How To Hang Pictures Over Wainscoting

Are you struggling to figure out how to hang pictures over wainscoting without making your walls look cluttered or uneven?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Hanging art on any type of wall can be tricky, but wainscoting adds an extra layer of complexity. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can easily add personality and character to your home without sacrificing the beauty of your wainscoting.

In this article, we’ll explore different methods for hanging pictures over wainscoting and provide you with helpful guidelines to ensure your art is hung at the perfect height.

So, let’s get started!

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that art should be hung at eye level. This typically means hanging your art around 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the middle of the artwork. However, when it comes to wainscoting, this can be a bit tricky.

Since wainscoting is typically installed at eye level, you’ll need to adjust your hanging height accordingly. Instead of hanging your art at eye level, try hanging it a few inches above the wainscoting. This will help create a balanced look and prevent your walls from looking cluttered.

Another important factor to consider is the weight of your artwork. For lighter pieces, you can simply use picture hangers or screws to hang your art. However, for heavier pieces, you may need to use additional support.

One option is to install D rings on either side of the frame and hook them over screws or picture hangers. This will distribute the weight of the artwork more evenly and prevent it from sagging or falling off the wall.

If you’re dealing with particularly heavy pieces, you may want to consider using a Hangman picture hanger. These hangers can hold up to 200 lbs. and come with a built-in level for easy installation.

When it comes to spacing your art, try to leave more space above the art than below it. This will help create a balanced look and prevent your walls from feeling too cluttered.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your art placement. Instead of hanging one large piece, try creating a gallery wall with multiple smaller pieces. This can add visual interest and personality to your space while still maintaining the beauty of your wainscoting.

Understanding Wainscoting And Its Impact On Hanging Pictures

Wainscoting is a decorative paneling that is typically installed on the lower half of a wall. It can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, MDF, and PVC. Wainscoting is often installed at eye level, which can make hanging pictures a bit more challenging.

When hanging pictures over wainscoting, it’s important to take into account the height of the wainscoting and the size of your artwork. As a general rule of thumb, the center of your piece should sit approximately 58-62 inches from the floor to the middle of the artwork. However, if your wainscoting is taller or shorter than standard, you may need to adjust this height accordingly.

Another factor to consider when hanging pictures over wainscoting is the size and weight of your artwork. For lighter pieces, you can use picture hangers or screws to hang your art. However, for heavier pieces, you may need to use additional support.

In addition to the height and weight of your artwork, it’s also important to consider spacing. When hanging pictures over wainscoting, try to leave more space above the art than below it. This will help create a balanced look and prevent your walls from feeling too cluttered.

Choosing The Right Type Of Art For Your Wainscoting

When choosing art to hang over your wainscoting, it’s important to consider the style and scale of your space. If you have a traditional or classic home, consider hanging vintage paintings or prints with ornate frames. For a more modern or eclectic look, try hanging abstract or colorful pieces.

In terms of scale, it’s important to choose artwork that is proportional to the size of your wainscoting. If you have a tall wainscoting panel, consider hanging a larger piece of art to balance it out. Alternatively, if you have shorter wainscoting panels, opt for smaller pieces of art or a gallery wall.

When it comes to color, consider the colors already present in your space. If your wainscoting is painted a bold color, try choosing artwork with complementary colors or neutral tones to create balance. On the other hand, if your wainscoting is painted a neutral color, feel free to choose artwork with more vibrant colors and patterns.

Remember that the artwork you choose should reflect your personal style and taste. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and mediums to create a unique and personalized display over your wainscoting.

Measuring And Marking For Perfect Picture Placement

When it comes to hanging pictures over wainscoting, it’s important to measure and mark your wall for perfect picture placement. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Determine the height that you want the center of your frame to rest at. Ideally, this should be around 58-62 inches from the center of the artwork to the floor, or 4-6 inches above the top of the wainscoting if it’s a standard 36 inches high.

Step 2: Measure the height of your artwork and divide it by two to find the center.

