How to Hang Pictures From a Ceiling Beam
Hanging pictures is a great way to add that unique touch to your home or office. It makes it more welcoming and may even impress your visitors. But there are cases when in addition to pursuing aesthetic goals you face some practical challenges. The traditional hanging method (picture against the wall) might not be the optimal solution. You may not even be able to use a wall. If using the walls aren’t the right way to go, which other option remains?
Your ceiling! Are you wondering how to hang pictures from the ceiling? Read on! At Hang Logic, we have had several ‘unconventional’ enquiries over the last few years, a few of which are so unique that we decided to describe them here in this article.
How to hang paintings from a wooden beam
How do you hang pictures from the ceiling: use our Artiteq Top Rail picture hanging system
Artiteq’s Top Rail hanging system is an incredibly flexible solution that is surprisingly easy to use and install. The final result is fantastic; it provides an almost invisible hanging system. All it takes is the rail itself, which can be ordered in different finishes or even painted, the appropriate fastener kit, and of course the hanging wires and hooks that suit your needs.
Et voila! You have undamaged, clean walls and can quickly and easily hang paintings, posters, photographs, or wall sculptures by clicking in the Twister hanging cords wherever you like.
This is what the Top Rail looks like:
How to install and use the Artiteq Top Rail
Best way to hang pictures in your shop window
Last year we got an enquiry from Hassell https://www.hassellstudio.com/#0, an international architecture firm. They asked, “Could you install a picture hanging rail on our window architrave so that we can hang prints of our projects from it?” Pedestrians passing by their window could then admire their projects – great advertising.
We used Artiteq’s Top Rail, a rail you can attach to a concrete ceiling, a wooden side strip of a recessed ceiling, the top of the interior casing of a cupboard, or in Hassell’s case, to the window architrave.
To hang Hassel’s prints from the top rail, we used 1 mm twister hanging wires along with the 1 mm Artiteq micro-grip hook. These hanging wires are the thinnest on the market. The Perlon Twisters (transparent Nylon 6) we used for this installation are almost invisible.
Here’s a photo:
How to hang pictures from a window architrave.
How do you hang a picture from the ceiling, away from the wall?
Last year we installed a picture hanging system at King Living https://www.kingliving.com.au/, an Australian furniture design business.
They wanted one of their pictures to hang a short distance away from the wall so it would cast interesting shadows. We installed an Artiteq top rail to the underside of their curtain box (aka pelmet, box valance, or cornice valance) inserted 2mm stainless steel twisters into it ( the picture was heavy) and slid the 2mm micro grip lock hook on to the hanger. Then we slid two micro grip lock hooks into D rings that we had screwed onto the framed photo. We used the micro grip lock hooks rather than the standard micro grip hooks because this picture was exhibited in a public space and needed to be securely fastened for safety and security reasons.
How to hang a picture from a curtain box using the Artiteq Top Rail
Below a similar scenario where the top rail is used to hang many prints in an office, this time using the Artiteq top rail in combination with transparent Perlon twisters and ratchet hooks.
How to hang many pictures from a ceiling using the Artiteq Top Rail track
Another request we received for a top rail:
“We want 10 x 6metres (approx.) rails to be fixed to a concrete ceiling in our community facility. I have attached a very simple floor plan (ground floor) with the area marked out for the ceiling fixed rails.”
We knew this would be a tough job. Drilling into 60 linear meters of concrete ceiling requires close to superhuman strength and stamina. After completing that job, you are eligible to join the superheros league.
How do you hang a picture from a timber beam?
Stone walls, tiles, or even concrete are all stylish materials that can give your space an unusual look and make it very distinctive and personal. However, it might be another story when you want to hang pictures on such walls. These materials certainly do not allow for an ‘easy drill’.
Well, sometimes the easy way is just above your head. Literally. In this case, the owner didn’t feel brave enough to try a drill into this magnificent stone wall (rightfully). Firstly, he didn’t want to wreck it with horrid holes, and secondly it can be quite tough to do.
However, a nice timber beam was available and perfectly suited the job.
Here’s a close-up view:
How to hang pictures from a timber beam.
This client chose to use stainless steel Twister hanging wires and 2 mm silver ratchet hooks, which looked great against her magnificent stone wall.
The Artiteq Top Rail, used to hang pictures, attached to a wooden beam
Now you might be wondering: how many pictures can hang from the tracking? The weight limit is 20kg per linear meter of rail. A 1-meter wide picture is rarely heavier than 5kg so unless you have heavy frames with glass or heavy mirrors you should be fine.
