How to Hang a Picture Without Nails
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Want to learn how to hang a picture without nails — and without damaging your walls? You’re in the right place.
Whether you’re renting, dealing with brick or concrete, or just tired of hammer mishaps — there are so many great alternatives to nails.
And most of them are easier, cheaper, and cleaner than the traditional route! Win!
At a Glance: Ways to Hang Pictures without Nails
Command strips · velcro mounting squares · canvas hangers · magnetic wood frames · gallery rail systems · mounting tape · washi tape · furniture leaning · corkboard walls · Monkey Hooks
Not all methods work for every situation — keep reading to find the right one for your wall type, frame weight, and whether you’re renting.
Why avoid nails when hanging a picture?
So why are we avoiding nails in the first place? While they’re a straightforward method of hanging a picture, they can cause a lot more trouble than they’re worth! Avoid nails when hanging pictures to:
- Protect your walls – nails are going to damage your walls, period. Hanging frames without damaging walls is not only possible, it’s easy! These solutions will protect your walls from holes (or further damage!).
- Hang (and re-hang) easily – We don’t always want a permanent design feature. These ideas are easy to install and remove so you can have design freedom.
- Keep your safety deposit – If you’re a renter, you need to be a little extra creative in your design projects. Keep your gallery walls temporary and avoid wall damage with these solutions!
- Limit equipment – These options are self-contained, so you won’t need a hammer, drill, or other equipment to hang wall art.
- Display on brick/concrete – Ever tried putting a nail in a brick wall? I didn’t think so. These picture-hanging ideas will help you decorate your walls and hang art, no matter the material!
Practical solutions: 10 ways to hang a picture without nails
Learn how to hang stuff up without nails with these brilliant photo-hanging solutions.
1. Command picture hanging strips
Command strips have been my savior more than a few times. It is one of my favorite ways to hang a picture without a nail.
These handy strips are a common wall-saving device for a reason! They’re simple, affordable, and easy to find at hardware stores, grocery stores, and craft shops.
Adhesive strips come in a variety of sizes and weight allowances so that you can be confident in your picture staying put.
I used these strips to hang up a large square of wallpaper in my daughter’s floral nursery and it stayed put for 5 years until we moved! When it was time to take it down, there was no damage to the wall. Pretty awesome!
2. Canvas hangers
Looking to hang something with a bit more weight to it? These canvas hangers are the answer! The hangers are designed with saw tooth edges that grip your canvas and hold it securely.
I love the Command brand because they don’t damage walls or leave any sticky residue when you remove them.
3. Wooden hanger
For a creative option on how to hang a picture without nails, try this sleek wooden hanger! This magnetic frame is the perfect solution to hang large pictures or even posters! The magnets hold your picture securely without causing damage.
Plus, they’re an inexpensive solution to getting a poster mounted and framed.
You can hang these wooden frames on a command hook, over the corner of the window, or wherever feels right!
4. Washi tape
I am obsessed with the washi tape gallery wall. It’s fun, unexpected, and budget-friendly!
Easily customize your gallery wall with 30 different color options. This option is great for redecorators because it’s temporary and easily changed. Swap your “frame” colors with this washi tape pack.
This is the perfect method to use for hanging posters without damaging walls.
You can learn how to achieve this washi tape gallery wall here.
5. Gallery suspension rail
Recently, this has been my absolute favorite way to display pictures. It has amazing visual interest and is a guaranteed talking piece.
This gallery wall suspension rail doesn’t require any nails or adhesives. The hooks are clipped onto molding for an easy solution (talk about using what’s already there!).
These molding hooks include everything you need to achieve this gallery suspension rail.
It’s an excellent solution for brick or concrete walls that won’t take well to adhesive wall hanging solutions. In fact, this is how historic homes used to hang art!
6. Velcro Mounting Squares
Velcro just got an upgrade with these genius mounting squares.
When deciding how to hang a picture without nails, harness the power of velcro with these handy squares!
The instructions couldn’t be easier – simply attach stickers to your print and wall, pair them together, and voila! Your picture is ready to be admired.
These mounting squares come in a variety of sizes and weight limits, so you can find the perfect variety for your needs. This method works great for pieces with a heavier picture frame too.
I used them to hang this custom wooden sign in Teddy’s National Park themed nursery!
7. Wall hooks
It can be tricky to properly hang heavy art without causing wall damage. For heavy frames, wall-adhesive products just won’t cut it (you’ll end up with a broken frame with a side of anguish).
These wall hooks are the answer to your woes! They do not require anchors, bolts, drills, or nails.
To install them, you’ll need to press in hooks to your drywall and rotate upwards until stable. This option will make a small hole in your wall, so it’s not ideal for renters. Still, it’s a necessary evil when hanging heavy pictures.
8. Mounting tape
Double-sided tape is a life-saver! It’s only fair it gets mentioned when deciding how to hang a picture without nails.
This mounting tape has industrial strength power for all of your DIY needs. It’s a simple solution with major strength (holding up to 38 lbs!). It also works on all surfaces, rough or smooth!
The tape is described as a “permanent” bonding solution, so keep this in mind if you’re working on a more temporary project or you are renting.
9. Use furniture
Maybe the best way to hang pictures without nails is to not hang them at all!
I love the way purposefully placed prints look when propped up against a wall or mantle. It’s also a beautiful way to decorate a bookshelf.
This living space keeps the majority of its walls picture-free. The clean white walls make the ceiling look limitlessly tall! And the propped picture frames bring a bit of color and character to the room.
10. Corkboard wall
This DIY corkboard wall offers you ultimate freedom in how to hang a picture without nails! It’s a quick project that can be accomplished in an afternoon.
Want the damage-free, quick solution? Grab these adhesive slatted bulletin board panels, then hang up your art.
Grab this roll of cork sheet and hang it on the wall using bass tacks. These will cause some holes in the drywall, but once installed, you can hang your pictures without worry using thumbtacks.
I love this option to attach things to the wall without nails for a playroom, home office, or kid’s bedroom. It encourages creativity in any space!
FAQs
How do you hang heavy pictures without nails?
Hanging heavy pictures without nails can be done! Here are some options to consider:
- Velcro Picture Hanging Strips: These are adhesive strips specially designed for hanging pictures without nails. They are available in various sizes and strengths, capable of holding different weights. These heavy-duty velcro Command strips are my personal favorite—I’ve used these to hang art all over our house, and they work perfectly!
TIP: make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure proper adhesion and weight distribution. - Adhesive Hooks: Heavy-duty adhesive hooks like these can be used to hang pictures or other items without nails. Look for hooks designed to hold the weight of your picture, and make sure to clean the surface before applying the adhesive. Again, you’ll want to make sure you follow the instructions carefully!
Of course, which method you choose is completely dependent on the weight of the item and what it is.
What’s the best way to hang things without damaging walls?
Command hooks and strips are my go-to when I want to hang up things with no damage to the paint or wall. However, you have to make sure to follow the instructions carefully for both hanging and removing the strips!
Additionally, you’ll want to avoid the items marked as “permanent” hold, because those will definitely rip the paint right off your walls. Ask me how I know! 😉
How to hang a picture without nails: Final thoughts
I hope you’ve found the inspiration you need on how to hang a picture without nails. Try these handy products or fun DIY projects yourself to personalize your space with the art you love!
Let me know your favorite method of hanging pictures without damaging walls in the comments down below.
