How to hang heavy pictures safely
Updated 2026-10-24
Use a stud or a rated toggle anchor, hang from two points rather than one, and choose fixings rated for at least twice the picture's weight.
Pick the fixing by weight
| Weight | Drywall/plasterboard | Masonry |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 kg (10 lb) | Picture hook with angled nail | Masonry nail or small plug |
| 5–20 kg (10–45 lb) | Screw into stud, or 2× self-drilling anchors | Wall plug + screw |
| 20 kg+ (45 lb+) | 2× screws into studs, or 2× toggle bolts; consider a French cleat | 2× heavy plugs or sleeve anchors |
Steps
- Weigh the piece (stand on bathroom scales holding it, subtract your weight).
- Find studs with a stud finder or by tapping; confirm with a small pilot hole.
- Measure the hanging points on the back (two D-rings are better than wire for heavy pieces).
- Mark both points on the wall at the same height using a level, then drill and fix.
- Hang, level, and add bumpers at the bottom corners to stop sliding.
Lintel shows you exactly where each nail or anchor goes before you drill. See Lintel's picture-hanging tools on the App Store.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a heavy picture?
Anything over about 10 kg (20 lb), or any glass-fronted frame or mirror over 5 kg, should go into a stud or a rated anchor, not a single nail.
Can drywall hold a heavy picture without a stud?
Yes, with a rated toggle or snap-toggle anchor. Check the packet rating and use two anchors so each carries half the weight.