Frequently Asked Questions
I only have one picture to hang. Is there a minimum booking?
No, I am happy to help you place and hang a single piece.
What notice do I need to give?
Depending on the time of year, I typically require around one - two week's notice. I work weekdays and can work into the evenings if necessary. If you have a hanging emergency just let me know and I’ll do my very best to help you.
Do you charge for estimates?
No, all estimates are free of charge and carry no obligation. If you text or WhatsApp 07951 177 931 with images of your wall and artworks, I can provide an estimate for many smaller projects quickly over mobile.
Do you require a deposit?
For smaller jobs I'm happy to confirm your booking without a deposit. Larger projects or where specialist fixings need to be ordered in advance, I ask for a minimum 25% deposit.
Any deposit is discussed and agreed at the time of booking and detailed in the estimate.
Do you need an on-site consultation before you arrive?
It’s not required but if you like we can arrange an initial curation site visit which I charge at my usual hourly rate for curation advice. Typically I can get all the information needed by phone call and email to prepare an estimate.
Can you work in rental properties?
If your lease and landlord agree, then I am happy to. I can also recommend fixing methods that require less intervention to the walls if this is flagged in advace.
On the day
Do I need to prepare anything before you arrive or prepare the artwork?
No, as long as I have access to the work and the spaces, we can discuss the rest on the day. If I am designing gallery walls or montages I’ll need some clear floor or table space nearby to plan the layout design. If I need to alter any frame hardware we can discuss that on the day.
Do you bring all the fixtures, fittings, tools and equipment?
Yes. I bring a wide variety of frame hardware, fixtures, fittings and equipment. I have my own tools, wall scanners, detectors, laser levels and ladders. Any specialist fixings or very heavy duty fixings such as Springlock or Takiya will need to be ordered in advance. Anything out of the ordinary can be arranged with sufficient notice.
What if I'm not sure where I want things hung?
Advice on placement and arrangement is a core part of my service. On the day we can discuss the works available, and I can provide ideas on how they can be hung to show them at their best in your home or business. I can design groups layouts, gallery walls, montages and photo walls. I will always discuss and agree with you the final placement before anything is fixed to a wall.
How long will it take?
Every job is different. The time needed depends on the number of pieces, their frame material, size and weight, the wall substrate and condition, and how much planning time is needed. For example, a complex gallery wall will naturally take longer to design and install than a straightforward single hang. The first step is to walk through your requirements and finalise the placements with you, looking at the pieces, the walls and the frames. Then the work is hung.
As a rough guide, I typically hang between 3–5 pictures per hour, depending on their fixings, size, wall type and wall condition. Hanging an average Edinburgh flat typically takes around one to two days, including planning and design. Montages and gallery wall designs take longer than straightforward picture hanging, as the planning and installation is more complex than with a simpler hang. These are rough guides and I am happy to discuss your specific requirements and give you an estimate.
A small job may take an hour or two; larger homes or collections will take more time. I'll always give you a realistic estimate before we start any work on site.
Do I need to be there?
There is no need to be there once we have agreed on the placement. I am happy to get on with hanging. All I need is access to the space and the work.
Can you hang objects?
Yes! Every piece is different, but I can hang many types of objects including plates, 3D objects, small sculptures and textiles. Objects can be integrated into the design and often work beautifully as part of a gallery wall or montage designs.
My picture has no fixings. Can it be hung?
I carry a wide range of picture frame hardware, and can upgrade or repair fixings for most picture frames, canvases and works on board. I’m experienced in hanging a variety of art, pictures and 3D objects and can troubleshoot most typical issues on site. I am happy to upgrade fixings on site if needed.
Does everything need to be professionally framed?
No. Having work professionally framed will give you the best results and protect your piece against damage, but I am happy to work with what you have. I can usually find a solution and upgrade the hanging hardware on many types of shop bought wooden and MDF frames.
Do you frame artwork?
No, I don’t but I can recommend a number of local framers who can help you frame your work. I am happy to advise on frame colour and mount choice as part of my curation service.
Specialist picture hanging and other services
Can you move or rehang existing pictures?
Yes. I can rehang your existing collection of pictures and refresh your home. Many people like to do this after redecorating rooms, moving house, upsizing or downsizing.
Can you hang from picture rails or picture hanging systems?