How do you hang artwork on tiles without drilling
Another example of a ‘difficult wall’ is a tiled wall. What if your walls are floor-to-ceiling tile? If you try to drill into such walls you risk cracking the tiles. Bates Smart Architects (https://www.batessmart.com) is an architectural firm with studios in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1853 it is one of Australia’s oldest architectural firms and has been responsible for numerous landmark buildings. Their newest stunning creation is the Adina Apartment Hotel Grand development on Constitution Avenue, ACT[1]. [1] (https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6035895/first-look-at-the-adina-apartment-hotel-grand-development-on-constitution-avenue/)
Their team contacted us wondering which technical solution would best allow them to hang a wire-frame artwork, without directly attaching it to the wall. The wall was covered in marble tiles, which could break if drilled. Once again, the Artiteq Top rail picture hanging track allowed them to overcome the issue, as shown in the picture. Because the artwork was light they chose the most invisible transparent hanger which is the 1 mm Perlon twister hanging wire. The best solution then was to crimp the hanger on to the artwork.
How to hang art on titled walls from the ceiling
How to hang pictures on tiled walls
Another client emailed us photos of an install he did with the following comment:
“As you can see from the pics I am using the top rail as I don’t want to drill into the tiles for fear of cracking the tile.
Given there is no cornice where the plaster meets the wall to ceiling there is a steel right angle strip behind the plaster for the plug and screw to bite into.
Once the rail is painted it will blend right in.
I think this is pretty standard practice for plasterwork in today’s apartments.”
Hanging pictures from the ceiling to avoid drilling into tiled wall using the Artiteq top rail tracking
Best way to hang things from the ceiling
A client wanted to display musical instruments in his windows and throughout key areas of his store. He had used up all floor display areas and was looking for a solution to display the instruments at any level (low, mid, and high). The instrument hanging system needed to be extremely versatile.
Thanks to the ArtiTeq Top Rail in combination with Twister Perlon cords he was able to hang unusually shaped objects (violins, saxophones, trumpets, and trombones).
How to hang things from the ceiling with an Artiteq top rail picture hanging system
How can you hang up room dividers?
The top rail can come in handy even for gyms. What a great idea to use these photographs as space dividers!
How to hang Posters from the ceiling using the Artiteq top rail picture hanging system
The title of this article is: can I hang pictures from my ceiling?
How to hang a picture from the ceiling using the Artiteq Top Rail
Our answer is yes, you can hang pictures from your ceiling, but don’t limit yourself to pictures, get creative and hang more (but don’t hang yourself).
Read on if you’d like more practical info on how to install the Artiteq top rail.
1. Pre-Drill: Always pre-drill holes to the size recommended for your specific fixing to prevent material from cracking or splitting.
2. Load Test: Before hanging anything, test the fixing with a load at least equal to what you plan to hang.
3. If the diameter of the installation holes in the top rail is smaller than the diameter of the screws intended for use in mounting the rail, you can enlarge the holes by using a drill.
4. Check Building Codes and Regulations: Make sure to follow any building codes or regulations in your area.
5. Seek Professional Help: For heavier loads, hire a professional.
Below some methods and types of fixings for different ceiling types:
Drywall or Plasterboard (Gyprock) Ceilings
1. Dual Material: It is made of two different materials, which allows it to expand, fold, or knot depending on the substrate. This makes it versatile and reliable.
2. High Load-Bearing Capacity: Due to its dual-material and intelligent functioning, it offers high load-bearing capacities, which is crucial for ceiling installations where safety is a prime concern.
3. Easy Installation: The plug is easy to install, usually requiring just a drill and a screwdriver. This saves time and labor costs.
4. Self-locking Effect: The design usually ensures that the plug locks itself securely within the material, reducing the risk of it coming loose over time.
5. Minimal Spacing: Because of its strong anchoring, it can be used in applications where minimal edge and spacing distances are required, giving you more flexibility in your installation.
6. Compatibility: It is compatible with a variety of screw types.
NB
Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and consider professional advice when installing anchors into ceilings.
Concrete Ceilings
For this we recommend:
1. Sleeve Anchors: These anchors expand as the bolt is tightened and offer very high load capacities.
2. Concrete Screws: These screws are specifically designed to tap into the concrete, offering a strong hold.
Timber Ceilings
1. Timber Screws: These can be directly screwed into timber beams or joists for a secure fit.
2. Hollow Wall Anchors: If the wood is not solid, these anchors can provide extra support
Metal Ceilings
1. Self-Tapping Screws: Use these for thinner metal ceilings.
2. Machine Screws with Nuts: Use these for thicker, more robust metal ceilings where access to both sides is possible.
Tiled Ceilings
1. Plastic Anchors: These can be used in the grout lines for lighter rails.
2. Sleeve Anchors: For heavier loads, these can be used, but extra care must be taken not to crack the tiles.
