Making a gallery display and hanging art in your home can be very different enterprises, but they share a lot of challenges. Before you get started (and no matter where you are), make sure you have these essential tools.

1. Museum putty

A good hanging system fully supports your artwork. But if it's suspended or held by one central point, unwanted fingers can push or prod it slightly out of position. Museum putty can hold the frame tightly against the wall without leaving behind a stain or residue. It's also a useful barrier between the wall and a frame's sharp corners, just in case.

2. A block of wood.

Whether you're switching out old hardware for a better system or you're sticking with nails and screws, have a block of wood ready. It can help you get the leverage you need to remove thin, stuck nails without damaging the walls.

3. A level.

Adjustable hanging systems don't really need levels. They're built to be adjustable but still make it easy to click the hooks or corners into position. But sometimes you need independent verification to set your mind at ease.

4. Extra hardware.

This is especially useful if you work for a series of galleries. Switching all of your systems to one type means you only have to pull from one type of inventory to get the tools you need, and you don't have to keep track of multiple incompatible systems. So always have a few extra hooks, rail additions, and supports with you so you can change out pieces, rearrange your display, or expand it with a last-minute addition. Keep yourself supplied by going to Systematic Art.