With flush, recessed, or float mount frames, a painting may be held on a gallery wall, able to be seen. Artwork tends to be quite expensive, particularly whether it is authentic items and never prints. You do not need to invest in some lovely piece of artwork solely to have it ruined due to improper hanging. It also can present some challenges when it comes to hanging footage above it. If you’ve wainscoting in your front room, eating room or hallway, you may be questioning how high above the paneling to hold your art work. When creating a gallery wall, it’s essential to plan out the arrangement beforehand.
Ahead, we’re sharing tips for hanging and arranging photos for a wonderful show. One of the easiest methods to refresh your personal home décor is to hold photographs or art on the walls. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and straightforward to swap out later when you really feel like changing things up. Plus, the possibilities are endless—from a single, statement-making piece to a gallery wall of paintings or family photos.
If you select to mix your artwork pieces with pictures on the gallery wall, make certain there’s a visible relationship between the images and the art items. Similar shade palettes or sizes can add to this relationship. That being said, there are additionally nail choices in the marketplace made for concrete, brick, and stone partitions.
Metal wall artwork has been a well-liked alternative among many, but its popularity has skyrocketed in recent times. This artwork kind makes use of metals like steel, copper, or aluminium to create gorgeous pieces on your partitions. It’s not just about selecting a piece; it’s also about hanging it the proper method. It ensures your artwork stays protected and appears nice in your wall. Different wall supplies, like drywall or brick, also have an result on the way you hang it. It’s about planning, choosing the proper tools, and being cautious.
The first step in the course of hanging ceramic art is to pick the suitable hanging mechanism. The weight and size of the paintings will decide which technique is best suited for it. For smaller and lighter items, a simple adhesive hook or nail can do the job. However, for larger and heavier pieces, it is suggested to make use of wall anchors or secure hooks that may maintain the burden.
They sometimes embrace totally different sizes of hooks and nails for varied body weights, plus tools that can assist you measure and mark spots. Using a whole kit ensures you could have matching hardware that works collectively and the proper instruments for each step of the hanging course of. Now comes the second you commit to your design and start hanging your canvas prints. Use your measuring tape and a few pencil marks to discover out where each picture-hanging hook should go on the paper cutouts. Hammer the hooks into the wall via the mark within the paper, tear the paper away and hold your picture. Again, use a spirit level to ensure that your canvas print is hanging in a straight line.
The secret is to discover a widespread theme or color palette to ensure cohesion. When it comes to adorning your inside, adding a framed canvas print to your wall could be a stunning and conventional method to showcase your private style. Hanging a framed print follows the same process as hanging a canvas print. However, it’s even MORE necessary to hang a framed piece of paintings at eye-level to achieve an art gallery-style look. It is essential to suppose about the height at which your paintings should be hung. One widespread mistake householders make is hanging their art too high.
If you might have smaller ceramic items that you simply want to show on a tabletop or shelf, an easel can be a easy yet effective methodology. These stands are available various sizes and kinds and can be easily adjusted to accommodate various kinds of ceramics. When using adhesive hooks, it’s necessary to clean the world the place you’ll be sticking the hook before applying. Press firmly for a minimum of 30 seconds to ensure the hook adheres correctly. If the piece is particularly giant and the wire on the back of the body is tight, it may be tough to get the wire over the hook by reaching behind the piece.
The average person’s eye stage is at about 60” from the ground. If you might be taller or shorter than common, you ought to use a measuring tape to figure out the place your eye stage is. Let’s assume in this case that it’s 60”. But likelihood is most individuals might need to measure to make sure. If a piece comes outfitted with completely different hanging hardware—a sawtooth hanger or a hanging wire—ILevel will replace it and quickly screw in some D-rings instead. Use a degree software to examine the alignment of your painting once it’s hung. If it’s slightly off, gently modify the hardware or mount until it sits straight.
Use a stage to examine alignment as you hold the painting, making certain it’s straight and secure. Double-check the placement before finalizing to achieve the desired visual effect. Gently wiggle the art to ensure it’s nonetheless firmly connected to the wall. If it moves greater than expected, it is time to reinforce or exchange the hanging hardware. Sometimes, your art might go a bit crooked or want repositioning.
