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Hanging picture frames and Mirrors

Hanging picture frames and Mirrors

Posted by Mitch Giles on Mar 24th 2025

My wife prides herself on being a fiercely independent woman—until it’s time to hang something on the wall. Suddenly, I’m the hero she’s glad she kept around. Over the years, I’ve seen it all: from misguided hammering to rogue kindergarten art installations. If you’ve ever botched a wall-hanging job (or suspect you might), stick with me—I’ve got some hard-earned wisdom to share.
 
Some folks think a tiny nail will do the trick for a lightweight frame. “It’s not heavy,” they say, blissfully unaware of the chaos to come. I hope you’re not in that camp. Then there are the brave souls who punch holes—plural—into a wall before consulting their spouse on the height. If you know someone like this, check on them; they might need a hug. And if you’ve got a six-year-old with access to a hammer and nails—like my second child, who turned their bedroom into a kindergarten art gallery—you’ve got a whole different adventure. (My first kid? They’d have asked permission and accepted a “no” with grace. Second kids don’t play by those rules.)
 
After years of trial, error, and a few drywall disasters, I’ve rounded up some tips to save your walls—and your sanity. Here’s how to hang picture frames and mirrors like a pro:
 
  1. Invest in Wall Anchors
    No stud? No problem. Wall anchors are your best friend for securing frames or mirrors in drywall. They’re cheap, easy to use, and keep everything firmly in place.
  2. Go Big with a Z-Bar
    Hanging a large mirror? Skip the nails and grab a Z-bar (check out this one). It distributes weight evenly and ensures that hefty piece isn’t crashing down in the middle of the night.
  3. Eye Level is Your Guide
    Flying solo with no one to judge the height? Aim for eye level—think average adult height, not your toddler’s perspective. It’s a simple trick that works every time.
  4. Center It Like a Math Whiz
    Want your frame smack in the middle of the wall? Measure the wall’s height and width, divide both by two, and you’ve got your center point. No guesswork, just precision.
  5. Mark It, Don’t Wing It
    Once you’ve nailed down (pun intended) the perfect height, lightly mark the top of the frame or mirror with a pencil. Set it down, and you’ve got a clear guide for your nail or screw—no awkward balancing acts required.
  6. Find the Stud (or Fake It)
    A stud finder (like this one) is worth its weight in gold. Hanging into a stud is always the strongest option. No studs where you need them? Fall back on those trusty wall anchors from step one.
There you go—six steps to save your walls from rogue holes and your marriage from height-related debates. Whether it’s a prized Dallen Lambson print or your kid’s latest masterpiece, you’ll hang it right the first time. Got any wall-hanging horror stories of your own? I’d love to hear them—I’ve got plenty more where these came from!
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