Home | Hanging Instructions
Hanging a canvas print correctly is the final step in transforming a digital memory into a stunning piece of home decor. Whether you have purchased your print from CanvasDesign or another supplier, the principles of a secure, level, and flush installation remain the same. Our professional hanging kits are designed to take the guesswork out of the process, ensuring that your artwork sits tightly against the wall without the common leaning or "tipping" effect associated with basic nails or string methods.
The standard hanging kit consists of two primary components designed for maximum stability. The first part is a square metal plate that is screwed directly into the center of the wooden stretcher bar at the back of your canvas. The second part is a specialized wall hook that supports the plate. By using this interlocking system, you distribute the weight of the frame evenly across the timber, which prevents the pine from warping over time and keeps the canvas perfectly horizontal even in high-traffic areas of your home.
Before you begin the physical installation, preparation is key to a professional result. We recommend always marking the exact center of your frame and using a spirit level to ensure your wall hook is positioned correctly. It is also vital to consider the height; most galleries hang art so that the center point is at eye level, roughly 57 to 60 inches from the floor. Once you have your measurements and your safety checks completed, the actual physical process of attaching the kit takes only a few minutes.
Our kits are designed for DIY simplicity. You only need a small screwdriver to secure the plate to the pine frame.
The system is intuitive, meaning you can have your art on the wall within five minutes of opening the box.
Because the components are precision-made, they fit snugly against the timber without requiring heavy power tools.
Clear instructions are included with every 30p kit to ensure you feel confident during the mounting process.
Traditional wire or string causes the top of the canvas to lean forward away from the wall, creating awkward shadows.
Our metal plate system ensures the frame sits flush against the plaster, giving it a modern, built-in appearance.
The interlocking design prevents the canvas from shifting or becoming crooked if the wall is bumped or cleaned.
For larger prints, using two kits provides extra security and ensures the frame maintains its shape for decades.
The wall hooks provided in our kits are suitable for most surfaces, including brick, plasterboard, and timber walls.
By using a dedicated bracket rather than a single nail, you significantly reduce the risk of the frame falling.
Always use a pipe and cable detector before drilling or hammering to ensure a safe installation in any room.
The kit's low profile means it remains completely hidden from view, keeping the focus entirely on your photo.
While we highly recommend our professional plate system, there are other ways to display your canvas depending on your wall type. Sawtooth hangers are popular for smaller, lighter prints and are easily hammered into the top bar. D-Rings combined with picture wire offer a more traditional approach, allowing for slight horizontal adjustments after the hook is in the wall. However, wire can stretch over time, so it is important to leave very little slack during the initial setup.
For those looking for the simplest possible solution, our 18mm and 38mm pine frames are deep enough to sit directly over a securely anchored screw or heavy-duty nail. If you choose this route, ensure the screw head protrudes about 1cm from the wall. The inner lip of the wooden frame will rest securely on the screw. Keep in mind that you will need to place your wall anchor approximately 40mm lower than where you want the top edge of the canvas to be.
Once your canvas is hung, keeping it in pristine condition is straightforward. We recommend light dusting with a dry microfibre cloth or a soft brush. Avoid using liquid cleaners or household chemicals, as these can react with the ink and cause smearing or fading unless a professional giclee varnish has been applied. If your canvas ever loses its tension, simply tap the wooden wedges in the corners of the frame to tighten the fabric back to its original state.
Before you hammer a single nail, it is crucial to verify what lies behind the plaster. Modern homes often have electrical conduits and water pipes running vertically and horizontally from sockets and radiators. Using a digital stud finder or a cable detector is a small investment that prevents costly and dangerous mistakes. Never assume a wall is clear just because there are no visible fixtures; always scan the area where you intend to mount your hanging hook.
Where you hang your canvas is just as important as how you hang it. Avoid placing your artwork directly above a heat source like a radiator or an active fireplace, as the fluctuating temperatures can cause the pine frame to expand and contract, leading to warping. Similarly, high-humidity areas like bathrooms require canvases that have been treated with a waterproof coating. For long-lasting vibrant color, try to avoid walls that receive direct, harsh sunlight for several hours a day.
Many customers ask if our sizes are in inches or centimeters; we display all sizes in inches with metric conversions available on the product pages. Our frames are made from high-quality UK pine, available in two depths: 18mm for a sleek look and 38mm for a premium gallery feel. If you have a specific space to fill, we offer bespoke sizing in 2-inch increments. For bulk orders or gallery exhibitions, please visit our deals page for current discounts on multiple custom prints.