There is a world of art beyond the traditional frame. The ambiguity and elusiveness of any rigid definition of art are reflected in the myriad of media artists use as the vehicle for their message. Some collectors lean toward sculptural pieces like ceramics and glass, while others embrace the tradition of heritage crafts like fiber art.
These options may be exciting for collectors, but the challenge lies in safely displaying them beyond the tabletop and onto the wall. That’s where professional art hanging solutions come in. The art of curating personal and professional art displays has evolved far beyond the frame, wire, and picture hanger setup, so if you’re looking for the best way to hang large sculptures on a wall and turn them into a conversation piece, it’s time to explore this special team of innovative hanging solutions.
The Unique Challenges of Non-Traditional Artworks
First, we begin by listing the unique challenges of hanging mixed media pieces, sculptures, and large installations that you’ll need to look out for:
Weight and size: Many of these artworks are significantly larger and heavier than the typical frame, thus requiring robust support systems. Any hanging hardware should come with a weight rating, so make sure to check that it should at least double your piece’s weight.
Shape and structural complexity: Some pieces have protruding elements, uneven surfaces, or delicate materials that require hardware that can handle large and uneven surfaces.
Materials: Take note of the materials used in your piece. Wood, metal, glass, or textiles may require different supports.
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Installation methods: Large-scale works may need additional support, such as ceiling mounts, multi-anchor points, or hidden reinforcement structures.
Environmental factors: Outdoor installations or artworks in high-traffic areas require weather-resistant and tamper-proof solutions.
With those basics covered, the next step is choosing the right hanging and mounting tools. Each challenge you encounter will help you make more informed choices, so be sure to assess them diligently before making any decisions.
The Best Hardware for Mixed Media, Sculptures, and Large-Scale Installation Art
These specialized hanging tools are perfect for home decorators, interior designers, gallery mounters, curators, artists in their studios, installation specialists, or basically anyone looking to hang with confidence.
Heavy-Duty Picture Hanging Hardwarefor Mixed Media and Large Canvases
For oversized canvas wall art or heavily layered mixed media pieces, a standard D-ring or wire hanger may not be sufficient. Instead, try the following options:
Aluminum Cleat Hangers
French cleats consist of two beveled wood or metal pieces that interlock to securely hang frames and decor. Picture Hang Solutions’ metal cleats are designed to be thin enough to keep artwork lying flush against the wall for a clean, seamless look.
Best For: Large wall art, heavy stretched canvases
How They Work:These hangers use a two-part interlocking system where one piece attaches to the wall while the other is attached to the frame. When mounted, the two pieces lock together for a secure hold.
Why They Work:Since they span the entire width of the frame and can support over 200 lbs (depending on length), French cleats are one of the sturdiest options for mounting bulletin boards, heavy mirrors, wall shelves, and headboards.
In case you want to look more into our heavy-duty hanging hardware, we have a handy guide for you here:
Wall Buddies
Wall Buddies are a pair of self-leveling sawtooth hangers. They strengthen the upper corners of frames likecorner braces and eliminate the stress on frame rails and corner joints, while their sawtooth edges allow frames to be level and flush with the wall.
Best for: Wood frames that weigh up to 80 lbs.
How they work: Wall Buddies distribute weight evenly across the frame, instead of concentrating it on the joints.
Why they work: They prevent frame warping, stabilize large frames, and make for a more secure installation.
Mounting Systems for Sculptures and Three-Dimensional Works
Hanging sculptures or three-dimensional mixed media works require specialized support. Choosing the right hardware will highly depend on how you plan to display your sculpture, whether you plan to keep it stationary or give it a dynamic, kinetic effect. You need to make sure that the supporting hardware also works to ensure stability while maintaining the artwork’s intended presentation.
Cable Suspension System
Stacking frames vertically to create that coveted gallery wall effect isn’t just for artwork—sculptures, textiles, and even decorative objects can be arranged just as dynamically using a reliable cable suspension system.
