How to install picture rail

If you want to display your favorite pieces of art, personal photos, or prints in your home but don’t want to hammer nails into walls or install new hooks, a picture rail can be a great way to facilitate a gallery at home without much glitch. Some homes, especially older ones, already have picture rails in place. If not, they can be installed easily and quickly.

Before installing a picture rail, it is important to determine the type of hanging systems art file you would like to use. Wooden picture rails use custom sized hooks to fit molds your art can hang from, while metal rails may require specific sized nails. The former is more subtle and can be painted or sprayed to match your walls, but the latter makes more of a design statement and won’t blend in with the background. Wooden picture rails are usually curved and hollowed out to match flat walls, but there are plenty of rail options on the market now, so shop around to find your favorite.

Judge the spacing

First, make sure that the photo stop is correctly positioned on the wall. It should be high enough for the art to be visible, and sit above standard eye level . Larger artifacts may need to be placed higher. In general, your rail should not be too close to where the wall meets the ceiling but this should be judged based on the specific pieces you wish to hang. In new buildings that are pre-furnished with photo rails, they are usually installed between 300 mm – 500 mm from the ceiling.

Measuring and cleaning

You may need to cut the wooden picture rails to fit the space you want to use them in, so you’ll need to measure both the wall and the rails to trim them to the correct size. Once you’re done, use a pencil scale to mark the wall to make sure the rail will be straight once it’s hung. Either stretch the markings a little to make an easy pointer to install or draw a long straight line with chalk – this can be easily erased on both paint and wallpaper afterwards, making it easier for you to see things easily at what level the rail should be hung.

secure in place

Depending on the type of picture rail being installed, follow the appropriate instructions and use glue or other adhesive to the wall and/or the rail to hold it in place. You may find it easier to get someone else to help at this point – otherwise, you will likely find that you quickly run out of arms to lift everything! For wooden bars, it may be appropriate to seal any cracks or join with decorative caulking and repaint any areas that appear discolored, discolored, or have exposed nails inside.

hang your art

In some cases, the adhesive used to install the rail may need to be left to dry. However, once you’re done and applied glue or sticky notes, it’s time to hang your art on the rail. Use hooks or nails and have fun!

If you haven’t stocked up on art prints, photos, or paintings yet to fill your photo rail, or find you need more to take up any remaining space, don’t worry. The Internet is a treasure trove of online stores where you can discover emerging and undiscovered artists , unusual printing techniques and replicas of well-known classics.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to curating a home gallery so you can do whatever you want – try mixing and matching shapes and sizes, including one matching color on each piece, displaying ceramics or embroidered crafts. Traditional gallery walls have incorporated nothing but standard paintings and prints, but you don’t have to stay too conservative when it comes to your home. This is your chance to get creative, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts or designs, or look online for inspiration.

Stay contemporary or classic, whichever you prefer, and try to stay consistent with the main theme. Most importantly, whatever you do, be honest with yourself. If you love your art, it will look great in your home – so be proud and display it in full.