Hang a picture straight, on the first try

You need: a pencil, a tape measure, a level (a phone level app works), and the right hook.

1. Pick the height. The centre of the picture should be about 145 to 150 cm from the floor. That's roughly eye level.
2. Measure the drop. Pull the hanging wire or hook on the back of the frame up as if it were hanging, and measure from there to the top of the frame. Call it the drop.
3. Mark the centre point on the wall at your chosen height. Then measure up half the frame's height, and down the drop. That's where the nail goes.
4. Two hooks are better than one for anything wider than 50 cm. It stays level instead of tilting over time.
5. Choose the fixing:
   • Light frames: picture hooks or adhesive strips.
   • Heavy frames on plasterboard: wall plugs made for hollow walls, or screw into a stud (knock on the wall; a solid sound means a stud).

Tip: put a piece of masking tape where you'll drill. It stops the plaster from chipping.