4 tips for hanging a picture without drilling or nails

If you live in rented accommodation, you have probably found that landlords would rather you didn’t make holes in the walls. That’s a shame, because pictures can turn an ordinary interior into a lovely, welcoming space. So why not hang your favourite picture without nails?

Hanging a picture correctly

You can hang artwork, family photos or children’s drawings without drilling. Before you find out how to hang pictures on the wall without nails, you need to decide where to put them. They should hang at eye level, so allow for the centre to be about 150 cm from the floor.

In other rooms, however, it may be different. In the kitchen or dining room, for example, hang the picture a little lower. Also avoid placing pictures where the sun will shine on them constantly, as they could fade over time. The arrangement can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, so play around with them and you will eventually find the right spot.

4 tips

1. Adhesive strips

The simplest way to hang pictures without nails is to use adhesive strips. They cost very little and are ideal for most surfaces. Just make sure they are also designed for pictures, so you can be sure they won’t come unstuck over time. Try to stick them on carefully and don’t be afraid to ask someone to help.

2. Adhesive nails and screws

They are not yet very well known, although they have been on the market for some time. This was probably because of their lower quality, but that has changed and today you can buy very good versions. They really do hold, and they certainly won’t leave any marks once removed. What’s more, you can reuse them. Try them on textured wallpaper, tiles, metal or glass too. You can also adjust the height to position the picture correctly. So why not give them a second chance?

String, clothes pegs, thick nylon line

This is another alternative option. Try to attach the string to something, for example with adhesive tape or mounting putty, so that it holds firmly.

Don’t be afraid to try decorative clips or even clothes pegs. At worst, try magnets. Use magnetic paint to coat the area where the picture will hang. But be careful, this is better suited to lighter frames, such as children’s drawings.

If you don’t like string, try thick nylon line. Measure double the length and leave some slack for a knot.

4. An easel, a shelf or simply the floor?

Pictures can be hung without nails in other ways than those we have mentioned. If you have a piece of your own that you worked hard to create, try using a simple easel. It will certainly give the space a unique, even unforgettable, touch. Besides, visitors to a house or flat rarely expect to see art by well-known painters displayed on an easel. It is a very interesting idea.

If you don’t like the idea of an easel, try shelves. You can simply stand smaller pictures on them or lean them against the wall. If you have ladder-style shelves, try displaying the pictures neatly on them. You can then place the largest picture right at the top. The whole room will take on a completely different feel.

You can also display a picture without a nail using just the floor. Place it, for example, in an alcove where you might otherwise keep knick-knacks. Simply leave it leaning against the wall. This works especially well for larger pieces and, believe us, they make more of an impression than hung ones. Plus, you will feel as if you are in a studio every day.

Nobody likes bare, empty walls, so don’t be afraid to hang pictures. You will feel relaxed in the interior you have designed.