Metal prints are light, rigid and easy to hang, which is one of the reasons people love them. With the right hardware and ten minutes, you can have your piece level and secure on almost any wall. Here is exactly how.
- Tape measure, pencil and a level (a phone level app works)
- Picture hook, or screw plus drywall anchor
- Drill (for anchors, studs, brick or concrete)
- Painter’s tape (optional, for marking)
Step 1: Choose the height
Hang art so its center is 57 to 60 inches from the floor. Above a sofa, console or bed, leave 6 to 10 inches between the furniture and the bottom of the print. If you are unsure about size, read our wall art size guide first.
Step 2: Find the hook position
Most metal prints use a hanging bracket or a float mount on the back. Measure the distance from the top edge of the print to the point where it will rest on the hook. Then:
- Mark the desired center height on the wall.
- Add half the height of the print to find where the top edge will be.
- Subtract the bracket distance you measured. That is where your hook goes.
Example: a 16 x 24 inch print hung vertically, center at 58 inches. Top edge = 58 + 12 = 70 inches. Bracket sits 2 inches below the top, so the hook goes at 68 inches.
Step 3: Pick the right hardware for your wall
| Wall type | Best hardware |
|---|---|
| Drywall over a stud | Wood screw directly into the stud |
| Drywall, no stud | Picture hook for small pieces; self-drilling or plastic anchor and screw for larger ones |
| Plaster | Pre-drill a small hole, then use an anchor; put painter’s tape on the spot to prevent cracking |
| Brick or concrete | Masonry bit, masonry anchor and screw; drill in the mortar when possible |
| Tile | Glass and tile bit at slow speed, tape over the spot, then an anchor |
| Rental, no holes allowed | Adhesive strips rated well above the print’s weight, or a picture rail |
Step 4: Install and level
Drive the screw or hook, leaving it angled slightly upward so the bracket cannot slip off. Hang the print, then place the level on the top edge and adjust. Metal prints are rigid, so once they are level they stay level.
Hanging a pair or a group
- Lay the pieces on the floor and photograph the arrangement you like.
- Keep 2 to 3 inches between pieces.
- Hang the center piece first, then work outward.
- Use paper templates taped to the wall to mark each hook before drilling.
Pairs of vertical 16 x 24 inch prints above a sofa or bed are an easy, balanced layout. More layouts in our living room wall art ideas.
Ready to fill that wall?
Explore our metal wall art collections or print your own photo on HD aluminum.
Special rooms
Bathrooms and kitchens
Metal is ideal here because it does not warp or absorb moisture. Use stainless or coated screws, and avoid placing art directly above a stove or inside a shower area.
Above a fireplace
Leave at least 8 to 12 inches above the mantel, and avoid hanging directly above an active wood fireplace where heat rises.
Stairways
Keep the center of each piece about 57 to 60 inches above the step directly below it, following the angle of the stairs.
Cleaning after hanging
Wipe off fingerprints with a soft microfiber cloth, lightly dampened if needed. Avoid paper towels and abrasive cleaners on gloss finishes. Learn more about finishes and care in our metal wall art buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hang metal wall art without nails?
Lighter metal prints can be hung with heavy-duty adhesive strips rated for the weight of the piece. For larger pieces, a single small nail or screw is more secure and leaves only a tiny hole.
What hardware do I need to hang a metal print?
Usually a picture hook or a screw with a drywall anchor, a level, a pencil and a tape measure. If you hit a stud, a screw directly into the stud is the strongest option.
How do I hang metal art on brick or concrete?
Drill a pilot hole with a masonry bit, insert a masonry anchor and drive a screw into it. Drill into the mortar line when possible, since it is easier to patch later.
How far apart should pieces in a group be?
Keep about 2 to 3 inches between pieces in a grouping, and up to 4 inches for very large prints.