A framed canvas can add a basic touch, whereas an unframed canvas often carries a modern and edgy vibe. This choice is a private one, so go along with what feels right for your space. Explore a curated choice of canvas artwork that aligns with these principles at Artfully Walls, with Artfully Walls’ Canvas Art Collection. Heavy objects will rapidly pull down and destroy your siding, leaving you with an enormous restore invoice.
This is largely a matter of private choice but I wouldn’t hang them greater than 2 inches apart so every image in the gallery wall looks related to the others. Group paintings together by size, color or subject matter and grasp artwork at completely different ranges for curiosity. Another possibility is to create an fascinating gallery wall with a mixture of framed art, mirrors, photographs and sculpture. Think exterior the normal rectangular body and try using a sq. or oval frame for an eclectic look. Use wide matboards for small artworks and floater frames to create a recent look. Picture hanging hooks are a traditional and dependable option for securely hanging artwork.
Frame shops will at all times ask you whether or not you’d like something matted. A mat (which the English name a mount) is a thin piece of paperlike material on which your artwork sits. It’s principally decorative, a backdrop to give the art work its second in the solar. With an everyday mat, the framer will reduce a beveled gap in the midst of the ornamental mat, then place the paintings on prime of a foam mat, which sits behind the ornamental one. After choosing a height, hold the portray against the wall to visualise its placement. You need the painting to resonate with its environment, not compete with them.
Mixing hardware types inside the similar grouping looks unprofessional. If you’re creating a gallery wall, use consistent hanging methods all through. Mixing wire hangers with sawtooth brackets creates uneven positioning that is impossible to right satisfactorily. Professional hanging wire is designed to distribute weight evenly and won’t stretch over time like cheaper alternate options. Rawlplugs for masonry partitions, hole wall anchors for plasterboard. The execs always match the anchor to both the wall sort and the burden they’re supporting.
Spotlights or picture lights create drama however want cautious angling to avoid harsh shadows or reflective glare. The key is even illumination across the artwork’s floor — simpler stated than done with shiny frames or protective glass. The basic rule suggests 5-10cm between frames in a bunch, but this varies with body measurement and visual content. Bold, vibrant pieces need more respiratory room than refined pictures. Large frames can sit nearer together than small ones without trying cramped. Plasterboard partitions are forgiving for mild masses but become tricky with heavier pieces.
Since you already have the picture rail molding up on the wall, all you have to do is assemble the gallery package. You can hang one or more frames on one cable depending on the items dimension and weight. The loop hanging cables are 72 inches long which implies there’s a lot of room for one big frame or several smaller frames. Just thoughts the total weight of the frames you’re going to hang in each image rail hook.
Black and gold frames maintain a mixture of prints and photographs, filling the area from couch to ceiling. It doesn’t matter if it’s a queen bed or king-size mattress you’re working with, one of the best concept is to keep away from hanging a big piece of art instantly above the arch. The bottom of the frame will look odd sitting so close to the curved bedhead beneath it. The finest kind of hooks for hanging artwork above a mattress varies relying on the weight of the paintings in question. Now that you know the way to arrange pictures on a wall, you don’t have an excuse for bare walls or old, stale preparations.
If you’re hanging portraits, draw arrows on the paper to indicate which way the subject is wanting. Use painters tape to try out gallery wall placements and preparations with out covering your wall with holes. If you haven’t any power instruments or do not feel comfy making holes in your exterior walls, don’t be concerned. There are nonetheless a few completely different choices you have to hang up your artwork without nails or instruments. Here is a fast guide, relying on what kind of wall you propose to hang your out of doors wall decor on. The size of your artwork tremendously affects where and the way you should grasp it.
So when you’re adorning, strive to choose on paintings on your area that isn’t too big, not too small, but good. If you’d somewhat keep away from wall mounting altogether, leaning paintings against a wall is a stylish and damage-free method to display your assortment. For a cheap answer, use traditional printer labels.
Use applicable hardware, similar to wall anchors or image hangers, to assist the load of the painting. Use two hooks spaced apart to distribute the burden evenly if the portray is heavy to stop tilting. Mark the positions of the hooks with a pencil before drilling.
By taking the time to measure accurately and use the proper instruments, you may make sure that your artwork isn’t only aesthetically pleasing but in addition securely and safely displayed. Adjustable J Hooks can be used together with wired image frames, but they’re extra commonly used with D-rings or strap hangers. I’ve seen artists try to hang paintings utilizing plastic hooks and industrial adhesive. I suppose some of them might have been lucky and had success with this system for very gentle artwork. I have little doubt that some adhesives are robust enough to take the weight of art work. The problem, however, is the surface you are attempting to adhere to.
