The history of picture frames and borders is deeply embedded in the age-long story of visual art. The earliest known frame, dating back to the 2nd century AD, was discovered in the tomb of a Fayum princess in Ancient Egypt as part of a mummy portrait. By the Medieval era, church interiors featured hand-carved wooden frames embedded into walls, encasing panel paintings of religious figures. The picture frame’s evolving role shows how they’re more than just supports—they help tell the story, guiding your eye and adding to the meaning behind the art. 

Because they play an integral role in the storytelling function of picture hanging, frames need meticulous care and attention. Whether it’s a newly bought frame or an old one you’re repurposing, there’s a proper way to reinforce your frames so that they live to tell the tale – of your precious pieces, that is!

In this article, you’ll find the essential picture framing hardware supplies, along with clever solutions for fitting pieces into an old frame that doesn’t quite match. 

Most of the time, you won’t even really need brand-new frames. They’re often easy to find in thrift and surplus stores or even in your own home, collecting dust in a closet or attic. Repurposing and upcycling frames makes for a great DIY project, and if you want to use one for a canvas piece that doesn’t quite match the size or depth, then you’ll love what we’re about to show you next.

Canvas clips, or offsets, are L-shaped metal hardware whose shape allows one leg to fasten to the back of the frame while the other leg holds the canvas stretcher in place. They’re extremely easy to install, and both work for canvas stretchers that are too thick for the frame channels and deep-set frames that are thicker than the canvas stretchers.

The latter problem is also a common one among non-canvas pieces. Some art prints are too thin for the frame channel and will flop out of the frame. Spring clips are thin, flexible metal strips inserted into the frame channel to keep the frame’s contents in place. The spring-loaded mechanism applies pressure against the backing or matting and secures the artwork by creating tension within the frame channel.

If your concern is on how to secure a picture in a frame and you’re working with canvas frames, we have something that might help you out:

Like we’ve said time and again, the picture hanging journey doesn’t end when you finally get the frame up the wall. Before you hang it, there are a few final checks to make sure the picture frame stays level, is securely in place, and doesn’t pose any risks down the line.

If you’re hanging up valuable art and can’t risk it getting damaged during a structural disturbance, then here’s the kicker: security kits  are professional, gallery-grade hardware that will lock your frames in place and prevent them from falling or getting stolen. This will come as a relief, especially if you’re displaying framed pieces in accessible places such as a lobby, a retail store, or a rental unit.

If you want to get to know security hardware a little better, we have a handy guide just for you: 

Next, you also have to make sure the frame can hold itself up, and this is where picture frame corner hardware gets to shine. Obviously, you shouldn’t use a creaky frame from the get-go, but sometimes the connecting joints can loosen over time if not taken care of properly. Metal corner braces reinforce the corners and help distribute the weight evenly to prevent wooden frames from coming apart.

Lastly, our Wall Buddies (another crowd favorite) are picture frame corner braces that will be useful if you’re hanging a particularly large or heavy frame. They give the added assurance of covering more surface area by attaching to the upper corners of the frame, acting as corner braces to distribute hanging stress across the top of the frame evenly. They also come with their own specialty wall hooks to allow for multiple adjustments without removing it again from the wall.

Shop these essential frame reinforcement hardware here:

The first step in any of our guides about how to secure a picture frame to the wall is making sure you get the right hardware, and that’s especially important for frames. There are two crucial things to keep in mind when looking for the proper art hangers: 

1. By hanging method

A wall hook setup is likely your go-to option if you’re hanging a single frame and not a gallery arrangement. It’s a classic picture hanging method adaptable to any situation, provided you use quality hardware to secure the frame. Key components include durable D-rings and picture wire .

You have two great options for gallery setups, depending on your space. A gallery rod is ideal if you have a picture rail. If you don’t have one, a gallery track kit is your best bet if you want an adjustable gallery system that lets you switch up the picture frames occasionally. Both kits have adjustable hooks that clamp onto rods and cords, allowing you to rearrange your picture frames easily whenever inspiration strikes.

2. By weight rating

Once you have your preferred hanging method down pat, the next step is to select the hardware that matches your frame’s weight. Each picture hanging hardware comes with a weight rating, covering everything from light and mediumweight frames to heavier pieces. Always check the manuals, product inserts, and back labels to make sure you’re getting the right one. As a rule of thumb, opt for hardware that’s 1-3 times the frame weight for added security.

Learn more about picture hanging and weight ratings here:

Frames do so much more than serve as a vessel for the main show. They can be made part of the storytelling and become a canvas for the narrative. But like with any art material, they need a sturdy foundation to do their job. That’s where reliable framing hardware comes in, ensuring your picture frames are secure, level, and ready to contribute to the bigger picture.

Interested in any of these products but don’t know how to get started? Head on over to our blog and buff up your picture hanging knowledge, or send us an email at support@picturehangsolutions.com to help you get started!