Perfectly Level

How to complete Perfectly Level

A frame that's even a degree off reads as crooked the moment someone walks in, and eyeballing it almost never works. Getting one dead level is a small, satisfying win that makes a wall instantly look intentional.

1. Decide the center height (around 57-60 inches to the picture's middle is gallery standard) and mark it lightly
2. Measure the gap between the hanging wire or D-rings and the frame top, then transfer that down from your mark
3. Hold a spirit level or phone level along the planned top edge and mark both hook points
4. Drive the hooks or screws, hang the frame, then check with the level across the actual top edge
5. Nudge one side until the bubble sits dead center and confirm it holds

Tips

• For wire hangers, use two hooks spaced apart instead of one to stop the frame swinging out of level
• A phone's built-in level app works fine if you don't own a spirit level
• Mark with a pencil, not pen, so misjudged holes wipe away

What counts as done

A level laid across the top edge shows the bubble centered and the frame looks straight from across the room.