How to Hang and Display a Pet Portrait

Hang a pet portrait so its center sits about 57 to 60 inches from the floor, which is roughly eye level, and 8 to 10 inches above any furniture beneath it. Then use hardware rated for more than the portrait's weight, anchored into a wall stud or a proper wall anchor.

That's the short version. Here's everything else that helps, from gallery walls and lighting to renter-friendly options.

Pick the right spot first

Before you reach for a hammer, think about where you'll actually see it:

• Where you spend time. The living room, above your bed or by your desk beats a hallway nobody lingers in.
• Out of direct sunlight. Strong sun fades printed artwork over time, so avoid walls that get hours of direct light.
• Away from heat and moisture. Skip spots right above radiators, heating vents, steamy bathrooms and the stove.
• Out of pet range. A cat who leaps onto shelves or a big dog with a happy tail can knock art off low walls or tables.

The height rule

Galleries and museums commonly hang art with its center around 57 to 60 inches from the floor. It works in homes too, because it puts the portrait at average eye level.

To hang at the right height:

1. Measure the height of your portrait and divide by 2.
2. Measure the distance from the hanging point (the tightened wire or the hook on the back) to the top of the frame or canvas.
3. Add 57 to 60 inches to the number from step 1, then subtract the number from step 2.
4. That's how high your nail or hook goes.

Exceptions:

• Above furniture, go by the furniture instead: leave 8 to 10 inches between the top of a sofa, console or dresser and the bottom of the frame, and 6 to 12 inches above a headboard.
• Rooms where you mostly sit, like a dining room or reading nook, can go a little lower.
• Stairways: follow the slope, keeping each piece at eye level from the step in front of it.

Spacing and balance

• Above furniture, aim for art that's about two-thirds the width of the piece below. If one portrait is too small, hang two or three as a group.
• Between frames in a group, leave a consistent gap of about 2 to 3 inches for small and medium pieces, a bit more for large ones.
• Center it on the furniture, not necessarily on the wall.

Building a gallery wall around your pet

A gallery wall is a great way to give your pet's portrait pride of place among family photos and art.

1. Choose your anchor piece. Make your pet's portrait the largest piece and place it at eye level near the center.
2. Lay it out on the floor first. Arrange everything on the floor in front of the wall until you like the balance.
3. Make paper templates. Trace each frame on kraft paper, mark the hanging point, and tape the templates to the wall. Live with it for a day.
4. Keep the gaps consistent. Same spacing everywhere looks intentional, even with mixed frame sizes.
5. Repeat a color or finish. If your other frames are wood, a Pecan or White Oak frame ties in; if they're black, Matte Black keeps it cohesive.
6. Nail through the templates, then tear the paper away.

Have more than one pet? A row of matching portraits, each with the pet's name, makes a charming series. Read our guide to cat portraits and dog portraits for photo tips that help every portrait in the set look its best.

Lighting your portrait

Good light makes a portrait glow; bad light hides it.

• Use soft, indirect daylight where possible, such as a wall beside a window rather than facing it.
• Add a picture light above the frame, or angle a track or spot light at the portrait from the ceiling. An angle of around 30 degrees from vertical is a common starting point to reduce glare.
• Choose warm white LED bulbs. They give a cozy look and run cool.
• Check for glare at different times of day, especially on framed prints, and adjust the angle or position if needed.
• Hide cords of plug-in picture lights so curious pets can't chew or pull on them.

Hardware basics

Know your wall

• Drywall (most modern homes): sounds hollow when tapped. Use a stud if one is in the right spot, or a wall anchor rated for the weight.
• Plaster (many older homes): can crack. Drill a small pilot hole and use plaster-appropriate anchors or screws.
• Brick, concrete or tile: need a masonry bit and the right plugs, or a non-drilling alternative.

Common hardware

• Picture hooks: the classic angled nail hook, rated by weight. Easy and reliable for light and medium pieces.
• Wall anchors and screws: for heavier pieces or where there's no stud.
• Screws into a stud: the strongest option for large portraits.

Whatever you use, pick hardware rated for well over the weight of your portrait. For wider pieces, two hooks spaced apart keep the portrait level and stop it from tilting.

Keeping it straight

• Use a level (or the level app on your phone) before marking holes.
• Stick small felt or rubber bumpers to the bottom back corners to protect the wall and reduce slipping.
• A dab of removable mounting putty behind a lower corner helps stop a portrait from shifting when doors slam.

Renter-friendly options

Check your lease first, since rules about wall holes vary. Then try:

• Removable adhesive picture-hanging strips. Choose ones rated for more than your portrait's weight, clean the wall first and follow the waiting time on the package. They work best on smooth, painted walls.
• Small nails. Many landlords accept a few small nail holes, which are easy to fill with spackle when you move out.
• A picture ledge. Only a couple of screws, and you can swap or layer art freely.
• Lean it. A large portrait leaning on a mantel, dresser or console looks relaxed and intentional. Layer it with a plant or a smaller frame.
• Use an easel. Smaller canvases like a 12″ × 12″ look lovely on a tabletop easel on a desk or bookshelf.

If it arrived damaged

If your portrait shows up damaged or misprinted, don't try to fix it. We'll replace it free of charge. Our policies page explains how.

Ready to try it?

Once you know where it'll hang, the fun part is choosing how it looks. Soft styles like Watercolor Blue blend into calm rooms, while bolder ones like Pop make a statement. Upload a photo and see a free, watermarked preview in about 30 seconds. You only pay if you love the preview, and we email a digital proof before printing. Create your free preview.