What’s an Art Hanging System and How Does It Work?

At Systematic Art, we get asked this question all the time.  So for our first post we thought we’d introduce the very basics of an art or picture hanging system. Since this will be the primary focus of this blog, we wanted to discuss some of the components, features, and terms that will be used over the course of our posts.

The basic art hanging system is simply comprised of 3 parts: track, hanger, and hook.

What’s an Art Hanging Track?

A track (or rail) is an aluminum channel that mounts to either the wall or ceiling and is the starting point of the art hanging system. This is the only part of the system that needs to be installed to your existing structure. Wall-mounted tracks typically handle more weight and can be easier to install, whereas ceiling-mounted tracks are best for “difficult” walls, like brick, concrete, glass, mirror, tile, wood, fabric, or wallpaper. Choosing the track will determine which hangers to use and how much weight can be supported.  It’s also important to keep in mind that in order to achieve the maximum weight capacity, the tracks should be properly installed based on the specific mounting conditions. Once the track is installed, you have the flexibility to add, remove, and adjust the hangers with ease and without ever having to make unnecessary holes in the wall. Systematic Art offers different styles of ceiling and wall-mounted tracks that can support between 75 to 250 lbs when properly installed.

What’s a Hanger?

The hanger can be placed anywhere along the span of the rail and hangs vertically to suspend your art. Systematic Art offers 3 types of hangers: Rods, Cables, and Cable Rods.

Rods are available in aluminum or stainless steel and are the most heavy-duty hanger option, capable of handling 70 to 100 lbs each. They also provide a more traditional and classic look, and are offered in various colors, lengths and styles.

Cables are the most popular hanger option because they provide a very modern, industrial look and are least visible. We love using cables because they are durable, inconspicuous, and offer the most flexibility. Systematic Art’s cables are available in clear nylon, stainless steel, and a variety of colors. At less then 2 mm in diameter, the cables are barely noticeable, yet they can withstand anywhere from 15 to 40 lbs each and come anywhere from 4 to 20 feet in length. Cables offer the most flexibility since excess cable can easily be cut if not needed or neatly tucked behind the picture for later use. Also, cables can be easily rolled up and stored when not being used.

The Cable-Rod is a hanger alternative that is essentially a merger between our rod and cable.  Systematic Art designed this unique product for customers who want the sturdiness and rigidity of a rod, but love the discreet look of a cable with all the great hook and clamp options. The steel cable-rod can support up to 30 lbs and is available in multiple lengths and colors for any environment.

What’s an Art Hanging Hook?

The hook is used to attach art to the hanger and is fully adjustable along the length of the hanger.

Rod hooks (or “Museum Hooks”) work with aluminum or stainless steel rods and are available in 3 styles: standard, heavy-duty, and with safety lock. All rod hooks attach to the rod by a self-locking cam action, making the hook easy to use and secure.

Cable hooks will work on both cables and cable-rods and are divided into two types: side screw or self-gripping. Side-screw hooks adjust by manually tightening or loosening a setscrew via a knob on the side of the hook. Self-gripping hooks are the easiest to use since they automatically grip the hanger via ball bearings inside the hook, allowing them to support the most weight.

We wanted to also briefly mention that when using cables or cable-rods, hooks can be substituted with other accessories, such as clamps or tensioners, to suspend objects such as signs, panels, or other objects.

We hope you found this brief tutorial of Systematic Art’s picture hanging systems helpful and informative. You can see that putting together your own custom hanging system is easy.  We offer such a diverse range of tracks, hangers and hooks that you’re bound to find the system that’s perfect for you.   Please visit us at www.systematicart.com and check back with Systematic Art’s Blog often for more art hanging ideas and information.