If you’re anything like me, you love hanging wall decor to add some personality and charm to your home.
But you also hate the hassle and mess of drilling holes, hammering nails, or patching up damage.
But if you’ve ever wondered how to hang wall decor without damaging walls, you’ll be happy to know that there are ways to get it done with minimal to n damage to your walls (which is great if you’re renting).
Yes, you read that right. You can create a stunning gallery wall, a cozy reading nook, or a chic accent wall without ruining your paint or wallpaper.
How?
By using some clever and creative methods that I’m going to share with you in this blog post.
You’ll be surprised by how easy and fun it is to hang wall decor without damaging walls.
Trust me, you’ll never want to use a drill or a nail again!
Key Takeaways
- Learn about different methods of hanging wall decor without damaging walls, such as adhesives, tension rods, easels, and hooks.
- Discover the pros and cons of each method and how to choose the best one for your wall decor based on weight, size, shape, style, etc.
- Get inspired by some examples and tips on how to use each method to create a beautiful and unique space that reflects your taste and personality.
Table of Contents
Adhesives
Using adhesives is one of the easiest and most popular ways to hang anything on the walls without damaging them.
Adhesives are products that stick to both your wall and your item, allowing you to hang them without making any holes.
There are different types of adhesives available, including:
Command Strips
These are strips of foam or plastic that have adhesive on both sides.
They come in different sizes and shapes and can hold up to 16 lb (7.3 kg) of weight.
You simply peel off the backing from one side and stick it to your item, then peel off the other side and press it against the wall.
To remove them, you pull on a tab and they come off cleanly without leaving any residue or marks.
Hook-and-loop tape
This is a type of tape that has tiny hooks on one side and loops on the other.
When you press them together, they stick firmly. You can cut the tape to fit your item and stick it to the back corners or edges.
Then you peel off the other side and press it against the wall.
To remove them, you simply pull them apart and slide a knife between the tape and the wall.
Putty or double-sided tape
These are products that have a sticky substance that can adhere to both your wall and your item.
You can use a small amount of putty or tape to stick lightweight items such as posters, photos, or paper crafts.
To remove them, gently peel them off and rub off any residue with your fingers or a cloth.
Benefits of using adhesives
- They are easy to install and remove, without requiring any tools or skills.
- They are versatile and can be used for a variety of items and surfaces.
- They are affordable and widely available at most stores or online.
Drawbacks of using adhesives:
- They have weight limitations and may not be suitable for heavy or bulky items.
- They may not work well on some surfaces or textures, such as rough, uneven, or porous walls.
- They may leave some residue or marks on your wall or item if not removed properly or if exposed to heat or humidity.
Tension Rods
A great alternative to hanging wall decor with nails or adhesive is by using tension rods.
These spring-loaded rods can be easily adjusted to fit between two flat surfaces, such as walls, cabinets, or window frames, without causing any damage.
You don’t need any screws, hooks, or other fasteners to keep them in place.
Tension rods are held in place by tension and can support lightweight items such as curtains, fabric, or paper crafts.
There are different types of tension rods available, including:
Curtain rods or shower rods
These are tension rods that are designed to hang curtains or shower curtains.
They usually have rubber ends to prevent slipping and scratching and come in different lengths and diameters, and can hold up to 20 lb (9 kg) of weight.
To adjust the length and fit them between your walls, simply twist them.
And to remove them, twist them again and release the tension.
Decorative rods
These are tension rods with decorative finials or caps on the ends, which can add style and flair to your wall decor.
They come in different lengths and finishes and can hold up to 15 lb (6.8 kg) of weight.
You install and remove them the same way as curtain rods or shower rods.
Mini rods
These are tension rods that are smaller and thinner than regular tension rods.
They’re ideal for hanging small or narrow items such as photos, cards, or banners.
They come in different lengths and colors and can hold up to 10 lb (4.5 kg) of weight.
You install and remove them the same way as curtain rods or shower rods.