Step 3: Measure from the top of the frame to the top of your tightened picture hanging wire or hook it will hang from. Subtract this number from your center frame measurement in step 2. This tells you how far above the picture’s center point your hook should go.

Step 4: Take the measurement from step three and add it to the height you determined in step 1. This is how high up to measure from the floor to install your hook or nail.

Using a piece of painter’s tape, make a mark on your wall at this height. This will allow you to visualize where the center of your picture should be and ensure that it’s hung at the correct height.

If you’re hanging multiple pictures or creating a gallery wall, use a level and measuring tape to ensure that each picture is hung at the same height and distance apart.

By following these simple steps, you can easily hang pictures over wainscoting and create a beautiful display that complements your home decor.

Using Picture Ledges To Display Art On Wainscoting

Another great way to display art on wainscoting is by using picture ledges. Picture ledges are a versatile and easy way to display your favorite pieces without having to put holes in your walls.

To install picture ledges on your wainscoting, start by measuring the length of your wall and deciding how many ledges you want to install. You can purchase pre-made picture ledges or make your own using wood boards and brackets.

Once you have your picture ledges, use a level to ensure that they are installed straight. Then, simply lean your artwork against the ledge. This allows you to easily switch out your art without having to take down any frames or nails.

To create a cohesive look, try grouping similar pieces together on each ledge. You can also mix and match different sizes and styles of frames for a more eclectic look.

Using picture ledges to display art on wainscoting is a great way to add visual interest to your space while also showcasing your favorite pieces. Plus, it’s an easy and flexible solution that allows you to change up your decor as often as you’d like.

Creating A Gallery Wall Above Wainscoting

Creating a gallery wall above wainscoting can be a great way to add personality and character to your space. When it comes to creating a gallery wall, the key is to choose pieces that complement each other but aren’t too matchy-matchy. You can opt for a photo wall with family pictures or choose frames without photos to create a wall frame collage.

For displaying small images or art pieces, look for wall collage frames that hold multiple pieces in one unit. This will help you hang fewer frames while still creating an impactful display. When it comes to hanging your gallery wall above wainscoting, it’s important to adjust the hanging height accordingly. Instead of hanging your art at eye level, try hanging it a few inches above the wainscoting. This will create a balanced look and prevent your walls from looking cluttered.

To create a gallery wall above wainscoting, you can either plan ahead or freestyle your layout. If you want to be extra cautious about how the art will look, you can cut out pieces of paper and tape them up to figure out the layout you like. Cut out pieces that correspond with the size of each of your frames, then tape them to your wall. You can move them around until you like the spacing between each.

Alternatively, you can freestyle your gallery wall by placing all of your frames on the floor and arranging them in roughly the layout you want. Then, start hanging the first frame and space each subsequent frame in relation to the ones next to it. This will create a more organic arrangement of frames that adds visual interest and personality to your space.

When it comes to spacing your art, try to leave more space above the art than below it. This will help create a balanced look and prevent your walls from feeling too cluttered. Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your art placement. You can mix and match different sizes and styles of frames to create a unique and personalized display that complements your wainscoting and adds character to your space.

Tips For Achieving A Balanced Look With Your Art And Wainscoting.

When hanging pictures over wainscoting, it’s important to keep in mind the height of both the artwork and the wainscoting. To achieve a balanced look, try hanging your art a few inches above the top of the wainscoting. This will help create a visual break between the two elements and prevent your walls from looking cluttered.

Another tip for achieving balance is to leave more space above your art than below it. This will help create a sense of proportion and prevent your walls from feeling too heavy or crowded.

When it comes to choosing artwork for your space, consider the weight of the piece. For heavier pieces, you may need to use additional support like D rings or a Hangman picture hanger. These options will help distribute the weight of the artwork more evenly and prevent it from sagging or falling off the wall.

Overall, achieving a balanced look with your art and wainscoting requires careful consideration of height, weight, and spacing. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and harmonious space that showcases both your artwork and your wainscoting.