Hanging Your New Piece

pizzadonkey

Hanging Your New Piece

Hanging your new piece isn't too difficult, but all buildings and windows are different, so you'll have to work with what you've got! 

FIRST--LET'S LOOK AT YOUR PANEL:

Some pieces may have an attached chain, string or cord.  This is mostly a courtesy, so feel free to remove anything that doesn't work for you or match your aesthetic.  The length that I've attached, unfortunately, dictates the height at which your piece will hang, and if it doesn't look right, best to remove it and try something else!  

Toward the top of your panel, you'll notice one or more eyelets, or wire "hoops."  This is where you'll want to attach any new rope, chain, or wire.  If you're nervous about looping and pinching a chain link through the eyelet, you might want to get some "S" hooks to slip through instead.  That way you can attach the other end to the chain.

SECOND--TAKE A LOOK AT WHERE YOU'LL DISPLAY YOUR PIECE

Aim to fasten your glass to something really sturdy and stationary--ideally from a hook or two screwed into a solid wood window frame.  Set the hook an inch or two out from the pane if you'll need clearance when you open the window.  A latch or lock may suffice for hanging smaller pieces, but again, just be careful when opening and closing the window--try not to slam anything!

If you're hanging your piece on a wall, a screw should do the trick, but be sure to use an anchor with hollow walls.

NOTE: I do not recommend suction cups or command hooks!  They aren't reliable and I'd hate for your piece to fall and break.

NOW LET'S CHOOSE SOME HOOKS:

I prefer cup hooks, and often include them with orders (eye hooks work fine too) because they screw into wood frames with relative ease.  However, if the frame around your window is hollow (often the case with plaster or drywall) you'll need a hook with an anchor so it doesn't pull out.  In the past I've used swag hook kits, but there are many different kinds available-don't be afraid to ask someone at the store to help you find the best one.  

Two hooks will better distribute the weight of a large panel, but most pieces could get away with one hook.  It might just come down to aesthetics for you. 

FINALLY--CHOOSING YOUR CHAIN/CABLE

I generally opt for jack chain because it's readily available, and the links are small and easy to open/close through the eyelets of your panel. (Any pliers will work.). You might prefer prefer the aesthetics of a type of different chain, or choose to go with something sleeker like aircraft cable hangers.  String and microfibre cord can also do the trick, but they also break down over time, so you'll need to replace them occasionally.  I recommend staying away from decorative/jewelry chain unless you're hanging something very small.

WHERE CAN I BUY THE MATERIALS?

All of the materials mentioned can be found at your local hardware store.  They can also be found at big box retailers and on the internet. Just remember that Amazon is evil.

If you still have questions about hanging your piece, feel free to reach out!