However, understand that pictures are a nice way to interrupt up lengthy, boring walls. They don’t look good next to windows, door frames, lighting fixtures, or different things that take up space on walls. As with hanging just one artwork, the point of interest of the gallery ought to be at eye-level.
He oversees Price Self Storage areas throughout California, focusing on efficient and functional storage options. He integrates his passion for smart design and organization into his administration strategy, ensuring a commitment to excellence and arranged residing. Once you have found the ideal location in your nails in the masonry joints, you may want to mark it together with your pencil. Do you see how much better the artwork seems hung decrease to the couch? Also discover how the artwork extends nearly all of the width of the sofa, however just barely narrower.
Learn how to simply store your pictures, frames, and different valuables with Price Self Storage. Just as a result of a square is a simple shape doesn’t imply this structure needs to be boring. Choose attractive matching frames to help this arrangement pop. Another choice is to mix the pictures up fantastically with diagonal pairings.
Most paintings that you simply purchase will come wired on the again, prepared to hang. However, it’s all the time a good idea to verify that the hardware the artist or gallery provided is sturdy and nicely mounted. Recently, a rather large painting in my own residence got here crashing down. In spite of the very fact I had used the right hanging hooks, the image wire on the back of the piece pulled the mounting hanger out of the frame, and down the piece got here.
Now that we’ve lined all the information about provides, mounting methods, mat boards, and tools, let’s begin assembling the frame. The first of these is the standard body seen on older work, where the sting of the frame hangs barely over the portray. A miter field saw serves the purpose perfectly, giving you exact cuts with little effort. Dylla is the artwork lead on Homesthetics, the artist that through a simple sketch, technical drawing or watercolor portray makes the world a greater place.
They are available in varied sizes and weight capacities to accommodate several varieties of art work. If a stage is unavailable, alternatives like a straight edge or a plumb line can be used to make sure levelness. However, these methods could not provide the identical accuracy and ease of use as a conventional level, especially for hanging artwork the place precision is important. Remember, the proper placement on your art might simply be a small adjustment away. So take a second, step back, and revel in your superbly embellished house.
The general consensus among image framers is that you simply wish to set up the D-rings about one third of the greatest way down from the highest of the body. For example, if the frame is 12″ tall, then you would place them 4″ down from the top. Eye hooks additionally tend to make the frame hug the wall, whereas D-rings which might be mounted on the back of the body make the top of the painting lean ahead off the wall. Discover a home that perfectly aligns along with your imaginative and prescient – where simplicity meets luxury.
For something taller, strive 63″ but once more, don’t hold too high or your artwork will really feel like it’s floating above the furnishings. Hanging pictures on the proper peak is certainly one of the few design guidelines that ought to by no means be damaged. If they’re hung too low they’re awkward to look at, and hung too high they usually can really feel disconnected from the the rest of the room.
Hang artwork with out wall injury – If you’ve an image rail, you presumably can hold your art with out putting a screw or nail in the wall with a moveable hook. You can move it round on a whim, and by no means take out that patching compound or contact up paint for nail holes. Add Character with the artwork – The different factor that I love a couple of picture rail is the hanging hardware itself to add allure.
I only found these little guys a couple of years in the past and so they have modified my life – seriously! Half the time the pictures would fall off or if I determined to remove the frame in some unspecified time within the future in time, I was left with a big hole within the wall that needed to be patched. It’s pretty common to see work displayed in homes all all over the world. This tradition has been around for lots of of years and exhibits how a lot we humans love to make our residing areas appear and feel good.
This straight-line setup makes the narrow hall really feel longer and extra put-together. If you prefer to often change out your footage or experiment with totally different body colours and styles, make sure to maintain your useful items secure once they aren’t on your partitions. Save yourself the frustration (and your walls the trauma) of hanging and rehanging a grouping of artwork. Instead, hint each piece on kraft paper, label the tracing, and minimize it out.
• Frames from PictureFrames.com come with hanging hardware but make sure to verify the load of your frames and the type of wall you’re working with (drywall, plaster, brick). There are a quantity of ways to hang pictures, including utilizing nails or screws, adhesive strips or hooks, and wire methods. The choice of method will depend on varied elements similar to wall materials and weight of the body.
