How to Measure a Wall for Pictures Where the Door Opens

Measure the total width of the wall, or wall section, with the door closed. Open the door all the way, until the doorknob or doorstop touches the wall. Measure from the edge of the door -- the side without hinges -- to the opposite end of the wall, or wall section. Subtract the second measurement from the first, which isn't always the same as the actual door width.

Subtract another 3 inches from your final measurement from Step 1 for the maximum picture width you can hang on the wall space behind the door. The maximum width applies to a single piece or to the total size of a picture grouping. When the door is open, you don't want part of a picture sticking out from behind the edge of the door. For doors that stay closed when not in use, such as closet or exterior doors, skip Steps 1 and 2.

Subtract another 3 inches from your final measurement from Step 1 for the maximum picture width you can hang on the wall space behind the door. The maximum width applies to a single piece or to the total size of a picture grouping. When the door is open, you don't want part of a picture sticking out from behind the edge of the door. For doors that stay closed when not in use, such as closet or exterior doors, skip Steps 1 and 2.

Subtract 1/2 inch from the clearance measurement in Step 3 for the maximum picture frame depth you can hang on the wall where the door opens. Hanging sometimes adds depth, depending on the position of the picture wire or hanger.