Plasterboard walls are common in modern UK homes, but hanging pictures on them can sometimes be more complicated than it first appears. While a lightweight frame may only need a simple nail in the wall, larger pictures often require specialist plasterboard anchors, careful positioning and a little confidence with a drill.
The other challenge is what happens later. Once you’ve committed to a position, changing your artwork can mean filling old holes, touching up paintwork and starting again.
Why Is Hanging Pictures on Plasterboard Different?
Unlike brick or masonry walls, plasterboard is relatively thin and has a hollow space behind it. This means you can’t always simply drive a screw into the wall and expect it to safely support a picture.
The type of fixing you need will depend on the weight of the artwork and whether you can locate a timber stud behind the plasterboard.
For a single lightweight picture, this is usually straightforward. However, if you’re creating a gallery wall or hanging several pieces around your home, the number of holes can quickly add up.
And every time you decide a picture would look better a little higher, lower or further to the side, another hole may be needed.
Install the Hanging System Once, Then Move the Artwork
A picture hanging system takes a different approach.
Rather than attaching every picture directly to the wall, a track is installed near the ceiling or cornice. Hanging cables or clear lines are then suspended from the track, with adjustable picture hooks positioned wherever they’re needed.
Once the system is installed, your artwork can be moved without repeatedly drilling into the plasterboard.
Pictures can be raised, lowered or moved sideways, and the display can be changed completely without creating a new set of holes.
This is particularly useful in homes where artwork is regularly rotated, or in rooms where you aren’t quite sure of the final layout.
Ideal for Gallery Walls
Gallery walls can look fantastic, but they are also one of the easiest ways to end up with lots of unwanted holes.
Even with careful measuring, frames sometimes look different once they’re actually on the wall. You may decide that one needs to move slightly, or that the spacing between two pictures isn’t quite right.
With an adjustable picture hanging system, those small changes are much easier.
You can hang the artwork, stand back and look at the overall arrangement, then adjust individual frames until everything feels balanced.
If you later buy another piece of artwork, you can incorporate it into the display without starting from scratch.
A Good Option for Newly Decorated Rooms
After spending time and money painting or redecorating a room, the last thing many people want to do is immediately start putting numerous holes into the walls.
Installing a discreet picture hanging track allows you to plan for artwork from the beginning.
Once installed, the system can remain in place while your artwork and interiors change around it.
It can be particularly useful in living rooms, hallways, home offices and other spaces where pictures or photographs may change over the years.
What About Heavy Pictures?
The weight of your artwork is always important.
Whichever hanging method you use, the wall, fixings and hanging equipment must all be suitable for the load.
Gallery Systems offers different picture hanging solutions for different applications, including systems designed for larger and heavier artwork.
If you’re unsure which option is appropriate, it’s worth checking the weight of the artwork and selecting a system designed to safely support it.
A More Flexible Way to Hang Art
Traditional picture hooks certainly have their place, particularly when you’re hanging one picture that is unlikely to move.
But if you enjoy rearranging your home, displaying multiple artworks or creating gallery walls, an adjustable hanging system can make life much easier.
Instead of measuring, drilling, filling and repainting every time you make a change, you can simply reposition the hanging cables and hooks.
Your walls stay neater, and your artwork can evolve with your home.
At Gallery Systems, we offer a range of picture hanging systems designed to provide a flexible and professional way to display artwork in homes, galleries, offices and commercial spaces throughout the UK.