To avoid this, observe the gallery-standard and grasp giant wall art at eye stage. While this will likely seem lower than you initially thought, it will create a more inviting and comfy ambiance. Eye-level artwork has been a longstanding design normal in galleries for a cause, as it permits the paintings to be simply viewed and appreciated. Before you begin, gather the mandatory instruments and materials, including a tape measure, pencil, hammer, nails or picture hanging hooks, level, and picture wire or sawtooth hangers. Having every thing readily available will make the hanging course of smoother and more efficient.
Remember to think about the peak at which photos are hung on the wall, usually eye level, to maximise visible influence. Grouping artwork pieces thoughtfully and experimenting with completely different layouts also can enhance the overall aesthetic. Don’t overlook the importance of correct lighting to accentuate your paintings and make it stand out. So, grab your instruments and prepare to create a masterpiece in your walls and hang picture frames and art professionally.
If you are framing a canvas, all you want is a picket or metal body, some wire for hanging, and some nails or screws. Measure the gap from your hanging hardware to the highest of the frame. (Pull taut any wires.) If the space is, say, 2 inches, subtract 2 inches from the purpose you’ve marked for the top of your frame. If you each questioned the way to hold odd shaped gadgets, pictures on a wall, heavy objects or even without nails this guide is for you! I’m sharing the wide range of merchandise out there to help you grasp your house decor and even a few made up hacks which have worked for me over the years. This is a peek into my adorning device chest so you possibly can see what I maintain available when decorating inspiration strikes!
The excellent distance between the mantle and film is 7”. Ultra-high ceilings could tempt one to hold a picture too excessive however it’s necessary to keep the art related to the remainder of the room.
A good basic rule of thumb is to hold the middle of the artwork at 57″ from the bottom. The 57-inch rule represents the attention level of a median individual. You can use this as a information whether you’re hanging a single piece of artwork, a series, or maybe a gallery wall. In the case of a gallery wall, the middle of the grouping would be hung at 57″ (see extra on that below). If you’re hanging a quantity of pieces of artwork, you should work out how they’ll work collectively earlier than you start making holes. Use newsprint or butcher paper to create true-scale templates of your frames, then use painter’s tape to figure out the most effective arrangement.
Using a zipper software, unhook the vinyl slat the place you wish to hang the merchandise from the slat below. Insert the zip software in the seam between the two vinyl slats. You will want to take away the vinyl slat right here to put in the wire hook. You should buy siding hooks online or from your native house enchancment store.
From there, you’ll find a way to figure out the best layout and ultimately, put your art work on the wall. Finding artwork is one factor, but determining the place and tips on how to grasp it in your house is another. To understand more in regards to the art set up course of, we tapped a resident gallery wall skilled, Ashley Clark of Skout Interior Design. Properly drilled holes ensure secure mounting, forestall wall damage, and assist obtain an expert end. To hold an image straight on the wall, use a degree to make sure it is aligned appropriately horizontally and vertically.
This positioning ties the art work visually to the mattress, making it a half of the room’s relaxing and restful environment. Think about decreasing artwork to about inches off the bottom, relying on the kid’s height. Art within the rest room can create a spa-like ambiance or add a component of shock and class.
Resist the urge to scrub paintings beyond mild dusting except you’ve specific conservation training. Household cleaning products, even those marketed as “mild” or “natural,” can cause chemical reactions with paint, varnish, or different materials that result in everlasting damage. Water damage is particularly widespread when well-meaning collectors try to scrub what appears to be easy floor filth. Never contact painted surfaces instantly, even when dealing with artwork for legitimate causes.
However, you’ll want to make use of a body that is deep sufficient so there’s room for you to install I eye hooks on the inside edge of the body. However, we’re speaking about framing authentic art work which is efficacious. I feel you must use the most secure knot to connect the wire to the frame. I realized the means to frame work earlier than the web existed so I simply followed the diagram that was on the again of the wire bundle. I’ve been using that for years, then I noticed how others tied image wire and I was questioning why they have been using totally different knots. D-rings are produced from metal and include two parts-a steel ring that’s formed like the letter D which is the place they get their name.
