A well-placed piece of art can transform a room, adding personality, warmth, and a polished touch. But hang it wrong, and your chic print or cherished canvas could end up crooked, clashing, or even falling off the wall. Thankfully, you don’t need to be an interior designer (or a contractor) to get it right. Here from The New York Times, some tips on how to hang artwork like a pro.

1. Use the right hardware for drywall: Can’t find a stud? No problem. Professional picture hangers, like those from Ook, are designed to hold serious weight, even without a stud behind them.
2. Protect from sunlight: Direct sun exposure fades artwork fast. Opt for UV-protective glass when framing or hang pieces in low-light areas such as hallways to preserve color and detail.
3. Aim for eye level: The center of your artwork should sit at about 57 to 60 inches from the floor—roughly eye level for most adults. Use this as your baseline, especially for prominent pieces. But, there’s no tried-and-true rule here, so, as The New York Times recommends, “follow your gut.”
4. Build around a centerpiece: For gallery walls, start with one standout piece at eye level, then add other works around it. Let the arrangement evolve naturally as you go.
5. Skip the wire: Instead of relying on picture wire, which can make your art tilt forward or hang unevenly, install screws or use D-rings to mount the piece directly and securely.

Whether it’s a bold canvas or a sentimental photo, art deserves more than a crooked nail and a prayer. With these expert-backed tips, your walls will go from blank to brilliant—no tilt, no tears, and definitely no drywall disasters.