Assemble a Picture Hanging Kit For Stress-Free Decorating (2025)

Table of Contents

What To Include in an Organized Picture Hanging Kit Finding the Right Storage Box Where to Find a Divided Storage Box Labels Frequently Asked Questions Is It Better to Hang Pictures with Nails or Screws? Should You Hang a Picture with One or Two Hooks? Can You Purchase Pre-Made Picture Hanging Kits? How Many Inches Apart Should Pictures Be Hung? Other Organizing Posts For You To Read

Learn how to put together an organized picture hanging kit with all the hooks and tools you’ll need to hang photos, artwork, mirrors, and other decor with ease!

CLEAN + ORGANIZE | Published February 21, 2025

What To Include in an Organized Picture Hanging Kit
Finding The Right Storage Box
Frequently Asked Questions
More Organizing Posts For You To Read

What slows you down when hanging decor on the wall is gathering the necessary tools and supplies.

Putting together a picture hanging tool kit is a time saver that takes the stress out of searching for a single screw or roll of wire when you are ready to redecorate. From hooks and sawtooth hangers to rubber grips and command strips, everything you need to hang a picture, mirror or other decor on the wall is stored together in one easy-to-grab container.

While it is a small investment of money and time, you’ll be grateful for the convenience the next time you don’t have to rummage around for a hammer and hook when you get a new piece of wall art.

Read on to learn exactly what you should include in your kit, where to find a suitable storage box and tips for hanging art in your home.

What To Include in an Organized Picture Hanging Kit

Everyone’s needs are different, but here are some suggestions about what you might like to have in your decor hanging kit. Choose what you know you'll use, add things that might not be listed, and leave out what isn't necessary for you.

Tape Measure

Mini Hammer and Screwdriver: The handle of this compact hammer unscrews to hold a small set of screwdrivers.

Awl: Helpful for making indentions where you'll be installing hook on frame.

Wire Cutters: For trimming picture wire

9" Plastic Level: Necessary for hanging level pictures and shelves.

Pencil

Small Notebook: Useful for recording notes and measurements when hanging.

Rubber Bumper Pads ★: These clear self-adhesive stickers protect your walls from marks and keep frames level. Stick one in each of the lower corners 1/4" to 1/2" away from both edges.

There are many different types of picture hangers on the market and you’ll need to choose the right type based on the decor you’re hanging. They come in various sizes and weight limits, so always check the package to ensure that the hooks you use can support what you’re hanging.

Here are some common varieties you’ll want to consider including in your box:

Sawtooth Hangers: Small metal strips with sharp teeth on one side that attach onto the nail or screw in the wall. You can easily level a picture by moving it into the next notch. There are multiple sizes to hold different amounts of weight (from 5 to 25 pounds), but they aren’t recommended for anything heavier. Mount a single hanger in the center of your frame or position one on each side. Some sawtooth hangers need to be hammered in with tiny nails or screws that are included while others have built-in tines on the back.

Wall Anchors: (Also known as drywall plugs) Normally made of plastic, these hollow screw attachments expand to create a stronger bond between the wall and screw. They are ideal for heavier frames or areas where you cannot screw directly into a wall stud.

Picture Hanging Hooks: (Also known as wall hangers) Picture hanging hooks are one of the most popular ways to hang a picture. A nail or screw is inserted through a hole in the top of the hook attaching it to the wall. A stud will give you the most secure hook for heavier items.

D-Rings: This type of hook is great for heavier pictures and can be used with or without picture hanging wire. Attach one or two onto the back of your picture frame using the included screw.

Picture Hanging Wire: Useful for hanging a larger picture level with two D-rings. The wire should be long enough to stretch between the two hooks with a little slack allowing you to adjust the frame’s position on the wall. Wire is weight rated and comes braided or vinyl coated.

Command Strips: To hang lightweight decorations. They generally can handle a 24 to 36 inch piece of decor that weighs 16 pounds or less. These hooks are great for renters and useful at the holidays so that you don’t have to patch drywall holes when changing decor.

Finishing Nails: For lightweight items that don’t exceed 1 pound, a simple 1 1/2” nail is all you need. They don’t leave huge holes in your wall, but should be driven into a stud for a sturdy hanging spot.

Bear Claw Screw: A great choice for heavier items when you don’t want to use an anchor. They have a special double head that leaves a portion extended from the wall to hang your decor. Screw these into a stud for added strength.

Finding the Right Storage Box

First, decide exactly what you want to store in your decor hanging tool kit and then look for a case that will hold it all.

Search for a storage container that meets these criteria:

Compact and small - You don’t want something that will take up a lot of space, so stick to just storing the type of hooks that you know you commonly use.

Multiple compartments in various sizes to hold lots of different things. Look for options with removable dividers so that you can have smaller sections for each type of hook and larger spaces for a hammer and level. I cut one of the lightweight plastic dividers to better accomodate my tools.

The fit of the lid to the case has to be snug so nails and hooks don't slip out from their designated compartments. If you find the nails and screws are migrating under the dividers, add a little glue to secure them in place.

Where to Find a Divided Storage Box

Depending on how you want to store your picture hanging hooks and tools and how much you have to organize, there are different types of of boxes that you may want to consider. Here are some places you to look, either in-store or online:

Craft Store: Look at options for organizing beads and jewelry, craft supplies, or scrapbooking supplies

Hardware Store: There are boxes for the storage of nails and screws or you may want to consider a small toolbox.

Outdoor Store: Some fish tackle boxes ★ are perfect for storing picture hanging supplies.

Office Supply Store

The Container Store

Labels

It may be helpful to attach adhesive labels onto your box so that you can remember the size or weight limit of different hooks that you’ve stored.

Labels also make it easy to see at a glance what you might be out of or when something has been removed from the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that you may have concerning hanging pictures or creating a decor hanging kit. If you don't see your question answered here, feel free to send me an email and I’ll be happy to help!

Is It Better to Hang Pictures with Nails or Screws?

When hanging heavier objects like a mirror or very large frame, screws will give you the most secure hanging spot. Always try to attach your hook into a stud and use drywall anchors if that isn’t possible.

Nails work best for small picture frames or lightweight decor.

Should You Hang a Picture with One or Two Hooks?

Two hooks take a bit more time and measuring to install, but will help the picture stay level and provides extra security for heavy items. One hook is fine for small items.

Can You Purchase Pre-Made Picture Hanging Kits?

You can find small kits prefilled with a variety of hooks in many different stores and online. These are an inexpensive and simple way to get the basics if you don’t plan on needing too many different sizes or weights.

If you do a lot of redecorating, thought, making your own kit is convenient because you have a selection of hooks and tools that you want stored in one place.

How Many Inches Apart Should Pictures Be Hung?

When hanging multiple frames, it is a balance between keeping the pieces close enough together so the eye sees them as one unit, yet far enough apart to be appreciated on their own.

A good rule of thumb is to leave about 3 or 4 inches of space between the frames (never more than 6inches). The spacing should be kept consistent in the grouping of artwork, unless it is in an eclectic gallery wall.

READ MORE: Rules of Thumb to Help You Hang Art Correctly Every Time

Putting together a decor hanging kit is a fun afternoon organizing project that will take the stress out of any future redecorating plans!