Add vertical interest – If you’ve tall ceilings, the top part of the wall can really feel pretty vast and it’s onerous to know what to do up there. The best method to make a tall area really feel cozier is to bring the eye up with some vertical interest. Picture rail is a conventional type of molding that initially was installed in properties with plaster partitions. Also, when contemplating proportions, you should consider the collective size of all of the items together. Of course, some exceptions exist, but on this case, even the exceptions have useful pointers to observe. Once you decide the midpoint, nonetheless, stick with it for consistency.
You can also use a template for individual paintings to check whether or not you are glad with the positioning. For a more informal and modern look, skip the frames altogether. Pin or tape unframed art work on to the wall with clips, washi tape or simple tacks. It works nicely for posters, prints, and photographs, and allows for straightforward rearrangement. Inspecting these three things is very crucial for big or heavy frames.
Ensuring proper alignment additionally prevents it from tilting, maintaining a neat display. Gathering these instruments will streamline your wiring project, making it easier to hold your artwork securely and neatly. ‘It’s essential to understand the structure of the partitions in your house,’ adds Ellis. ‘A very massive image isn’t going to remain on a easy plaster wall if you’re only utilizing a few screws.
Mark the stud locations with a pencil to information your nail or hook placement. You may have to make use of screws and plugs if hanging heavy mirrors or other objects. Use a degree to make sure that the marks you made on the wall are straight and even. Use a picture hook or screw, depending on the material of your wall, the artwork piece and it’s hanging fixtures and attach this to your wall with a hammer or drill. You can comply with my 10 straightforward tricks to create a beautiful gallery wall.
Diversity in art kinds can add depth and curiosity to your space. Don’t shy away from mixing classical art work with modern pieces. This eclectic method can transform your house into a dynamic gallery. Sources like Art.com present a variety of types and genres to explore. Remember, your own home is the canvas for your whole adorning, including your art work. Embrace the joy of experimenting, creating, and remodeling your area into a mirrored image of your personality and magnificence.
• Unroll the picture wire and measure it towards the width of the portray. Add an additional 6-8 inches to allow for twisting and securing the wire. This will determine the type of D-rings and wire you’ll want. Different wall supplies require totally different approaches when hanging steel art. Lighting plays an necessary role in showcasing your painting.
The middle of your paintings should be at eye stage, which is usually round inches from the ground. This rule ensures that the artwork is considered comfortably whether or not you’re sitting or standing. In rooms where individuals spend a lot of time sitting, just like the dining room or living room, contemplate hanging your artwork slightly decrease. One of the first things to consider when hanging ceramic artwork is the weight and dimension of the piece. Ceramic art can be heavy, particularly bigger pieces, so it’s essential to use acceptable hardware that can help the burden of the art work. It’s additionally necessary to ensure the hanging hardware is properly put in on the wall and may securely maintain the artwork in place.
A gallery map or exhibition booth map permits you to maintain partitions away from labels. Number your works on a ground plan and provide a corresponding listing of details. Scan.art can exchange traditional artwork price tags at exhibitions by using superior image recognition and object detection technology. Visitors merely use their smartphones to scan the paintings, instantly receiving detailed, contactless information without having to obtain an app or register. This fashionable method enhances the customer expertise by providing comprehensive details in regards to the paintings, artist, and pricing on to their system.
This supplies stability whereas maintaining the photo free of adhesive. Turn the image face down and connect the base of the T-shaped tape pieces alongside the highest back edge so the highest of the T hangs over with out touching the front. To add a decorative element, go for a double mat with an inner mat that complements the picture. The inside mat could be a totally different colour, bringing out a certain hue in the photograph.
Visual spacing guides the viewer’s eye and makes the whole ensemble feel balanced and cohesive. If your artwork is going above a console table or different furnishings piece, a basic rule of thumb is to keep the underside of the body around four inches above the furniture. The 57-inch rule is supposedly the perfect peak for the middle of your picture or the center of your gallery. Of course, this rule works finest on a clean wall without furniture.
There’s no better dialog starter than paintings impressed by our hobbies and holidays overseas – they never fail to add character and colour to our spaces. Whether thrifted or purchased online, a quantity of inexpensive prints can totally transform a lounge on a finances. It’s just that hanging them up can feel somewhat intimidating, or just a lot of effort, but anyone can do it with our rules of thumb under.
