How to Hang Metal Wall Art in 7 Simple Steps

Metal wall art is a stylish and bold addition to any space, adding a touch of personality and elegance. Whether you’re hanging a sleek, modern sculpture or a vintage-inspired piece, getting the right placement and secure installation is key to showing off your artwork in the best light. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of how to hang metal wall art, from choosing the right tools to ensuring your art stays safe and level. Let's dive in!

What You’ll Need

Before you start hanging your metal wall art, gather all the necessary tools and supplies. This will save you time and help you stay organized throughout the process. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Tape Measure – Accurate placement is crucial, so you’ll want to measure everything carefully.
2. Pencil – For marking the spots where you’ll install hooks or nails.
3. Level – To make sure your metal art is perfectly straight on the wall.
4. Wall Hooks or Picture Hangers – The right hangers are essential for securely supporting the artwork.
5. Drill and Screws – If your metal piece is heavy, a drill with screws is often necessary for extra stability.
6. Hammer or Screwdriver – Depending on whether you’re using nails, screws, or hooks.
7. Safety Gear – Protective gloves to handle sharp edges on metal art.

With these tools at your side, you’re ready to get started!

Step-by-Step Guide for Hanging Metal Wall Art

Now that you’ve gathered your tools, let’s go through the exact steps on how to hang metal wall art. We’ll break it down into clear, manageable stages.

Step 1: Choose the Right Hanger for Your Artwork

The first step in how to hang metal wall art is to pick the right type of hanger based on the weight of your piece. For lightweight pieces, simple picture hangers or D-rings will work. These are often already attached to the back of the artwork.

For heavier metal art, you’ll need more robust hangers. Consider using heavy-duty picture hangers or even screw-in hooks. If the piece is particularly large or weighty, opt for two hangers to distribute the weight evenly and prevent the artwork from shifting over time.

Tip: Make sure the hanger is rated for the weight of your art. Most hangers list the weight limit on the packaging, so check before installation.

Step 2: Measure and Mark the Wall

Now it’s time to get your measurements right. Measuring accurately is essential to avoid making unnecessary holes in the wall. Here’s how to do it:

• Measure the height: As a general rule, artwork should be hung at eye level. For most people, that’s around 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the center of the artwork.
• Find the center: Use your tape measure to determine the center of the wall or the space above furniture (like a sofa or fireplace) to ensure balanced placement.
• Mark the spots: Lightly mark the spots with a pencil where you’ll need to place your hooks or nails. Use a level to make sure the marks are even.

Tip: If you’re hanging multiple pieces of metal art in a gallery style, leave around 2 to 3 inches between each frame for a clean, organized look.

Step 3: Prepare the Wall Surface

The type of wall you’re working with will influence the installation process. Here’s how to handle different surfaces:

• Drywall: For lightweight pieces, picture nails or small hooks will do. For heavier metal art, use wall anchors to ensure your hangers stay in place.
• Brick or Concrete Walls: You’ll need a masonry drill bit and masonry anchors to securely hold your metal art on these harder surfaces.

Before drilling, check for any studs in the wall using a stud finder. If you can mount the hooks into studs, this will provide extra security for your art.

Step 4: Install the Hooks or Nails

Once the marks are made, it’s time to start installing the hooks or nails. If you’re hanging smaller metal pieces, picture nails are an easy option. For larger pieces, you’ll need to screw in picture hangers or heavy-duty wall hooks.

For each hook or nail, you should:

• Drill a pilot hole for screws (or hammer in nails for smaller pieces).
• Install the hooks at the marks you made earlier.
• If you’re using two hangers, space them evenly along the back of the artwork, so the weight is balanced.

Tip: If your metal artwork has sharp edges, be cautious when positioning the nails and hooks to avoid injury.

Step 5: Hang the Artwork

With the hooks or nails in place, it’s time to hang your metal art! Carefully lift the piece and place it onto the hooks or nails. If your artwork has wire on the back, you’ll want to hang the wire securely onto the hooks.

Tip: Before you let go, double-check the alignment using a level. This ensures the piece is straight and looks polished on the wall.

Step 6: Adjust and Level the Artwork

Once the art is hung, step back and take a look. Use your level to make sure the piece is perfectly aligned. If it’s even slightly off, gently adjust it until it’s level.

Tip: If your art feels unbalanced or unstable, check that the hooks are securely attached and that the weight is evenly distributed. You may need to add extra support with additional hangers or screws.

Step 7: Secure the Artwork

After making sure everything is aligned and level, gently tug on the artwork to make sure it’s secure. If it moves too easily or feels unstable, add more screws or hooks for added support.

Tips for Hanging Metal Wall Art

To make sure your metal art looks great and stays safe, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:

• Consider the Room’s Decor: Think about where the artwork will complement your room’s decor. For example, metal art looks stunning above a sofa or in a hallway, but you want it to enhance the space, not overwhelm it.
• Create a Wall Gallery: If you’re hanging multiple pieces, group them in a gallery-style arrangement. Keep consistent spacing between them, and ensure they all have a similar theme or color palette for a cohesive look.
• Balance the Weight: Don’t forget to distribute the weight evenly on the wall. If you’re hanging a heavy metal piece, consider using two hooks rather than one, especially if the art has a large surface area.
• Consider the Wall Color: Metal wall art can be a striking contrast against both dark and light walls. If your walls are a bold color, consider choosing a piece that contrasts nicely to create visual interest.
• Experiment with Placement: If you’re unsure where to hang your metal art, try using paper templates cut to the shape of your artwork. Tape them to the wall to experiment with different placements before making holes.

Final Thoughts

Hanging metal wall art is a straightforward process, but it requires a bit of careful planning to get it right. By following these steps on how to hang metal wall art, you can ensure that your artwork is both secure and aesthetically pleasing. Don’t forget to use the right hangers, measure accurately, and make adjustments to achieve the perfect look. With these tips, you’ll be able to display your metal art confidently and create a space that’s both beautiful and functional. Happy hanging!