Best For: Hanging light to medium-weight frames, sculptures, clothing, and other display items in homes, galleries, and retail spaces.
How They Work: A sturdy metal track, typically spanning up to 8 feet, is mounted to the wall. Hanging steel cords are attached to this track, supporting adjustable hooks that can be repositioned as needed. This makes it easier to swap out or rearrange pieces without drilling new holes.
Why They Work: Each component—the track, cords, and adjustable hooks—has its own weight rating, ensuring a strong and stable hold for your pieces. Plus, their adjustability makes them ideal for evolving displays or frequently updated collections.
Toggle Anchors
Large-scale installations demand more than just strong hardware—they require strategic anchoring solutions. Not every wall has a perfectly placed stud, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on security. Toggle anchors provide the strength needed to mount heavy 3D pieces, sculptures, and other oversized decor—even when studs aren’t an option.
Best For: Mounting large sculptures, taxidermy, heavy framed art, mirrors, and shelving on drywall or hollow walls.
How They Work: Toggle anchors expand behind the wall, distributing weight over a larger surface area. This prevents pull-out and ensures a secure hold, even in drywall or plaster, making mounting heavy artwork without damaging walls easier.
Why They Work: Unlike traditional anchors, toggle anchors can handle significant weight without relying on studs. Their design allows for strong, stable support, making them a go-to for mounting heavy, irregularly shaped pieces.
One of our clients, installation specialist Chris McConnell, shared his experience mounting a full-body taxidermied mountain lion perched on a 150-pound live oak tree branch positioned 10 feet above a stair landing. When the wall studs didn’t align with the pre-installed contact points, they used a strap toggle as a secure alternative.
Outdoor and High-Exposure Installations
Weatherproofing and security are essential when installing artwork outdoors or in public spaces to ensure longevity and prevent theft or damage. Exposure to the elements, such as rain, wind, and sunlight, can weaken materials over time, while unsecured pieces risk being tampered with or removed. Choosing the proper mounting hardware, protective coatings, and installation techniques can help safeguard artwork from both environmental factors and unwanted interference.
Corrosion-Resistant Hardware
Majority of the Picture Hang Solutions catalog features rust-resistant zinc-coated hanging hardware. Check out our variety of wall hooks and other bestsellers here:
Best For: Outdoor art installations
How They Work: Stainless steel brackets, screws, and bolts resist rust and corrosion, ensuring long-term durability.
Why They Work: These materials withstand exposure to rain, humidity, and temperature changes.
If you want to hang more art outside on your front porch or planning and outdoor art exhibit, we have a handy article for how to safeguard the pieces:
Anti-Theft Security Kits
Secure hanging systems for public art displays are an integral component of hanging art in high-traffic areas. Security kits provide all the necessary hardware to mount artwork with an added layer of protection, preventing unauthorized removal or accidental displacement. These kits are commonly used in galleries, hotels, hospitals, and other public spaces where artwork needs to remain securely in place.
Best For: Public art displays, offices, hotels, hospitals, and other high-traffic or unsupervised locations.
How They Work: Each security kit includes a sturdy wall bracket to support the frame, a T-Lock security screw that locks the frame into place, a mounting plate to hold the security screw, and a specialized wrench to lock and unlock the frame as needed.
Why They Work: These picture hanging kits provide peace of mind by keeping artwork firmly in place, reducing the risk of theft, tampering, or accidental falls.
Read up on this article for a more detailed breakdown of how these wonder kits work:
Final Thoughts
If you’re anything like us (picture hanging nerds), exploring the scope of innovations beyond the traditional hook and wire is a thrilling venture. Picture hanging hardware changes and evolves with art mediums and the professional art industry, and we’re here to do our part by providing the best options available to hang anything from large scale to unconventional work.
If you’re unsure about which hardware is appropriate for your pieces, don’t hesitate to reach out to us support@picturehangsolutions.com! Happy hanging!
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