How do you hang a picture without drilling?

If you’re looking to avoid damaging your walls, we have solutions you probably haven’t thought of.

For renters, it can be really hard to feel at home. You can’t make major changes to your space, despite the outdated bathroom tiles or the living room light fixtures you hate, and anything you decide to do must be fully reversible when you move out.

Hanging artwork on the wall is one of the easiest ways to make your space feel cozier and more personal, but there’s one problem: filling in the holes is a real hassle. Even though it’s not the hardest thing to do when moving, it’s time-consuming and something you’ll really dread when the time comes. Sometimes, it’s best to avoid drilling altogether. These options not only leave your walls intact, but also make it easier to change your decor, perfect for indecisive decorators like me.

Whether you’re simply hanging a few frames or creating a giant gallery wall, here are a few tips for hanging your pictures without having to get out your drill or hammer.

Here’s an overview of the different ways to hang your pictures without drilling:

Method	Weight capacity	Ease of installation	Advantages	Ideal for
Double-sided adhesive strips	Up to 7 kg	Very easy	Mark-free, invisible adhesive	Lightweight frames, posters
Adhesive hooks	Up to 3.5 kg	Very easy	Easy to remove	Small pictures, lightweight mirrors
Hanging from moldings	Variable	Easy	Adjustable, no drilling	Older apartments with moldings
Placed on the mantel	Variable	Instant	No installation	Large pictures, focal pieces
Leaning on furniture	Variable	Instant	Easy to change	Casual look, large canvases
Clip system	Lightweight	Easy	Highly adjustable	Frequent artwork rotation
Easel	Variable	Easy	Art gallery effect	Large rooms, statement pieces
Push-pin hooks	Up to 68 kg	Easy, micro-hole	Very sturdy, tiny hole	Heavy mirrors, large pictures

How can you hang a picture without drilling or leaving marks?

If you’re a renter or simply want to protect your walls, these 8 solutions require absolutely no drilling. They’re all reversible and leave no visible marks on your walls. That way, you can decorate your home however you like, then remove everything cleanly when moving day comes. From simple double-sided tape to more creative tricks, here’s how.

1. Double-sided adhesive strips

This is probably the most commonly used method for hanging frames, canvases, and other decorations without leaving a mark on the wall. Simple adhesive strips are perfect for lightweight items like paper, posters, and small frames, while hook-and-loop fastening strips are specially designed for hanging pictures.

They come in different sizes to accommodate different weights, and you can use several on one frame to make it more secure. Le main advantage? Your painting will be perfectly flush against the wall, with no visible gap at all. The result is really neat and discreet.

2. Adhesive hooks

If you have slightly heavier pieces to display (like this lovely vintage mirror found at a flea market), adhesive hooks are a better choice. Some decorative models can hold up to 3.5 kg. For even heavier pictures, you can line up several hooks and hang your frame's hanging wire from them.

Note that these hooks stick out a few centimeters from the wall, giving your decor a slight sense of depth, a bit like in an art gallery. There are also adhesive nails with a sticky backing but a pointed shape, combining strength with a finish that sits flush against the wall.

3. Hang your pictures from the moldings

Picture rails (those famous moldings for hanging pictures) are becoming increasingly rare in modern apartments, but if you live in a Haussmann-style or older building that still has them, now's the time to make the most of them!

All you need to do is find hooks that fit the width of your picture rail, add a pretty cord or string, and arrange your wall decor. The big advantage? You can change your pictures whenever you like without taking anything down. It's also very handy for mixing different frame styles, with the string creating visual harmony.

4. Use your fireplace mantel

Not all apartments have this advantage, but if you have a fireplace, its mantel is a prime spot to display your artwork. Forget the idea of a mantel cluttered with knick-knacks and dusty family photos.

Instead, opt for one or two standout pieces that will draw the eye and create a real focal point in your living room. A single large framed picture is enough to add character to the whole room.

5. Repurpose your shelves and bookcases

Shelves aren’t just for books! They offer perfect spots to display your favorite framed pictures. You can set them on empty shelves or place them between rows of books.

It’s a chance to sort through your bookcase. All those books you haven’t opened in three years? Put them somewhere else and free up space to showcase your best vacation photos or favorite illustrations.

6. The relaxed “leaning” look

This is probably the simplest solution out there, and yet it still makes an impact. Your large dresser, TV stand, sideboard... All these pieces of furniture offer an ideal raised surface for displaying framed pictures.

