Making the most of wall space

Looking to brighten up your new build home? Below we share our top tips and suggestions for making the most of your wall space.

 How to Make the Most of Your Wall Space in Your Home

 Find your fixing

Looking to hang a picture, painting or mirror in your new home? The first thing to consider is the weight of the object and the strength of the wall you are looking to hang it on.

Make sure you choose the right fixings. Your local hardware store or builders’ merchant should stock fixings for all different sizes and weights, with guidance on the maximum weight each fixture is designed to hold.

Lighter objects, like framed posters or prints may only require a nail, or even some of the ‘nail free’ hanging strips which can be purchased in most supermarkets, while other pictures may require a rawplug, screw or picture hook.

Top tip: If you’re living with children, let them pick out their own designs or artwork for their rooms. This will make them feel part of the decision-making process and help them to settle into their new room and home more quickly.

 X marks the spot

Once you’ve picked a spot for your frame, hold it up to the wall and place a strip of masking tape above it. Mark each end of the frame on the tape and put it aside.

If the frame is small and light it may only need one central hook. To find the right spot, divide the width of the frame by two and measure the distance from the marks on the tape. If your frame is larger you may need to make marks for two hooks - one at either side of the central point. 

Create your own gallery

If you’re looking to fill an empty wall, why not create a wall arrangement by hanging several pieces of artwork or photography together?

You can start with a large artwork or photo frame as a centre piece, and then hang other pictures around that to create a quirky gallery effect. Or, for a smooth-looking, symmetrical design and aesthetic, try hanging your pictures in pairs.

A wall arrangement can quickly create a look you’ll love and make the space feel personal to you and your tastes.

Watch your weight

If you are looking to hang larger art or mirrors onto stud walls, you may need a supporting mounting bracket, or alternatively special cavity anchors that open behind the plasterboard to offer that extra strength to the hold.

To secure in place, first drill the hole using a power tool, ensuring the drill bit is an appropriate size for the raw plug and screw you intend to use. Once drilled, clear the hole of dust and insert the raw plug or cavity anchor and then screw in place. When the fixings are in place ask someone to guide you while you hold the art against the wall and once mounted double check with a spirit level that your picture is straight.

Bonus tip

If you’re living with children, let them pick out their own designs or artwork for their rooms. This will make them feel part of the decision-making process and help them to settle into their new room and home more quickly.

Before you hang any pictures or mirrors in your new home, we advise that you read the NHBC’s guide to your new home to ensure you’re adhering to the recommended industry guidelines.

Have you made the most of your wall space? Share your interior achievements with us on Instagram @MillerHomesUK using #MyMillerHome.