Benefits of using tension rods:
- They’re easy to install and remove, without requiring any tools or skills.
- They’re versatile and can be used for a variety of items and spaces.
- They’re adjustable and can be customized to fit your wall size and decor style.
Drawbacks of using tension rods:
- They have weight limitations and may not be suitable for heavy or bulky items.
- They may not work well on some surfaces or textures, such as rough, uneven, or porous walls.
- They may damage the ceiling or floor if the tension is too high or if they slip off.
Easels
If you want to hang wall decor without damaging your walls, using easels is a great option.
Easels are stands that can hold large or heavy items such as paintings, mirrors, or signs, and don’t need to be attached to your walls.
Simply place them on the floor and lean your item against them.
They can add some dimension and texture to your space and showcase your wall decor in a unique way.
Different types of easels to choose from, such as:
Wooden easels
These are easels that are made of wood and have a natural or painted finish.
They can add some warmth and rustic charm to your space.
They come in different sizes and shapes and can hold up to 50 lb (22.7 kg) of weight.
You can adjust the height and angle of the easel and secure your item with a clamp or a shelf.
Metal easels
These easels are made of metal and come with a shiny or matte finish, adding an elegant and modern touch to your space.
They come in different sizes and shapes and can hold up to 40 lb (18.1 kg) of weight.
You can adjust the height and angle to secure your item with a clamp or a shelf.
Decorative easels
These are easels that have decorative features or designs on them, such as swirls, leaves, hearts, or words.
They can add some personality and style to your space.
They come in different sizes and colors and can hold up to 30 lb (13.6 kg) of weight.
Advantages of using easels:
- They’re easy to use and move around, without needing any tools or skills.
- They are versatile and can be used for a variety of items and spaces.
- They are attractive and can be used as a focal point or an accent piece in your space.
Disadvantages of using easels:
- They take up floor space and may block the view of other items on the wall.
- They may not be stable or sturdy enough for some items or environments.
- They may be more expensive than other methods.
Hooks
If you don’t want to damage your walls then using hooks to hang wall decor without damaging your walls can be a handy solution.
Hooks are small devices that can pierce through your wall and securely hold your items without the need to drill or hammer any holes.
Simply push the hook into your wall with your hand or a tool, and hang your item on it.
They can hold a surprising amount of weight for something so small and are almost invisible behind your item.
There are different types of hooks to choose from, such as:
Monkey hooks or gorilla hooks
These are hooks that have a curved shape and a sharp point.
They can penetrate through drywall and plaster without any tools and can hold up to 50 lb (22.7 kg) of weight.
You just twist them into your wall and hang your item on the hook.
Plate hitching rings or swag hooks
These hooks have a ring or loop on the end and can be used to hang items with a wire or cord, such as lamps, plants, or baskets.
Included with the hooks are screws and anchors to attach them to your wall, and they can hold up to 30 lb (13.6 kg) of weight.
Double prong robe hooks or tri hooks
These hooks have two or three prongs on the end and can be used to hang items with holes or loops, such as coats, hats, bags, or scarves.
They come with screws and anchors for easy attachment to your wall and can hold up to 20 lb (9 kg) of weight.
Advantages of using hooks:
- They are easy to install and remove, without requiring any tools or skills.
- They are discreet and can be hidden behind your item.
- They are sturdy and can hold a lot of weight for something so small.
Disadvantages of using hooks:
- They require a small hole in your wall that may need to be patched up if you remove them.
- They may not work well on some wall materials or textures, such as concrete, brick, or metal.
- They may be harder to find than other products.
What next?
You don’t have to settle for boring or empty walls just because you don’t want to damage them.
There are many ways to hang wall decor without damaging walls that are easy, affordable, and creative.
You can use adhesives, tension rods, easels, or hooks to hang anything from posters and photos to paintings and mirrors.
Just make sure you choose the right method for your wall decor based on its weight, size, shape, style, and other factors.
You can also mix and match different methods to create a unique and stunning wall display.
Don’t be afraid to try new things.