How to hang metal wall art, indoors and outdoors

Hanging a steel piece is not much harder than hanging a framed picture. The main decision comes before it arrives: when you order on Etsy, you choose one of three mounting options. Here is what each one is for and how to hang it.

Option 1: Sawtooth hanger with standoff spacers (indoors)

This is the option for a floating look. A sawtooth hanger sits on the back of the piece, and spacers hold it a short distance off the wall. Light gets behind the steel and throws a soft shadow of the design onto the wall, which is a big part of why metal art looks the way it does.

How to hang it:

1. Decide where the top of the piece should be and mark the centre with a pencil.
2. Measure from the top of the piece down to the sawtooth hanger, and mark that distance below your first mark.
3. Drive a nail or screw at the second mark. On drywall, use a wall anchor rated for more than the weight of the piece.
4. Hang the piece on the screw and use a level along the top edge to straighten it.

Best for: living rooms, bedrooms, offices — anywhere indoors.

Option 2: Mounting holes (flush fit, indoors or outdoors)

Here the holes are laser-cut into the design itself, so the piece can be screwed flat to the wall. It sits flush and stays put, which makes this the option we recommend for outdoor use, on a front door, and in busy spots where a piece might get knocked.

How to hang it:

1. Hold the piece against the wall, check it with a level, and mark through each hole with a pencil.
2. Drill and fit anchors suited to your wall: plastic or metal anchors for drywall, masonry anchors for brick or concrete.
3. Screw the piece in place. Don’t overtighten, so the powder coating isn’t marked.

Outdoors, use stainless-steel or galvanised screws. Ordinary screws can rust and leave streaks down the wall.

Option 3: No holes (nails, hooks, strips or shelf)

The plain option, with nothing on the back. You can:

• rest the piece on two nails or hooks, catching the steel at the top;
• use heavy-duty adhesive strips for small, light pieces on a smooth wall (check the weight rating on the pack);
• or simply lean it on a shelf or mantel, which works well for smaller designs.

Best for: renters, shelves, and anyone who likes to move things around.

Which option should I choose?

Very small or very detailed designs may not suit every option. If you are unsure, email us before ordering at [email protected].

Not sure about size yet? See what size wall art should go above a sofa.

Published 2026-11-04