Art installation is a complex, responsible task that requires experience and professionalism. In most cases, common mistakes during art installation happen not because of bad taste. Instead, they relate to wrong decisions on physics, materials, and process control. Read on to see what mistakes people make, and how expensive the consequences may be.
Wrong Hardware Choices
Some art hangers choose hardware by the weight rating of the artwork instead of considering the wall system first. It is a common mistake that neglects the dynamic and pull-out forces caused by installation. Inexperienced hangers may screw the hardware straight into the drywall without anchors; pros make mistakes at this stage too, by not accounting for plaster over lath, crumbling masonry, or old skim coats with low holding power.
Hanging to “Eye Level”
The rule of thumb in the art hanging industry is to use the 57-inch centerline as a golden standard. It is suitable for average ceiling heights and average viewing distance but fails to take into account the nuances of different viewing spaces. This way, a layperson may hang the art object too high, often aligning the lines to the top door frames or furniture lines. Professionals are also prone to hanging height mistakes; in some cases, they apply a centerline standard in a stairwell, over a sofa, or in narrow corridors with shifting natural sightlines. The best decision in these scenarios is to use the primary viewing position as the main consideration for hanging height selection.
Ignoring Actual Hang Point Measurements
Laypersons often measure the frame’s height to determine whether the hanging wire will be located. However, such decisions are based on guesswork, as wires tend to sag, and D-rings vary widely. If you start drilling the wall with approximate dimensions in mind, the result may turn into repeated holes and crooked hanging. Even professionals may commit a mistake at this stage if they don’t pre-tension the wire. A safe option is to use two hooks for wide pieces, which makes the prediction much more precise.
Avoid These Common Mistakes During Art Installation by Hiring Pros
Obviously, some unexpected issues may arise when installing art. However, you can reduce risks and avoid the most common mistakes during art installation by hiring professional art hangers. Fine Art Shippers have three decades of experience installing art of all types, sizes, and dimensions. We handle projects of any complexity with due care and attention to detail, meeting our clients’ expectations without excuses.