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Discover how to hang wall art without nails for any space in your home.
You will learn simple techniques to save you time and allow you to hang your wall art creatively.
If you’re renting or want to keep your walls smooth and spotless, learning how to hang wall art without nails is a must.
Gone are the days of hammering holes and patching drywall.
Today’s tools make it easy to display your favorite prints, frames, and canvases — no nails, no damage, and no stress.
Whether you’re decorating a living room, bedroom, or hallway gallery wall, these tried-and-true methods are the most effective, renter-friendly, and design-approved ways to elevate your space.
Temporary Wall Art Ideas for Renters: Hang, Swap, and Restyle Without Damage
1. Command Strips—The Go-To Lightweight Frames
Here are a few tools to hang your photos:
Best for: Small to medium art prints, photo frames, and mirrors.
Command Strips have been a lifesaver in my tiny New York apartment. For instance, I have used command strips to hang wall art on curtain rods.
Why? Command Strips are the easiest, most popular way to hang wall art without nails. They’re sturdy, removable, and come in different weight ranges— perfect for almost any type of decor.
How to use:
- Clean the wall surface without rubbing alcohol.
- Stick the strips on the back of your frame.
- Press firmly onto the wall for 30 seconds.
- Let it set for about an hour before hanging heavier art.
2. Adhesive Hooks—Ideal for Heavier Frames
Best for: Framed art, mirrors, or hanging decor up to 20 lbs.
Adhesive wall hooks are perfect when Command Strips alone won’t cut it.
Look for hooks with strong adhesive pads designed for smooth surfaces like drywall, tile, or wood.
Designer Tip: Hide the hook behind your frame’s top edge or attach hanging wire to create a floating effect.
3. Lean Art for Effortless Style
Best for: Large art pieces or layered decor.
Who says art has to hang? Leaning artwork against a wall instantly adds depth and personality to your space—especially when styled on consoles, sideboards, or floating shelves.
Try layering smaller frames in front of a large statement piece for a casual, designer-curated look.
See the related post on how to style wall art on a sideboard.
4. Easels and Art Stands—Display with Character
Best for: Oversized art, statement pieces, or decorative corners.
I have always loved easels and will consider them in my future home decor projects.
Easels aren’t just for artists — they’re beautiful decor tools that turn your wall art into sculptural displays. Choose a floor easel for living rooms ar a tabletop easel for desks and entryways.
5. Velcro Dots or Poster Putty for Leightweight Art
Best for: Paper prints, canvas boards, or children’s art.
For casual wall displays or temporary setups, try Velcro dots or poster putty.
They’re gentle on paint and easy to remove, making them perfect for renters, students, or seasonal wall decor.
Tip: Use multiple dots on each corner to keep your art flat and secure.
6. Create a Picture Ledge Gallery
Best for: Rotating art displays or small apartments.
Install a slim floating picture ledge — no need for nails per frame; just one secure strip for the shelf.
You can layer multiple frames and swap them at any time without touching the wall again.
7. Consider Mixtiles
Shop Mixtiles to get the look:
Best for: Temporary, customizable, and creative wall displays, especially when you don’t want to damage walls or invest in heavy frames.
With Mixtiles, you can stick, remove, and restick easily — no residue or peeling paint.
They’re great for temporary layouts or seasonal decorating.
Mixtiles are great for building a gallery wall of family portraits, kids, pets, or travel photos.
Decorating your home doesn’t have to involve drills or drywall dust.
With these effective nail-free hanging solutions, you can display your favorite wall art beautifully—and still get your security deposit back.
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