How to hang pictures in an older home?

Debra,

Could your walls be plaster? If not and you are dealing with old wallboard, look for anchors that you predrill into the wall. The picture hanger then goes into the anchor. Available at Home Depot and Lowe’s.

I use Command strips. I've had pictures in frames hung for years. The only word of caution is to make sure it is where you want it to be. Once your picture is in place if you take it down, you'll need to use new strips.

Plaster walls. Try pre drilling with a power drill and bit smaller then your nail

command strips...Even the TV show designers are using them now !!

It’s likely your walls are plaster. Use a drill with a very small bit, first putting painters tape over where you’re putting the hole. For heavy frames, you must find a stud Or find your artwork on the floor some night.

If you’ve an older home, your best bet for the future is to buy a stud-finder for $20-$30 at any hardware store. The slightly more expensive ones (worthwhile) also find electric and plumbing pipes. A truly great investment when you have plaster walls.

Command strips are great. But I use several small ones for bigger pieces so they don’t hang too far from the wall, destroying the effect.

Try putting a piece of tape over the area where you want to put in the picture hanger.

put tape where you want to put the nail or screw, then drill a hole using a bit slightly smaller than the hardware (screw). If the weight of your hanging pulls out, you’ll Have to use an expansion screw.