The safest way to hang art over a crib or around kids

As a mom of three, and a working artist, I've hung lots of art around kids, from large mirrors and bulletin boards to framed artwork and gallery walls. Here's the technique that I use in my own home that keeps art safely attached to the walls. 

This method has many benefits because it safely bears the weight of any type of artwork, it's quick to install, and it's inexpensive. 

I used this technique over my baby's crib with my baby farm animal nursery decor, and above the changing table, and my active toddler has not been able to pry the art off the wall, despite many attempts!

As an added bonus, your art will remain level and won't look crooked.

(By the way, the ribbon bows over the artwork don't hold any weight, they are simply decorative. I made the bows out of 4" blue satin ribbon, then stuck them on the wall with these mounting tape squares.)

I start with bearing the weight of my artwork. For small and lightweight art, I love these picture hanging nails or these picture hangers. They are as simple as hammering in a nail, but the weight is distributed over a larger area of the wall for more security.

For heavier pieces, I recommend using picture wire (as long as it's compatible with your art or frame). Locate a stud in your wall using a stud finder. For very wide pieces, you can even use two studs close to the center of the piece.

Place a washer over a long screw, then screw into the stud (you might have to drill a pilot hole). The screw directly in the stud will bear a lot of weight, and the washer prevents the picture wire from coming off the screw.

Next, secure the bottom of the artwork onto the wall to prevent little fingers from pulling it off. This is the secret ingredient!

I use Picture Hanging Strips, one on each bottom corner of the artwork. Depending on the width of my frame, I sometimes have to trim the width of the strip to fit my frame.

Peel one side of the paper backing off the strip, and attach to the bottom corner of your frame, making sure the strip and tab will be completely covered by the frame once it's on the wall (you don't want the tab hanging out). Repeat on the other bottom corner.

Now, remove the paper backing from the strips (the wall side), hang your artwork on your nail or picture hanger, and press the strip into the wall for a few seconds.

The way this technique works is that the weight of the artwork is completely on your screw or nail. The hanging strips simply secure the BOTTOM of the artwork and prevent the art from being dislodged. Since your artwork is hanging on a nail that points down, the picture hanger also prevents the art from being lifted up off the nail. 

Safety is the first priority when it comes to decorating around kids. It's more important than aesthetics, even for an artist like me! With this technique, you can have the art you want without sacrificing safety. 

Notes: 

I made the crib rail and other nursery items with fabric from my Baby Farm Animal fabric collection.

I used these frames for my Baby farm animal watercolors. 

The crib sheets are my absolute favorite! My husband and I wish we had these sheets because they are so soft. 

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