Hanging artwork like photography, paintings or framed images is a great way to make your walls look interesting. When it comes to decorating on a budget, hanging artwork on your walls is one of the best ways to make your space feel larger as well as add color and dimension. Once you have your framed pieces in hand, follow these steps to hang them correctly on your wall.

Tools needed:

framed artwork
paper for tracing frames such as newspaper
scissors
a spirit level
a tape measure
hangers for the frames
hammer
a drill (if hanging frames into brick or concrete)
felt pads for back of frames

Figure out the arrangement

How do you want your framed pieces displayed on your wall? Do you want it to be symmetrical? Asymmetrical? There are many ways to arrange your artwork so this may take awhile for you to figure out. If you have multiple frames of the same size, sometimes a symmetrical arrangement looks strongest. If you have an eclectic collection of frames, often times an asymmetrical arrangement looks best. Some like to arrange the frames on the floor to figure out spacing and so forth. A more labor intensive, but better way to do this is to make quick paper cutouts of your frames. Simply trace the frames onto newspaper or paper bags and use painter's tape to "hang" them on the wall. You'll be able to quickly figure out how the frames will actually look up on your walls. A paper template will also help you complete step 2 below. You can use a tape measure to check that the frames are evenly spaced on the wall.

A general rule of thumb is that you want your artwork to be no closer than 6-12 inches from the edges, this includes the ceiling. The space in between frames can be anything measurement you'd like. Just keep in mind that it's easiest to have a few inches between frames (if measurements are off you'll notice this less).

Map out the nail holes

To prevent placing nails in the wrong spot, you'll want to use your paper template and figure out where, exactly, the nails should go. Frames may have different nail hooks on the back, so first figure out how each frame should be hung. Some heavy or wide frames may require one nail at each end, for example. Place your paper template on the back side of the frame and mark the spot on the paper to mimic where the nail should go. Place the piece of paper back up on the wall and use that marked hole as a guide for your nail or hanger. If you have a frame that requires two nails, you'll want to use a spirit level to ensure they are even. A chalk line is another tool people may use to make sure all the nail holes are on the same line - this works best for a symmetrical display. (Although I am using the word "nail," keep in mind that the best hanger for your frames may not be a nail at all.)

Use the right hangers

Remove the pieces of paper and hang up your actual frames. Use the spirit level to check that they are hung level. Some frames come with the recommended hanger, it may be a hook or another type of fixture. You'll want to keep two things in mind: 1) what type of wall is this going on and 2) how heavy is my frame? Drywall is soft and you'll know it's drywall right away if you nail a pilot hole with a nail and it immediately sinks in. Behind drywall are wood studs, which run from floor to ceiling and are evenly spaced. You know you've hit wood if you nail a pilot hole and the nail feels like it's hitting a solid surface. If your walls are another material like brick or concrete, then you'll need to drill a hole (see this video for how to drill into brick).

When shopping for hangers you'll see an overwhelming choice at the hardware store. I find it easiest to actually bring one of my frames with me to the store and see how the hanger will fit with my frame. Hangers also are tested by weight so purchase the right piece for your frames. Always choose a hanger that will be invisible once the frame is on the wall, this gives it a cleaner appearance. Lastly, some homeowners like to place thin felt pads on the backside of the frame where it touches the wall. This can prevent your frames from rubbing or leaving marks on the wall, it also helps keep them in place better.