Domakihub How to Hang a Picture Frame the Right Way
Get frames level, secure, and damage-free on any wall type.
Reviewed by Domakihub home & decor pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A crooked or tumbling frame is one of the most common small frustrations in any home, rental apartment, or holiday villa. The video above walks through the core technique in minutes; this guide pairs it with a step-by-step breakdown tailored to the wall types you will actually encounter in Greek construction — tile, plaster over brick, and lightweight drywall partitions. Whether you are decorating a city flat in Athens or refreshing a Cycladic summer rental, the process is the same once you know your wall.
Why the Wall Material Matters
Greek buildings are predominantly masonry — solid brick or concrete block plastered over. That is good news: masonry walls are extremely strong and will hold heavy frames comfortably, but they require a masonry drill bit and a wall anchor (rawlplug) before you drive any screw. Lightweight metal-stud partition walls, common in newer offices and hotel rooms, need a different anchor rated for hollow walls.
Knowing your wall before you pick up a drill saves you from crumbled plaster and frames that pull out overnight. A quick knock test reveals a great deal: a solid thud means masonry or solid plaster; a hollow resonance means a stud partition or a cavity wall.
Tools and Materials to Gather First
You need very few items: a pencil, a tape measure, a spirit level (or a level app on your phone), a power drill with the correct bit for your wall, an appropriate anchor, a screw, and a hammer for tapping the anchor flush. For lightweight frames under about 2 kg, adhesive strips such as Command strips are a no-drill alternative that leaves walls clean — ideal for rental properties where deposit deductions matter.
Have a stud finder on hand if you are working on drywall, and always use goggles when drilling into masonry. Keep a small vacuum or a sheet of paper taped below the drill point to catch dust and avoid staining plastered or tiled surfaces.
How to Hang a Picture Frame in 5 Steps
- 1
Find the right spot and mark the height
Hold the frame against the wall at the height you want and step back to check the position. Eye-level for an adult standing is roughly 145–155 cm to the centre of the frame — a reliable starting point for living rooms and hotel corridors. Mark the centre lightly with a pencil, then measure from the top of the frame down to the hanging hardware (the wire or the bracket) to find exactly where the hook or screw needs to land on the wall.
- 2
Check what is behind the wall
Before drilling, use a stud finder or a live-wire detector to confirm there are no electrical cables or water pipes behind the chosen spot. In Greek masonry construction this risk is lower than in drywall, but vertical chases for wiring do exist. Move a few centimetres sideways if the detector reacts, then re-mark your point.
- 3
Drill and insert the wall anchor
Fit a masonry bit matching the diameter of your anchor (typically 6 mm for pictures up to 5 kg). Drill to the anchor's full depth at a 90-degree angle to the wall, then blow or vacuum out the dust. Tap the anchor into the hole with a hammer until it sits flush with the wall surface. For adhesive strips, skip this step: clean the wall with isopropyl alcohol, let it dry, then press the strip firmly for 30 seconds.
- 4
Drive the screw and set the hook
Screw into the anchor, leaving 4–6 mm of the screw head protruding from the wall — this is what the frame will rest on. Do not tighten fully flush; a small gap lets the wire or bracket seat properly. If you are using a purpose-made picture hook, tap it into the anchor with a small hammer so the hook itself angles slightly downward to resist the frame slipping forward.
- 5
Hang the frame and level it
Lift the frame onto the screw or hook and step back. Place a spirit level along the top edge of the frame — most frames need only a small nudge left or right to sit perfectly. For wide frames with a wire, you can slide the wire along the hook until the level reads true. To stop the frame drifting over time, press two small rubber or adhesive pads to the bottom corners on the back of the frame: they grip the wall and prevent rotation.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Get a vetted handyman pro in your city — one number, booked in EN/EL/DE.
FAQ
- Can I hang pictures without drilling in a rented apartment?
- Yes. Adhesive picture-hanging strips (such as 3M Command strips) work reliably on smooth painted plaster for frames up to about 3–4 kg. Always check the strip's weight rating, and follow the manufacturer's removal instructions to avoid pulling off paint when you leave.
- How do I hang a heavy mirror or large canvas securely?
- For anything over 5 kg use two anchor points spaced apart rather than a single central screw. This spreads the load and prevents the frame from swinging sideways. In masonry walls, use M6 or M8 screw anchors; in drywall, use toggle bolts rated for the weight. When in doubt, consult a local handyman — most Domakihub-listed professionals can fit heavy artwork in under an hour.
- My wall is tiled. Can I still drill for a picture hook?
- Yes, but use a diamond-tipped tile drill bit at low speed with no hammer action until the bit passes through the glaze. Applying masking tape to the tile surface before marking prevents the bit from skating. Once through the tile, switch to a masonry bit to finish the hole in the substrate behind.