Frequently Asked Questions
I only have one picture to hang. Is there a minimum booking?
No, I am delighted 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 week's notice. I work weekdays and can work into the evenings if necessary. If you have a hanging emergency let me know and I’ll do my best to help you.
Do you charge for estimates?
No, all estimates are free of charge and carry no obligation.
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. This will be discussed and agreed at the time of booking.
Do you need an on site consultation before you arrive?
It’s not required but if you like we can arrange an initial site visit which I charge at my usual hourly rate. 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 recommend fixing methods that have less intervention to the walls.
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 space nearby to plan the layout. 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 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. I can design group layouts, gallery walls, montages and photo walls. I will always discuss and agree with you the final placements, 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 is involved. For example, a complex gallery wall will naturally take longer to design and install than a straightforward single hang.
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 or house typically takes around one to two days, including planning and design. Montages and gallery wall designs take longer, as the planning and installation is more complex than with a simpler hang.
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.
My picture has no fixings, can it be hung?
I carry a wide range of picture frame hardware and can suggest or alter fixings for many types of frames, canvases and works on board. I’m experienced in hanging a variety of art, pictures and objects and can troubleshoot most typical issues on site. We can upgrade fixings on site for most works 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 most types of shop bought 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.
Specialist hanging and other services
Can you move or rehang existing pictures?
Yes. I can rehang your 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 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 exhibition in Edinburgh?
I’d be happy to, and I have experience installing exhibitions using picture hanging systems.
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 appropriate fixings and confirm placement with you before making any marks. I carry with me a range of fixings to suit most wall 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.
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 first drawing or an original artwork. If the work is framed, I will check the hardware is in good condition, and I never rush handling a valuable piece. If the frame is very fragile or old, I would recommend consulting a specialist picture framer to ensure it is in sound condition for hanging.
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 in increments, with a call-out charge for all services.
For picture hanging with curation and placement advice, all standard materials are included; for example, picture hooks, plasterboard hooks, wall plugs and D-rings.
For picture hanging only without curation and placement advice, all materials are billed separately.
Any specialist fixings required are billed at additional cost and agreed in advance of purchase.
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 with many business types, including commercial galleries, Airbnbs, holiday lets, serviced apartments, offices, hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues. 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 local 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 something special. 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.
