When it comes to hanging art, the little details can make a big difference. Whether you’re using a professional picture hanging system or something more basic, the goal is always the same: to keep artwork straight, balanced, and distraction-free, so the focus remains on the piece itself.
One common issue when hanging small artwork on any hanging system is artwork leaning forward from the wall. Most of the time, you’ll want pieces sitting back closer to the wall. There are some exceptions — like salon-style displays (where higher pieces tilt forward for easier viewing) or in lounge areas with low seating.
So, how do you prevent unwanted forward leaning of your art? It usually comes down to the picture wire on the back. Factors such as where the wire is attached to the back of the frame, how tight the wire is, where it meets the hooks, and the depth of the frame all affect how a piece sits against the wall. A few quick fixes:
- Attach the wire higher on the frame (about three-quarters up) to reduce tilt.
- Don’t over-tighten the wire on the back of the frame — too much tension can stress the frame.
- Try using two hangers and hooks when using a hanging system instead of one for better balance and less strain.
- If you are using two hanging system hangers and hooks, it is advised to utilise a ‘D’ ring on either side of the back of the frame instead of the wire. This will help stop your hangers migrating to the centre of the wire.
Still having trouble? A few simple add-ons can help:
- HangRight Clips – Using the HangRight Clips can keep cables or clear tape snug against the back of the artwork. These Clips work with all our hanging system options. Press here for the link on our website. https://www.thegallerysystem.co.uk/product/hangright-clips/
- Felt Wall Protectors – Place a felt wall protector ‘dot’ on the bottom corners of your frame to push the whole piece out slightly, improving the angle. https://www.thegallerysystem.co.uk/product/felt-wall-protectors/
- Velcro – You can “sandwich” the hanger to the frame, holding it neatly in place.
With just a few tweaks, you’ll have artwork that hangs beautifully—straight, secure, and easy to enjoy from any angle.
The team at Gallery Systems is ready to help with any questions you have about selecting and using any of our picture hanging systems. You can email any questions to info@thegallerysystem.com. We have real humans at the other end, no robots answering your questions here. 😊
