Decorating your the blank walls in your home doesn’t have to involve hammers or nails. There are plenty of creative, damage-free ways to display art and photos while keeping your walls pristine. From adhesive solutions like Command Strips to more unconventional options like room dividers, you can achieve a polished look without the hassle. These methods not only protect your walls but also give you the flexibility to rearrange and refresh your decor whenever you get a new wall art idea.
5 Tips for Hanging Wall Art Without Damage
- Use Command Strips for a clean, adhesive hanging solution.
- Try Command Hooks or other adhesive hooks for pieces with wire hanging cords.
- Hang frames from picture rail molding for a classic touch.
- Lean frames against walls on top of furniture, mantles, or shelves.
- Experiment with innovative solutions like pegboards and room dividers.
Command Strips
Command Strips are a simple, reliable way to hang pictures without damaging your walls. Available in various sizes to accommodate different weights, these adhesive strips provide a practical and stylish alternative to nails and screws.
They’re easy to apply and remove, so you can rearrange your artwork without leaving a mark. They even come in velcro variants, so you can adjust a picture without wasting the strips. Whether you’re decorating a dorm room, office space, or your home, these adhesive strips make picture hanging a breeze.
Command Hooks
Command Hooks, and other adhesive hook brands, are a great option for frames with cord hangers—though you will have to keep weight in mind when choosing your wall art. Jumbo 3M hooks can hold up to 7.5 pounds and offer a sleek, damage-free solution. Arrange multiple hooks in a straight line for an even weight distribution, or use a single hook for a standout piece.
Simple to install, remove, and reposition, Command Hooks are a practical and stylish choice for those seeking to hang art without nails. When deciding how high to hang your art , measure from the bottom of the hook. You’ll also need to account for extra space if you’re hanging the portrait on the adhesive hook with a wire.
Hang Art From Molding
If your space has picture rail molding, you have an elegant way to hang art without nails. Picture rails make it easy to swap out frames while adding a vintage or sophisticated touch to your decor. Simply use hooks and cords to hang your artwork, creating a dynamic and customizable display.
Installing a picture rail is a permanent modification, but it adds architectural interest to the room and allows you to easily position picture frames without nails. When no pictures are hanging, it’s a subtle decorative feature.
Use Your Mantel
A mantel isn’t just for holiday stockings—it’s the perfect platform for showcasing art. Lean larger pieces against the wall or layer smaller frames for a curated look. This approach not only avoids wall damage but also adds a sophisticated focal point to your room.
A mantle display is great for displaying larger art pieces that might be challenging to hang on walls. It also allows you to mix wall art with sculptural elements. For example, you could stick a painting next to a collection of figurines and a few tea lights.
Clear Some Space on Your Bookshelves
Bookshelves aren’t just for books! Use them to display framed photos, art prints, or decorative objects. Clear some space on your shelves for a mini-gallery, mixing art with books or other decor items for a cohesive look.
The books themselves can become part of the gallery if you arrange them by size or color. You can also make the frames part of your organizational system by matching the art to the books’ genre. Display your favorite books by turning them to face the front alongside your framed pieces.
Embrace the Wall Lean
Leaning artwork against the wall is a relaxed, modern way to display your favorite pieces. Larger frames can sit on the floor, while smaller ones can lean on mantels, shelves, counters, or tables. This approach allows you to easily switch things up whenever inspiration strikes.
Create a gallery wall effect by clustering frames of various sizes and mixing and matching different frame styles to add a unique and personalized touch to your space. This method works particularly well for larger pictures or family photos that deserve a prominent display.
Display on an Easel
For a unique and eye-catching display that sparks conversations, place your art on an easel. This method works especially well for large or statement pieces, adding depth and character to your space. Easels also allow for easy repositioning, making them a flexible decor option.
Displaying art on an easel not only highlights the beauty of the piece but also allows you to bring the art off the walls. This method adds a touch of sophistication and versatility to your decor, making your art pieces stand out in a way that traditional hanging can’t achieve.
Clip Art Displays
Binder clips, clothespins, or even paper clips are a simple way to hang lightweight art or photos. Attach them to a wire grid, corkboard, or string for an easy, changeable display that doesn’t put holes in your walls. Pull a string of clips tighter for a linear arrangement or let it drape to take up more of the wall. Attach clips to magnets to stick artwork on your refrigerator.
This playful option is perfect for creating a dynamic and personalized gallery. Novelty clips can complement your subject matter or display your personality. Nowadays, you can find clips shaped like all sorts of objects, from treble clefs to cat faces to airplanes.
Unique Decor Options
Need more ideas? Consider these creative and practical ideas to elevate your space.
- Poster tape and sticky-tack – for an effortless look, go back to these dorm room classics to secure lightweight frames.
- Cork wall – experiment with a cork wall for a playful way to switch up your decor.
- Pegboards – these offer a stylish accent wall that allows for versatile art display options.
- Ladder shelves – they help showcase framed prints and add depth to your room.
- Room divider – arrange small works of art on a room divider to create a striking focal point.
- Wire grids – Maximize vertical space with wire grids, using decorative clips or clothespins to display prints or photos with flair.
Hang Artwork Without the Holes
You don’t need nails to create stunning wall displays. With options like Command Strips, mantels, bookshelves, and even easels, you can hang your art damage-free and with easy removal. Explore these versatile solutions to elevate your paintings and photos while keeping your walls flawless. Let your creativity shine and transform your space into an artful haven!