Just comply with the 2/3 rule – cover about two-thirds of the wall space along with your show. Let me show you the way to make your frames line up nicely and create a balanced look that is smart to the eye. Three long white cabinets maintain different-sized frames that lean towards the wall. The frames overlap slightly on every shelf, with taller items at the again and shorter ones in front.
Add a couple of rubber bumpers on the underside bricks so the piece won’t skid. Measure from the edge of the first body already hanging on the wall. Add the hole (you simply calculated) plus half the width of the body that you need to hold. I like to have the vertical heart of my body somewhere round 5 feet off the ground.
Do this rigorously, and ensure you do it over a delicate floor – carpet, for instance, or a blanket. Raising and reducing the artwork places a small extra stress on the hanging wire. If I hear any creaking or feel any give within the wire, I replace the hanging straps and wire with out hesitation. Remember, the piece could also be hanging on this wall for years and years to come back. Better to spend a number of extra minutes now to verify the hardware is safe than to have problems sooner or later.
If you are not sure what materials the partitions in your house are made from, you have to use a stud finder to find a wooden stud that is then appropriate for hanging the image. Make sure you hang it at the proper top that is comfortable and interesting to take a look at. You’ll want a hammer, nails, stage, measuring tape, and a pencil. To finish, check if the frames are stage and at all times verify if they’re properly secured.
With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get misplaced within the sea of possibilities. These similar standards used by museums and galleries worldwide may be tailored to house environments, making certain your paintings receives the care it deserves. Remember that art care is an ongoing course of rather than a one-time effort. Environmental conditions change seasonally, your collection will grow over time, and your understanding of proper care will deepen by way of experience. Proper care transforms your artwork assortment from a collection of purchases into a lifelong supply of pleasure, beauty, and cultural connection.
Go canvas for an artsy look, or framed artwork for more polish. Picture hangers are principally metal hook that you simply safe to the wall with a nail. They’re available in several sizes, a few of which can hold one hundred kilos. In Des’s e-book, he additionally recommends the round flip and two half hitches for hanging footage. Although, in his e mail, he defined this is better for adjustment, particularly when you’re using image hanging cord as an alternative of wire. D-rings are finest for frames which might be shallow, heavy, or have paper backings on the again to protect the contents from dust.
Right now the art in this house is 36″ wide, however only about 24″ tall. Although the color is ideal, the span is fairly good, and it’s hung on the right stage, it still feels only a tad anemic. Now I perceive that it feels like it’s floating as a end result of are no furnishings to anchor it, i.e., it is actually too small for the space. You mentioned “unless you have really low ceilings.” so, what would you recommend for low ceilings? Also any tips for how to prepare collages of artwork on partitions that are angled ceilings? We have only a few partitions in our house with a completely horizontal ceiling on the top of a wall.
If you’re undecided about the kind of wooden that might fit the painting one of the best, consider visiting an area lumberyard. There, you possibly can stack totally different pieces of wood, molding, and sq. dowels to find the preferred aesthetic. Are you in search of much more ways to precise your unique persona and the things in life that matter most to you?
Always ensure that whatever you’re hanging on the wall isn’t going to fall down. This is especially true for any frames which have a protective glass pane, or for giant mirrors (or TVs). Nobody wants their art work to return crashing down and shattering into 1,000,000 items.
For art work, it’s your decision a mat hue that complements a dominant colour in the piece. First, if kids could be taught to not touch a sizzling stove, they can be taught to not touch art work. In a playroom or youngsters’ room, one answer may be to hang artwork that’s extra kid-friendly, like a ribbon wall hanging or tapestry. Here are a few enjoyable DIYs for this from A Beautiful Mess and Studio DIY. In this picture under, the art is beginning even closer to the couch, and travels far up the wall, for a bold assertion wall virtually resembling the feeling of a mural or wallpaper. For example, in a minimalist room, they could opt for one giant piece with clean strains.
Canvas art is greater than just a decor factor; it’s a timeless piece that brings a novel character to any house. One of essentially the most enchanting features of canvas artwork is its texture. The method it provides a tactile dimension to your partitions is really charming. This three-dimensional quality brings a dynamic and interesting presence to a room, making a lively and inviting ambiance.
The D-hangers are inclined to make the top of the picture frame lean a little bit out from the wall. Tightening the wire will reduce this a small quantity, but the effect will nonetheless be there. In my case, the wire was two inches from the highest of the frame when the wire is taught.