When decorating an apartment or house, wall decor is the perfect way to showcase your personality and complete the space. Often, hanging artwork is the very last task to tackle, because it involves a hammer and nails and careful consideration when it comes to choosing the best place to display each piece. Whether you’re decorating a rental or want to avoid damaging your walls, we’re sharing the best advice on how to hang art without using nails. Not only will your walls be void of holes, but these easy methods make it possible to swap or add artwork as your collection grows.
From family photos and striking paintings to artsy gallery walls, these tips will make the process easy. Try hanging art from clothespins for bedroom wall decor, leaning and layering art on a fireplace mantel or using washi tape as photo frames. Keep it simple by swapping nails for adhesive strips or picture hooks — no one will know the difference. Keep scrolling for even more genius ideas.
1. Rely on adhesive strips.
Apply adhesive strips directly to picture frames (we recommend using one or two strips on each side of the frame, depending on its size). Find the right size strip based on the weight of the artwork. Heavy duty strips (for pictures between 10 and 20 pounds) typically require one strip adhered to the wall and one to the photo frame, then you must line up the strips to hang. Adhesive strips work well on painted walls, as well as tile, concrete and glass surfaces. Keep in mind: Most adhesive strips shouldn’t be applied to wallpaper, fabric or brick walls.
2. Lean and layer art.
Wall decor doesn’t have to hang on the wall. Display framed artwork on any surface, be it a fireplace mantel, floating shelf or console table, by leaning it against the wall. For an elevated style, arrange taller and larger artwork directly against the wall with smaller frames in front.
3. Hang clothespins on ribbon or twine.
Secure both sides of a piece of twine or ribbon to the wall, using clear tape or push pins. Clip photographs and prints with small clothespins to the twine or ribbon. While this trendy decorating idea won’t work for large, heavy artwork, it’s a fun way to display a mix of art without damaging your walls. Added bonus: You can easily swap out prints and photographs as you collect new pieces.
4. Use adhesive picture hooks.
Find the right adhesive hook by determining the size and weight of your artwork, as well as the hanger on the back. Command has specific sawtooth frame hangers, wire back hangers, large canvas holders and universal frame hangers, but you can also use common wall hooks — just note how much weight each hook can support. Clear hooks work well for small artwork as well. It’s recommended that hooks are adhered to the wall for at least an hour before hanging anything.
5. Install picture rail molding.
Putting up molding isn’t a renter-friendly idea, but it’s definitely a unique way to display your favorite artwork. Find molding with a curved top that will fit picture hangers, and nail it into the wall. Later, hang framed prints and paintings with picture hanging wire.
6. Make a washi tape gallery wall.
Tape your favorite prints and photos to the wall using colorful washi tape. The bright shades will give the artwork a colorful border while safely adhering it to the wall. If you’re attempting to arrange a gallery wall, make sure to find art in various sizes and plan a layout before you start taping.
7. Prop a bulletin board.
Show off a mix of photographs, prints, quotes and cuttings from magazines without hanging anything directly onto the wall. Coat a wood board with magnetic paint, then secure the artwork once it’s dried. The best part? You can rearrange, add or remove pieces whenever you wish.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
