How to hang prints without damage

Most renters end up with prints on the floor because the only advice online involves a drill. There are four methods that hold real weight and come off cleanly.

The right one depends on the wall, not the print. Fresh emulsion and old wallpaper are the two things that catch everyone out.

The four methods that work

• Adhesive strips - fine up to about 2kg a pair, and the only no-drill option for a heavy frame.
• Washi tape - holds unframed prints and postcards, comes off painted walls cleanly.
• Picture rails - if the room has one, use it; hooks and cord leave nothing behind.
• Leaning on a shelf or mantel - no fixing at all, and easy to change your mind.

Match the method to the wall

• Freshly painted - wait at least three weeks before sticking anything to it.
• Wallpaper - adhesive strips will take the paper off. Use a rail, a shelf or a freestanding frame.
• Textured or bumpy plaster - strips won't bond; lean the print or use a small pin.
• Bathroom or kitchen - steam beats most adhesives. Frame it and hang it away from the hob.

Getting it off again

• Pull adhesive strip tabs slowly, straight down, never out from the wall.
• Warm the tape with a hairdryer for ten seconds if it resists.
• Peel washi tape back on itself at a low angle, not straight off.
• Fill and touch up any pin holes before an inspection - it takes ten minutes.

Heights and spacing

• Centre of the print at about 145-150cm from the floor, which is standard eye level.
• Above a sofa, leave 15-20cm between the top of the sofa and the bottom of the frame.
• Keep 5-8cm between frames in a group so it reads as one arrangement.
• Mark positions with masking tape first and live with it for a day.

Shop posters and prints

How to write it so it lands

• Never stick anything to paint that is less than three weeks old.
• Wallpaper and adhesive strips are a guaranteed repair job.
• Mark it out with masking tape before you commit.

Where to shop next

• Gallery wall ideas
• Print sizes explained
• Prints as gifts
• Postcards to send instead of a text
• Shop posters and prints
• Shop postcards
• Posters guide
• Postcards guide
• Funny wall art
• Kitchen wall art
• All guides
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

How do I hang a print without nails?

Adhesive strips for framed prints up to about 2kg, washi tape for unframed prints and postcards, or lean the frame on a shelf. All three come off cleanly if you remove them slowly and at the right angle.

Will command strips damage paint?

Not on cured paint if you pull the tab slowly straight down. They will pull paint off emulsion that is less than about three weeks old, and they will take wallpaper with them.

What height should prints hang at?

Centre the print around 145 to 150cm from the floor, which puts it at eye level for most people. Above furniture, leave 15 to 20cm of gap so it relates to the sofa rather than floating.