Have fun layering several pictures, arranging them asymmetrically, and playing with different sizes. It’s super flexible, and you can change the arrangement every week if you feel like it. You can also place them on the floor, leaning directly against the wall. Large mirrors and XL-size canvases make a strong visual impact when placed at floor level.

7. Display your picture on an easel

Keep in mind that an easel takes up quite a bit of floor space. If you live in a 20 m² studio apartment, it might not be the most practical option. On the other hand, if you have a large living room or a spacious entryway, it’s a great way to showcase a favorite piece.

An easel instantly gives your home an art gallery feel. Your picture becomes a real centerpiece, almost sculptural, that you can admire from every angle.

8. The clever clip system

Here’s a great tip for anyone who likes to change up their wall decor regularly. Instead of sticking your adhesive strips directly onto your pictures, attach them to clips (drawing clips, wooden clothespins, small metal clips...).

Once your clips are in place on the wall, all you have to do is slip your artwork into them. Fancy a change? Just unclip and reclip in two seconds, without having to rearrange everything. Perfect for displaying your Polaroid photos, postcards, or drawings.

How do you hang a picture without drilling, but with a tiny hole?

If filling a tiny hole the size of a pinhead doesn’t put you off, these 3 options offer much greater strength than simple adhesives. Perfect for heavy pictures or large formats, they require no drill, and the hole they leave is nearly invisible.

9. Push-in hooks

It’s the perfect solution for hanging heavy items without really drilling. These ingenious little hooks (available under various brand names) fit into drywall, leaving just a tiny hole. And yet, they can hold up to 68 kg!

The benefits? No need to find a wall stud, no tools required to install them, and the hole they leave is so small that a dab of spackle is enough to make it disappear. It’s really the best option for hanging a large mirror or a substantial picture when you’re renting.

10. Install pegboard

Pegboard is an indecisive person’s dream. You can hang and remove pictures as often as you like without ever touching the wall itself. Some people use it as a headboard, while others create an accent wall in the living room or office.

The only catch: you need to secure the panel to the wall with wall anchors and screws to start with. But once it’s installed, you’re set for years of total flexibility. You can hang anything you like on it using simple hooks that fit into the holes.

11. Create a cork wall

Like pegboard, a cork wall is ideal for people who like to rearrange their decor regularly. It’s also a great idea for a child’s bedroom, a creative studio, or a home office nook.

Some people try to stick it on with liquid adhesive, but beware: removing it could mean a lot of sanding. It’s better to use extra-long brass thumbtacks to attach the cork tiles to the wall. When it’s time to move out, remove them and you’ll only have a few small, discreet holes to fill.

Techniques for hanging a picture without drilling protect your walls from damage while offering a practical solution. For more traditional and durable approaches, see our guide on how to hang a canvas on the wall using classic mounting methods. Two complementary approaches, depending on whether you prioritize flexibility or a sturdy installation.

In summary

Hanging a painting without drilling is entirely possible thanks to the many solutions available today. For renters or anyone looking to preserve their walls, adhesive strips and adhesive hooks are perfect for light to medium-weight items. For heavier pieces when you don’t want to drill, placing paintings on furniture or using existing picture rails works wonderfully. And if you don’t mind a tiny hole, push-in hooks offer exceptional strength.

Frequently asked questions about hanging paintings without drilling

Still have questions about the best ways to hang your paintings without damaging your walls? Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Do double-sided adhesive strips damage paint when removed?

High-quality adhesive strips (such as Command/3M) are designed to come off cleanly without damaging the paint, provided you follow the removal instructions. Pull the tab slowly downward, parallel to the wall. However, be careful with delicate or recently applied paint (less than 30 days old), which may be more sensitive.

What is the maximum weight an adhesive hook can hold?

It depends on the type of hook. Standard adhesive hooks generally hold between 500 g and 2 kg, while heavy-duty models can hold up to 3.5 kg. For heavier items, it’s recommended to use multiple hooks spaced across the painting or choose push-in hooks, which can hold up to 68 kg.

How can you hang a heavy painting without drilling in a rental apartment?

For heavy paintings, you have several options that avoid major drilling: use push-in hooks that leave only a tiny hole that is easy to fill, place the painting on a sturdy piece of furniture or on the floor against the wall, or use an easel if you have enough space. Leaning a painting on a fireplace mantel is also an excellent solution for large pieces.