Professional Picture Hanging. Is that a thing?

two paintings by Adolfo Girala (ArtAdolfo) hanging on wall behind leather couch

Photo courtesy of fine artist Adolfo Girala (artadolfo.com)

It sure is! 

A professional picture hanger not only does all of the measuring and installation of your art, but they can curate your pieces around your home by suggesting placement, height, grouping, and re-framing to match your decor. They can hang almost anything, from your kids’ preschool genius to your ukulele collection, to that giant three-foot plate you bought from the artisan potter in Louisiana. It doesn’t matter if the wall is brick, stone, stucco, or drywall; they can hang anything on anything.

Very good art installers don’t just have a good eye and a hammer, they have experience in museums and galleries. They know how to arrange items of various sizes, shapes, and weights to create gallery walls in your home, office, or business. They take very special care of delicate works and know what is needed to secure heavy items in our earthquake-prone location.

Speaking of earthquakes, have you ever noticed the family photos in the hallway are askew? Microquakes that we never feel are responsible.

When you are looking to hire a professional art installer, talk to them about their background and experience. Installing art in a home is very different from in a gallery. Your art is competing for wall space along with windows, air vents, and switches. It also has to complement your decor. Plus, the construction of the walls in your home is different from the construction of gallery walls. Experience in installation along with interior design, architecture, remodeling, or construction is something you should be looking for. 

How much does it cost? Rates vary depending on the type of art, the hanging location, and number of pieces. Expect to pay around $180 per hour. Is it worth it? Yes. You will be living with this for a long time, so getting it right the first time is money well spent, plus, you will have fewer smashed thumbs. We’ve seen these people in action and they are much better than any of us at placement and arrangement. 

So, whether you are moving into a new place, redecorating, or just want to change your collection around, one of these professionals can help.

  • The Artful Hanger (aka Erik Story) artfulhanger.com

  • LA Art Guy laartguy.com

  • iplaceart iplaceart.com

  • LA Teams lateams.com

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