The mounting hardware for a Ribba frame includes 2 slide-on retention clips and a length of metal wire. IKEA’s Ribba frames are available in both square and rectangular shapes in a wide range of dimensions. [2] X Research source
Each side of the frame will have 1-2 flexible metal tabs, depending on the size you selected. These tabs are responsible for holding the backing in place.
Be careful not to apply any pressure to the frame itself. Doing so could crack the plastic pane. Avoid bending or otherwise damaging the paper mat, as any defects may be visible in the finished picture.
You may also decide not to use the mat if your picture is big enough to fill the entire frame by itself. The mats that come with Ribba frames are already measured and cut for optimum presentation, which saves you the trouble of having to modify them yourself. [6] X Research source
Watch the corners of the mat while you’re putting it back in. They could crease if they happen to get caught on the edge of the frame.
A level can come handy for confirming that your mounting clips mirror one another perfectly.
If you end up with excess wire after rigging up both sides of the frame, snip it off with a pair of wire cutters. You can also leave a little slack in the wire, if you prefer. This will cause it to “slouch,” making it hang lower but seat more securely on the nail.
Double-check that you’ve bent each tab back down completely before proceeding—the last thing you want is for the backing to come off accidentally after you’ve finished hanging your picture.
For the best presentation, make sure there’s at least as much wall space on all sides of the picture as the width of the frame. [12] X Research source If you’re putting your picture over a couch, table, or other piece of furniture, make sure it’s hanging at least 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) above the top of the item.
Fold a sticky note up from the bottom and press it to the wall directly underneath where you’ll be nailing to catch loose dust and debris. [14] X Research source An angled nail will be able to support much more weight than one driven straight into the wall.
If your picture looks like it’s hanging too low on one side, just nudge the picture over to that side on the wire to bring it up. Don’t let go of the picture until you’re certain that it’s secure on the nail.
Be careful not to accidentally knock the frame out of alignment while you’re setting up your level.
When working with frames of various sizes, position your largest pieces towards the bottom lefthand side of the display area to create a more natural visual balance. [17] X Research source If you plan on hanging other pieces above or below your row of pictures, take some time to consider the best way to group them all together visually. For instance, grids are very popular at the moment.
Taking the time to check the placement of your frames with a tape measure can help you ensure that your pictures are evenly spaced the first time, preventing you from having to make annoying micro-adjustments or take them down and start over.
Hanging pictures from the screw before choosing a spot for them will account for inconsistencies in wire length, making it possible to line up rows of same-sized frames quickly and with minimal error. [20] X Research source
With this simple yet clever method, you’ll end up with just the right amount of space between all of the pictures with no need to measure each gap individually.
