Picture hanging rails are not new – but are becoming the new standard for displaying art, whether in the home, in an office, or in an art gallery.
Unlike other types of picture-hanging methods, picture rails allow the placement of artwork in a space to be easily changed and adjusted. This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of using picture rails for displaying a wide range of art, photographs, and pictures.
So, how do picture rails work? Can they be used in rentals? And are they more secure than banging a nail into the wall for picture hanging?
What are picture hanging rails?
Picture rails are a picture hanging system that hangs pictures or artwork on a piece of equipment that is more secure, can hold heavier loads, and protects the walls of a property than simply hammering a nail into the wall. Frames are suspended from a rail that is installed along the top of the wall, instead of being hung on nails or anchor points that damage the integrity of the wall.
Picture rails have been used for years and were even used in Victorian-era homes to display heavy tapestries without causing any damage to the plastered walls of the home. Over time, picture hanging rails have become more advanced to hold more load and different styles and shapes of artwork.
Picture rails are used in art galleries and museums as they offer increased protection for high-value pieces. But, they’re also being used more frequently in homes and offices as a renter-friendly, secure picture-hanging solution.
How picture rails work for displaying artwork
Picture rail systems work using suspension. Rails are installed at the top of the wall out of sight and serve as the anchor where hooks are attached to wires for the artwork to hang. The wires are invisible from further away – providing a floating appearance.
These rails serve as the anchor point from which wires are attached via hooks. At the other end of the wires, the frame of the picture or artwork to be hung is securely attached, resulting in a floating appearance with the frame hung in the middle of the wall.
The positioning of the frame can be adjusted by sliding the wires along the length of the rail, and the height of the display can be changed by shortening or lengthening the suspended wire. Picture rails allow multiple pictures to be hung side by side, or above one another.
Types of picture rails
There are different types of picture rails for different needs.
Metal Picture Railings
Metal picture railings are the most popular and durable type available and are ideal for hanging heavy frames or weighty displays. Aluminium alloys are used as a lightweight material to form the rail, while steel cables are used to support frames. Metal picture rails are for the minimalists and are used in galleries and loft-style homes.
Wood Picture Railings
Wood picture railings are made from timber or other types of hardwood to offer the support needed for hanging picture frames.
Nylon Picture Railings
Nylon picture railings have strong, transparent nylon wires.
How to install picture rails in a home or office
Picture rails can be installed on almost any type of wall surface, including plasterboard, brick, and concrete. For picture rail systems, you’re better off hiring someone who knows what they are doing – that way you can be sure your pictures are safely and effectively hung.
At Professional Picture Hanging, we use a state-of-the-art picture rail hanging system that can support up to 15kg, using nylon or steel cables to create a floating display. Get in touch with our team to get a quote for picture hanging rail system installation.