How to Hang Canvas Art | Wayfair (2024)

Canvas art is a great way to add visual elements to any space. Significantly lighter than most framed pieces, the printed image is wrapped around a wooden frame and can be easily secured in a few simple steps. Use our guide below to learn how to hang canvas art to make a stunning wall decor setup.

Tools You'll Need

• Pencil
• Screwdriver
• Spirit level
• Hammer
• Wall protector pads
• Tape measure

Step 1: Determine Your Location

First, determine where you want to hang your canvas art. Are you hanging a single piece, multiple pieces, or creating a canvas wall? Knowing where you plan to hang your canvas specifically will help when it comes to prepping and measuring your walls.

Next, you will need to determine the size of your canvas or canvases to know how big of an area you will need free. If you plan on tiering or staggering your canvases, determine your design concept to help locate the best wall in the specific room you plan to hang your decor.

Tip!

To get a better understanding of wall art size and its placement, check out our

Step 2: Clean Your Walls

Before you install canvas art for walls, it’s important to make sure your walls are clean and free of dust so you have a fresh canvas to play with (see what we did there?). Having clean walls also helps for adhesives (if this is your installation method) to stay tighter in place.

You can clean your wall one of two ways: with a vacuum cleaner and brush, or by running a damp cloth over your walls and letting them dry.

Here’s how to clean walls with a vacuum cleaner:

• Locate the widest brush attachment your vacuum cleaner comes with. Make sure the end is soft and there are no hard plastic parts on the bristles to keep your walls scratch-free.
• Connect the brush attachment to the extension tube or wand on your vacuum cleaner.
• Turn on the vacuum cleaner and start cleaning your walls from the top to the bottom, going slowly to pick up any pieces of fallen dust.

Step 3: Select Your Hardware

Canvas art is very versatile in installment devices. There are several options to choose from when hanging canvas art in your home for security purposes, possible wall damage, and ease.

Here are your options:

Nails: The quickest solution to hang canvas art, hammer a nail into the wall at the center of the canvas and level it to check that it's hanging straight.

Tip!

Add stick-on wall pads on the backside of your canvas edges to avoid scratches on the wall.

Sawtooth Brackets: These include an extra step, but are a better way to secure your canvas and ensure that it won't slip off and become tilted. Attach a sawtooth bracket to the center of the top bar of the canvas. Then, hammer a nail into the wall where you've marked the midpoint and fix the nail in the center of the bracket's teeth.

Eye Hooks: Eye hooks are screwed into the top bar of the canvas art and then strung up using a wire. Secure your eye hooks about 1/3 of the way down from the top of the canvas and screw on the left and right sides. String a wire through the eyes and hang level.

J-Hooks: These are the best option for a wide canvas to help distribute the weight more evenly. Position your J-hook on the wall the width of the canvas. The nail that comes with it will go directly into the hook. Hammer it in at a slight angle. Check that the hooks align perfectly on the wall to make sure the canvas isn't crooked.

Adhesive Strips: Adhesive strips or industrial-level double-sided tape will make the least impact on your walls. Renter-friendly and easy to adjust, adhesive strips are the simplest way to hang canvas art and don't require any tools.

Step 4: Gather Your Measurements

Now that you’ve determined your installation area, prepped your walls, and selected your hardware, the mounting begins!

Take measurements of where you would like the canvas to be displayed. Measure your desired distance from the ceiling, floor and side pieces. It's best to hang the canvas with its midpoint 56-60 inches from the floor and 8-10 inches above a piece of furniture. Take note of the midpoint, and mark an x on the center spot with your pencil to use as a guide.

Then, take your canvas to the spot you wish to hang it and set it firmly against the wall. Use your pen to make marking of where your hardware will need to sit on the wall to hang your canvas art. Remove your canvas completely from the wall.

Step 5: Install Your Hardware

If your hardware requires the use of a screwdriver (nails, brackets, or hooks), start drilling a hole in the markings you made on the wall. Next, use your hammer to secure the nails, brackets, or hooks.

If you’re opting for adhesive strips, simply peel and stick them on your marked spot of the wall.

Step 6: Hang & Enjoy!

Once your hardware is mounted in place, hang your canvas art or gallery for a gorgeous display!

Tip!

For more wall decor inspiration, check out our guide: 10 Trendy Wall Decor Ideas

Now that you know how to hang canvas art, it’s time to get decorating!

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