Displaying and hanging paintings well
Practical advice on choosing where and how to hang your paintings — to protect them and show them at their best.
Choosing where to hang
Where you hang a painting affects how it looks and how long it lasts. A few simple considerations when choosing a location can make a significant difference to a painting's long-term condition.
Avoid exterior walls In older or less well-insulated buildings, exterior walls can be significantly colder than interior ones. The temperature differential can cause condensation to form on the reverse of a canvas, leading to mould and canvas deterioration over time. If an exterior wall location is unavoidable, ensure there is an air gap between the back of the painting and the wall — a small pad of cork or foam at each lower corner achieves this.
Avoid fireplaces and radiators Heat sources create localised warm, dry conditions directly around them. Paintings in these zones experience accelerated paint cracking, canvas brittleness, and varnish degradation.
Avoid kitchens and bathrooms The humidity fluctuations and atmospheric grease in kitchens, and the condensation cycles in bathrooms, make both poor environments for paintings.
Consider light levels A north-facing wall with diffuse light is ideal. South- or west-facing walls near windows expose paintings to direct or near-direct sunlight at certain times of day.
Hanging securely
A painting that falls from a wall is almost always damaged. Choosing the right fixings and hanging system for the weight of the work is the most important safety consideration.
Know the weight Weigh the painting before selecting fixings. Large paintings in heavy frames can weigh 10–30kg or more. Standard picture hooks are only rated to a few kilograms — check the manufacturer's rating for any fixing you use.
Use wall plugs in masonry For any painting over 2–3kg on a plaster or masonry wall, use appropriate wall plugs and screws rather than adhesive hooks or standard nails. D-ring fixings on the back of the frame with a braided steel picture wire and two hooks on the wall is the most secure system.
Use two hooks, not one A single hook allows a painting to tilt and swing. Two hooks at equal height, with picture wire spanning between them and sitting in a V-shape, keeps the painting stable and level.
Check the frame fixings Before hanging, inspect the D-rings or screw eyes on the back of the frame. Loose, corroded, or damaged fixings should be replaced before the painting goes on the wall.
Use security hangers for valuable works Tamper-resistant or locking picture hangers are available and provide additional security for significant works.
Note: For large or very heavy paintings, consider having a French cleat system installed. This distributes the weight across a wider area of wall and is extremely secure. A picture framer or joiner can install one
Lighting paintings
Good lighting enhances how a painting looks and can be done in a way that causes minimal damage. The two main considerations are the type of light source and its angle.
Use LED lighting LED bulbs produce very little UV radiation (a primary cause of fading) and minimal heat. They are the best choice for illuminating paintings. Look for bulbs with a high CRI (Colour Rendering Index) of 90 or above for the most accurate colour rendering.
Avoid halogen spotlights at close range Halogen lights produce significant heat and UV. If you have existing halogen fittings, replacing the bulbs with LED equivalents is a straightforward improvement.
Consider the angle Light from an angle of 25–30 degrees to the picture plane rakes across the surface, revealing brushwork and texture beautifully. Light from directly in front flattens the surface. Avoid extreme raking light on very textured or damaged paintings, as it will emphasise every crack and loss.
UV-filtering glazing If a sensitive work — watercolour, pastel, work on paper — is framed under glass, UV-filtering glass or acrylic significantly reduces light-related fading. This is worthwhile for any work you intend to display long-term
Storing paintings when not on display
Paintings that are not on permanent display need to be stored in conditions that protect them from damage and deterioration.
Store upright Paintings on canvas should be stored upright, not flat, to avoid canvas distortion. Support them so they cannot tip or fall.
Avoid attics, cellars, and garages These spaces are prone to extremes of temperature and humidity, and often have pests and dust. They are among the worst environments for paintings.
Separate paintings from one another Never stack paintings face-to-face without protection. Interpose acid-free tissue or a soft cloth, and ensure the frames cannot grind against one another.
Cover with a breathable material A loose covering of clean cotton or acid-free tissue protects against dust while allowing air circulation. Avoid sealed plastic, which can trap moisture.
Keep records Photograph stored works and keep a record of where each piece is located. Collections have a habit of becoming complicated, and records make insurance claims straightforward
When in doubt, ask a conservator
These guides are intended to help you care for your paintings with confidence. They are not a substitute for professional assessment. If you notice anything concerning — flaking paint, discolouration, structural damage — please get in touch before attempting any intervention yourself
