"Do I need to hang on the studs?"

We love getting questions from our customers, this is one we got recently: “Do I need to hang on the studs?”

That's a great question and the answer is "No". The reality is that the studs are rarely located exactly where you want your picture to hang, but if they are, then go ahead and use them. However, when not using the stud to hang your décor, the weight of the artwork is an important consideration when deciding how to hang it, and here are a few tips to help.

How much does my décor weigh?

Here’s a quick and easy way to figure out how heavy your art is, especially if it’s large or awkward to weigh. Get a bathroom scale and stand on it holding your piece of wall décor. Make a note of the number and then subtract your weight from the number and you have the approximate weight of your item. Then you can use the guidelines below to select the best hanging solution.

For lighter items 

Lighter or smaller items, including picture frames, canvases, shadow boxes, clocks and decorative plates, can safely be hung on a nail without using a stud. Make sure to choose a nail sized according to the weight of your piece.

For heavier items

Heavier or large frames with glass, mirrors, or anything that feels heavy when you’re holding it against the wall will need extra hanging power.

Consider using 2 nails, hooks or screws for each piece, which will help distribute the weight. (Note that using two hangers does not mean you will be able to hang double the weight.)

In some cases, especially when dealing with large heavy mirrors, it’s best to use screws with wall anchors. They make larger holes in walls, but it's important to think about safety first. 

At the end of the day you need to feel comfortable with the hanging system you choose, so when in doubt, err on the side of caution and select an option which is rated for a higher weight than the item you have. Hope this helps!

Got a question? Let us know and we will be more than happy to answer it. Click on the live chat below or email us at: questions@utrdecorating.com, and we’ll do our best to help you Create the home you love™

-The UTR Team