Design Secret - Wall-Art Straight Pins!

I have to admit that I am totally on the band-wagon of gallery walls. Each gallery can be so unique and I think it is such a beautiful way to share memories. These gallery walls can also be a great focal area where you can inject a bit of your own personality into your home.

The only problem is how to keep all the frames straight and aligned. After dusting or when art is placed in high traffic areas it seems to be a constant chore to keep them straight. I have used Command Strips, but those can get pretty pricey if you have a ton of artwork or frames in your home and can be time consuming to apply.

So being an interior designer for the past ten years and an event stylist for the past two, I have hung my fair share of art and frames. I have also learned a few tricks-of-the-trade that I am surprised is not out in "blog-world" yet.

One of my favorite tricks to use when hanging art and frames are - Frame Straight Pins (a.k.a. Art Pins). They are little sticky-back pads with a single pin attached to it. These little pins are GREAT for straightening any wall art, and they are super easy to use.

I use to pick these up at my local frame shop, but recently found them at Michael's for $2.99. To be totally honest, I think it is a bit much for only 5 pins, but it is totally worth it if you are the tiniest bit OCD and like your wall art to hang straight!

This is what they look like up-close -

Another close-up of the pin (be careful these are sharp!) -

I have found that it is easiest to hang the art / frame first and then apply these to the bottom of the back while they are hanging on the wall. Simply pinch the pin part in between your fingers like this -

. . . then remove the little white paper exposing the sticky pad. Next place the sticky part to the back of the frame with the pin part facing towards the wall. It does not have to be perfect, just make sure the entire sticky part is behind the frame and not peeking out the bottom.

Once it is attached to the artwork / frame, place your level on the top of the art. When the artwork is straight push the pin into the drywall. It is important to push the pin in perpendicular to the wall and not at an angle. (If the pin bends, just try again with another one.)

Before -

After - Viola! It is super easy and will keep your art and picture frames nice and straight, without damaging your walls or frames!

I would love to hear your feedback and what you think about this little trick! If you would like to hear more styling tricks and design ideas make sure to subscribe to my blog.

Love and Light,

Saneth

Illuminations Design Studio - Where Bright Ideas come to Light!