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How To Hang Pictures Without Nails: 6 Easy Ways

Hang your photos like a pro with easy tips for perfectly placed frames every time!

how to hang pictures without nails
Advice

Renters, or anyone who doesn’t want to damage their walls—this one’s for you! If you want to turn your space into a home, but don’t want to risk losing your security deposit over a few nail holes (or you're just not ready to commit to hammering into your freshly painted walls), we’ve got you covered. Either way, there are solutions! With these simple, actionable tips, you’ll learn how to hang pictures without nails and avoid the hassle of wall damage. Let’s get those blank walls looking fabulous, and keep them hole-free.

6 Easy Ways to Hang Pictures and Keep Your Walls Damage-Free
1. Command Strips

Command strips are the MVP of damage-free picture hanging and may be the best picture-hanging hack. They’re easy to use, hold strong, and can be removed without leaving a mark. Ideal for lightweight frames, all you need to do is attach the strips to your frame and wall, press firmly, and voilà! Perfectly hung art in minutes. 

Pro Tip: Check the weight limit on the package before committing! Heavier frames might need a few extra strips.

2. Use a Pegboard or Corkboard

Perfect for renters, these versatile boards let you pin up lightweight art, photos, or mementos and are definitely one of the best ways to hang pictures without damaging any walls. Bonus: rearrange your items anytime for a fresh look! You can hang your board on the wall with command strips or rest it on a surface like a desk, dresser, or shelf.

3. Poster Putty

This reusable and residue-free putty is great for lightweight items like prints or posters. Just stick it to the back of your art, press it to the wall, and enjoy hole-free hanging. Plus, you won’t be able to see it like you would using regular scotch tape.

4. Mounting Tape or Velcro

Heavy-duty options like double-sided tape or Velcro strips offer secure, damage-free hanging for medium-weight items. Ideal for keeping frames and decor firmly in place!

5. Washi Tape

Lightweight items like photo prints or paper art can be secured with washi tape, a decorative adhesive that won’t leave a sticky residue. Plus, it’s available in countless colors and patterns, letting you create a frame-worthy look with just tape!

6. Lean It Instead

Struggling to figure out how high to hang your picture or can’t find the perfect spot for it? Go for this no-fuss solution, and skip the wall altogether! Lean framed art on a shelf, mantle, or dresser for a chic, laid-back vibe. Bonus: you can switch things up whenever the mood strikes.

Tips for Lightweight Wall Art Ideas for Easy, No-Nails Required Hanging Placement

Once you’ve mastered these no-nail techniques, it’s time for the fun part–to pick what to hang! Here are some lightweight options perfect for hanging without nails or without frames:

Photo Prints

Print your favorite memories on beautiful, museum-quality photo prints. You can also swap out your favorites seasonally. Use small, lightweight picture frames, washi tape, or poster putty to display your favorite memories in a casual, creative way. If printing and hanging personal photos isn’t your jam, you can print your favorite art with this free art gallery.

Canvas Wall Tiles

Lightweight, damage-free, and customizable, wall tiles are a renter’s dream. They’re an easy way to print your best photos and can be moved around or swapped out when you want to refresh your decor. Plus, these Canvas Wall Tiles come with an adhesive backing, so all you have to do is find the perfect spot to hang them.

Thrifted or DIY Wall Art

Add something truly unique to your walls with something that’s one-of-a-kind. Some ideas include: doilies, woven baskets, macrame, folding fans, embroidery, and tapestries.

Photo Books

Look down from your walls to your coffee table—is it looking a bit bare? How about your bookshelves? If so, you can easily create a luxe, coffee table-style photo book filled with your favorite photos. You can also create pretty stacks of photo books with a photo book collection (have you seen the ombré spine options?!) to show off on your shelves.

What If You Already Have Nail Holes?

Oops, you’ve got some pesky holes in your walls. No problem! Here’s how to patch them like a pro:

  1. Fill the hole with a small amount of spackle using a putty knife
  2. Smooth it out so it’s flush with the wall
  3. Let it dry, sand it lightly, and paint over it to match your wall color
  4. Easy-peasy, and your landlord will never know!
Make Your Walls Yours

Whether you’re decorating your first rental or just trying to avoid extra repairs, these tips will help you hang art, create gallery walls, and display memories without ever reaching for a hammer. Ready to bring your walls to life? Check out photo prints and wall tiles for lightweight, stylish options perfect for your home.

Time to turn those blank walls into your favorite gallery—no nails required!

Related Products: Kids Monthly Mini Photo Books, Monthbooks, Gift a Photo Book Subscription, Family Photo Books, Baby Photo Books

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