Hanging framed art seems straightforward enough, right?
A photograph or art piece, a custom or ready made frame, a nail & hammer. Err ... well, scratch the nail and hammer.
The Problem - Framed Art Hangs Face Forward
Frames are traditionally prepared with a hang wire on the rear. It is typically mounted to the side rails of frames about 1/3 down from the top of the framed art. Also, this wire is traditionally longer than it need be. There is slack in it by some inconsistent amount. When hung from a hanging system rod this standard frame preparation will frequently cause the top of the frame to hang away from the wall, what we call face forward.
Option 1 - Stable Gallery Hook
Choose our Stable Gallery Hook. This rod hook incorporates a 7 in. wide support, which consumes much of the extra hang wire.
In instances where the frame is very large, or the frame has considerable extra hang wire it may be benefi cial to take an additional action. Move the “hang wire” attachment points upward on the frame and while doing so, remove the extra hang wire length.
Where to locate the attachments? That depends on the size and weight of the frame. The rule of thumb is that you want to mount these as high as possible on the frame side rails, but just low enough so that the system hook will still be hidden behind the frame top. When you support the frame from your fi nger at the center of the hang wire, the wire should be no closer than 1-1/4” – 1-1/2” from the frame top edge.
You may also leave the original hang wire in place and simply add a second one to use with hanging systems. This is something progressive custom framers do as a matter of course and a valuable service enhancement for their clients.
Option 2 - When hanging from one rod:
2a. Add a pair of bumpers to the rear lower corners of the frame. It acts to create a small space between the wall and rear surface of the frame and lessens the face forward dynamic.
2b. You can also add a frame stabilizer behind the frame. This is a device that attaches to the system rod at the bottom rail of the frame. The objective is the same, to create a bit of space behind the frame at the lower edge of the frame. However, this action in only appropriate when the art piece is hanging from one system rod centered behind the art.
Bumpers and Frame Stabilizers offer very similar results. Bumpers are less costly but are single use and attach to the rear of the art/frame with adhesives. Frame Stabilizers will last for decades and are infinitely reusable and do not have an impact on the art piece itself.
Option 3 - When hanging from Two Rods
Remove the hang wire on the rear of the frame and install a Counter Weight Frame Stabilizer. This clever device will use the weight of the frame to pull the top edge of the frame towards the wall. It includes the bumpers described earlier.
This document is part of a series that were created to help optimize framed art, and other wall objects, for display via a hanging system.
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