Yes, I can. Picture rails are a great option and already exist in many of Edinburgh's Georgian and New Town properties. I will consider them where they exist and if you have the hooks and fittings available. Additional hooks, chains or cords can be arranged on request. Please note, I do not install picture rails as this would require a specialist fitter or joiner.
Can you install my art exhibition in Edinburgh?
I love working with artists, and I have experience installing exhibitions using traditional methods, picture hanging systems and rails.
Can you hang pictures with command strips/hooks?
I prefer not to use these wherever possible as their durability cannot be guaranteed. However, if you specifically require them, I can discuss the options with you. Sometimes these fixing methods can fail due to weight, humidity, and wall condition, and can damage the wall or paintwork when removed. Worth bearing in mind before using them.
Will you damage my walls?
Hanging anything requires some intervention into the wall. I’ll use the appropriate fixings and confirm placement with you before making any marks. I carry with me a range of fixings to suit most wall typical types and construction. It’s important to remember that Edinburgh's Georgian and Victorian properties can have very old walls, of variable condition and materials. I understand them and how they are built; however nothing in life is entirely risk-free. I will always give you my honest opinion on what can be done and any potential risks before I make a mark. Walls are always scanned before any hanging or drilling to check for live wires and metal pipework and I will always flag any concerns.
Do you work with valuable/fragile art?
Yes and I treat every piece with the same care and attention no matter what it is. All art is valuable to its collector, whether a family portrait, delicate watercolour, your child’s drawing or an original artwork. If the work is framed, I check the hardware is in good condition before hanging, and I never rush handling a valuable piece. If the frame is extremely fragile, I would recommend consulting a specialist picture framer to ensure it is in sound condition for hanging.
Do you hang heavy mirrors and very large pictures?
I specialise in picture hanging, art curation, montages and gallery walls. To maintain this focus and for safety, I do not install heavy or oversized mirrors alone. I can install mirrors and artwork up to a weight of around 6-8 kg, but would recommend engaging a specialist or a second installer for very heavy or large mirrors and artworks. Large and heavy pieces require an additional pair of hands to guide them into place safely.
What if something goes wrong?
I'm fully insured with public liability insurance in the unlikely event that anything goes wrong. If I'm ever unhappy with how something looks I'll say so at the time, and we'll find a solution together.
Pricing, Locations and Commercial
How do you charge?
I work on an hourly rate, billed incrementally, with a call-out charge for all services. Any specialist fixings required are billed at additional cost and agreed in advance of purchase.
For picture hanging with curation and placement advice, all standard materials are included; for example, picture hooks, plasterboard hooks, wall plugs and D-rings.
Curation consultation is charged by the hour, or I offer a fixed price 1.5 hour visit with no call out charge.
Do you charge for travel and parking?
Parking charges are added to the final invoice. I don’t charge for travel time. Instead, a mileage charge is added for projects outwith the Edinburgh City bypass. I provide transparent pricing with no surprises.
Where do you work?
I cover Edinburgh city centre and neighbourhoods, including the New Town, Old Town, Stockbridge, Inverleith, Trinity, Morningside, Bruntsfield, Southside, The Grange and Murrayfield.
Outside of Edinburgh, I cover the Lothians and Borders, including East Lothian, Portobello, Musselburgh, North Berwick, Gullane, Longniddry, Peebles, South Queensferry, Dalmeny, and Linlithgow.
Not sure if you're within range? Please get in touch and if I can get there, I will.
Do you work with businesses or commercial spaces?
I am happy to work with architects, interior designers or other contractors. I can work in business types, including commercial galleries, Airbnbs, holiday lets, serviced apartments, offices, hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues. If needed, I can work outside normal business hours if you are on a tight deadline. Please see Commercial for more details.
Can you help me source or frame artwork?
Yes. I can recommend local galleries and personally connect you with a number of talented local emerging and established artists across Edinburgh and beyond. Whilst I do not frame artwork, I can recommend framers across the city.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes! Gift vouchers make a perfect and unusual present for someone who has just moved home, married, had a baby or bought a new piece of art. Get in touch directly to arrange.
How do I book?
Please contact me via the website form with details of your picture hanging project. Alternatively you can email hello@nicelyhung.co.uk or call/WhatsApp on 07951 177 931.
