How to Hang a Ceramic Wall Hanging Safely ?
A ceramic wall hanging can sometimes feel intimidating to install.
The weight of the piece, the apparent fragility of ceramic, or simply the fear of choosing the wrong wall fixing can be enough to make you hesitate.
But with the right wall anchor and a few simple precautions, installing a ceramic wall hanging is much easier than it may seem.
In my studio, I create sculptural wall hangings made from individual ceramic medallions connected with metal rings. And one question comes up regularly: how do you hang ceramic wall art safely without damaging the piece or your wall ?
Here is my complete guide.
1- Start by identifying your wall type
Before thinking about the ceramic piece itself, determine what kind of wall you are working with.
Drywall, plaster, brick, concrete and stone all require different types of wall anchors.
This is probably the most important part of the entire installation: the security of your wall hanging depends more on choosing the correct fixing for your wall than on the ceramic piece itself.
Always use a wall anchor suitable for both your wall type and the approximate weight of the artwork.
If you are unsure, a hardware store can help you select the appropriate anchor if you tell them what your wall is made of and approximately how much the piece weighs.
2- Choose the position carefully
Before drilling, take a few minutes to visualize the piece in your space.
Painter’s tape is a very simple way to mark the approximate height and width of the wall hanging. This is particularly helpful for larger pieces or compositions made from several elements.
Then take a few steps back and look at the proportions from across the room.
Whether you are hanging it above a console, beside a bed, in an entryway or on a large living room wall, just a few centimeters can make a surprising difference to the overall balance.
And if you are hesitating between different sizes, measure your wall before ordering.
For my own ceramic wall pieces, you are also welcome to send me a photograph of your space and its dimensions.
I am always happy to help determine which size and proportions would work best.
3- Install the wall fixing
Once you have chosen the position, insert an anchor suitable for your wall and use the screw provided with your wall hanging.
On my LIA wall hangings, the fixing is finished with a decorative gold-tone metal piece.
The important part is very simple: place the first ring of the wall hanging onto the screw before attaching the round gold-tone piece.
The decorative piece is then screwed into position, securing the hanging while creating a clean and discreet finish.
The mounting system becomes part of the overall design rather than something that needs to be hidden.
4- Handle the wall hanging by its rings
Fired ceramic is durable, but it is still a material that can break if subjected to a strong impact.
When installing the piece, avoid lifting or pulling the entire wall hanging from one ceramic medallion.
Instead, hold it by the metal rings while gently supporting the ceramic elements with your other hand.
Once the first ring is securely positioned on the wall fixing, gradually allow the weight of the hanging to settle naturally.
5- Let the ceramic medallions find their position
A wall hanging made from several connected elements is not completely rigid — and that is part of what gives it its character.
The connecting rings allow the ceramic medallions to move slightly and find a natural position against the wall.
On my own pieces, the medallions are numbered according to the arrangement I originally imagined for the composition.
However, that order is not a rule.
The opening clasp rings allow you to change the arrangement, reverse certain elements or adjust their orientation to suit your space.
The artwork can continue to evolve even after it arrives in your home.
What about a ceramic wall hanging with two mounting points ?
Some larger wall hangings can be created with one fixing at the top and a second fixing at the bottom.
The principle remains very similar.
Always begin by installing the upper fixing. Allow the wall hanging to settle naturally against the wall before marking the exact position of the lower mounting point.
This prevents unnecessary tension between the two fixings.
The lower mounting point simply helps stabilize the composition and gives you greater control over its position on the wall.
Common mistakes to avoid
One of the most important mistakes to avoid is choosing a wall anchor at random. Even an excellent screw cannot compensate for an unsuitable anchor.
You should also avoid carrying the entire piece by a single ceramic medallion, pulling forcefully on the connecting rings once the artwork is installed, or positioning the piece so tightly against the wall that the elements cannot settle naturally.
And perhaps most importantly: do not drill until you are happy with the height and proportions.
A little painter’s tape and two minutes spent looking at the wall from across the room can save you from drilling a second hole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a ceramic wall hanging fall?
When installed with a wall fixing suitable for both your wall type and the weight of the piece, there is no reason for it to fall.
Can I hang it on drywall?
Yes. Simply use a wall anchor specifically designed for drywall.
Do I need a professional to install it?
For most ceramic sculptures and wall hangings, no.
If you are comfortable using a drill, the installation is quite simple.
For a very large composition, or if you have any doubts about your wall or the installation, hiring a professional is always an excellent option.
Does the wall hanging come with mounting hardware?
At Clay’Milie, every wall hanging comes with its decorative mounting piece and the appropriate screw.
Wall anchors are not included, as the correct type depends entirely on your wall. It is always safer to choose an anchor specifically designed for your wall material rather than relying on a universal solution.
One last thing...
Most people who discover my ceramic sculptures and wall hangings have the same concern:
"What if I break it while hanging it?"
Then, a few days later, they send me a photo of the piece installed on their wall.
And they almost always tell me the same thing:
"It was actually much easier than I imagined."
That is probably one of the most rewarding moments for me.
Because a wall piece is never truly finished when it comes out of the kiln.
It is finished when it finally finds its place in a home and begins to tell a new story.
A piece designed to live with your interior
Every wall hanging I create in my studio in Portugal is shaped, glazed and assembled entirely by hand.
And because every wall, every space and every project is different, I am always happy to help my clients choose the right size, colors or installation for their space.
A handmade piece does not stop at the studio door — it truly finds its final form when it arrives in your home.
Discover More
Thinking about adding a sculptural ceramic piece to your home?
Explore Clay’Milie’s Ceramic Wall Hangings collection and discover the pieces currently available, each one handmade in my studio in Portugal.
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