a lot of visual sense on first glance.
this is a good idea for picture placement. altho i wouldnt hang my pictures that low.
The crooked ones are REALLY bothering me.
clever idea!
brilliant!
Cool.
i wouldn't usually hang artwork that low, either, but this arrangment seems to work with the tall, narrow space. i would reccommend bumper pads, or museum putty for the back of the frames to keep them from going askew, though.
i love love love this idea!!!
i'm working on an art wall above the desk in my home office TODAY...i'll be sure to post pics and might seriously steal this idea for arranging and making sure it all lays out perfectly! here's some other great inspirational art walls that i've found...LOVE this concept! cheers
http://www.casacullen.com/2010/02/interior-inspiration-art-walls.html
What a practical man, that Marcelo!
i did it this way ...: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ramon93/4366025886/
Sorry, I'm not seeing the recommended paper w/grids on the Scotch web site. Can you tell me where I can find it?
Thanks
leahgreen: Lots of wrapping paper has a grey grid printed on back for easy cutting. I buy plain white paper at Target and it has the grid on back.
I see the point of hanging the pictures so low as to keep the consistency of the composition but I think the subject of those low hung frames should be something abstract and strictly decorative that doesn't need a close view or else it just doesn't make sense.
You can also use contact paper because that has a grid on the back of it.I really like the idea. My only question is how do you make sure the contact paper is centered and level on the wall? you didn't have that problem in this case because you just hung it on a door but it would be more difficult if it had to be centered in a room.