When it comes to DIY, especially of the putting-holes-in-the-wall sort, my darling husband is a big fan/enforcer of the measure twice-cut once rule.  A trip to the Better Homes and Garden website (via the always helpful Lifehacker) turned up some great advice I know he’d love on how to mock up up a picture wall before breaking out the hammer and nails.
 
In three easy steps, from BHG.com:
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Trace pictures onto brown kraft paper and cut out. Label each of the papers with a description of the picture or a corresponding number.
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Using blue painter’s tape (which won’t pull up wall paint), tape the papers to the wall. Experiment with arrangements until you have one you like.
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Install picture-hanging hardware directly through the paper. Pull paper away and hang pictures one by one.
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 One note: given the difference between where frame manufacturers place hangers, you should proably mark on the paper where the best point to hang the frame is.
The end result looks like you paid a professional to do it for you:
 
Since most of our framed artwork is currently resting on the mantle, this may be just the inspiration we need to try to fill out some of the remaining blank walls in our apartment.Â
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Very cool- thanks for the tips!
This looks very nice and the tip is great… Although, I stick to the feng shui here – it’s not good to have anything hanging above your bed… It’s like a threat of something falling on your head… I dont like that feeling…
Anon: I totally agree about the bad feng shui of hanging things over the bed – I hate the feeling too that something might fall on you! I’m thinking of trying out this hanging technique for a vast space of white wall over my desk instead. In the bedroom I prefer to have artwork hung over the side tables next to the bed. Thanks for reading!
– Abbey
Thanks for the tips… I am currently trying to figure out what to hang by our staircase. This strategy just may bring the clarity I’ve been seeking!!
I found you during a search for “wall design with framed photos” and I sure appreciate the tips. I am working on a 17′ high wall along my stairway and I know exactly what I’m going to do now. I tend to be a “cut now and measure later” kind of girl so mine may end up to be a more eclectic design but I love your website and will continue to read for more inspiration. Thanks so much!
Greetings, I must say fantastic site you have, I stumbled across it in Yahoo. Does it get much traffic?
Hi! I discovered your blog on Google and have enjoyed checking it out. Thank you very much for the useful and detailed posts. I will be coming back soon.
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