Published November 15, 2021
How to Hang Frames: 7 Techniques That Won’t Damage Walls

For many renters, sometimes it can be a challenge to turn a rented real estate space into one they are proud to call their own. Renters can’t make major changes, and many adjustments require approval or else they risk losing out on our deposit. So, what can a renter do to cozy up a space without damaging the walls?
It doesn’t matter if the tile is ugly or the carpet is bland, anything you “do” you have to “undo” when it comes time to say goodbye and move out. In this housing market, you don’t want to do anything that complicates the space for the owner.
The easiest thing you can do to make your space homey, cozy, and livable is to hang up wall art or install shelves to redistribute your belongings in a more appealing and spacious way. Still, you don’t want to hammer in a whole bunch of nails and screw in some screws that you have to undo later, especially if you don’t want to touch up the damaged walls in the house.
Options abound, and you shouldn’t feel like you can’t decorate because of some oppressive rental rules. Luckily, there are a few ways to hang and decorate that are easy, temporary, and (mostly) hassle-free. Don’t limit yourself—creativity begins wherever you are! Jones Realty Group provides comfortable homes throughout the Calabasas, Beverly Hills, and Santa Rosa communities that deserve the care of their renters.
1. Command Strips
We are certain you’ve heard of Command Strips before, but if you’ve never used them they are a great way to hang frames and other decorations without messing up the wall behind. Command Strips are adhesives of different sizes and shapes that have a double-velcro side to let you hang pictures with ease. The sizes allow you to decide how much support you should give to the surface of whatever you’re hanging, allowing you to hang things of different sizes, shapes, and weights. Command Strips are a great alternative to a hammer and nails that still give any of your posters or paintings a clean, flawless wall look.
2. Use Your Molding
Many places don’t come structured with unique molding. However, if your apartment does have molding in higher-up places (with enough grip to be useful), then you can use that to put up pieces of art and decoration. This might take a bit of creativity, but it might also be an avenue that you have not considered. You can utilize many different types of frames and wall art, even putting up frameless art that your kids have decorated (and that you won’t worry about falling down).
This can be a great decorative idea, especially if you don’t want to bother with going to the store for supplies. You already have what you need at home!
3. Decorate the Mantle
There’s no reason why your mantle shouldn’t deserve a little sprucing up. While this hanging technique may seem a little simple, it is one to seriously consider. Most rental properties don’t have fireplaces anymore, but if your place does (or if it has a mantle leftover from a non-functioning space), it is time to use it. You don’t have to fill your mantle with baubles and family photos. Instead, you can use the space for a piece of celebrated art!
4. The Wall Lean
This effective, but simple hanging solution might be so simple that you feel ridiculous for not having tried it! Think about the empty space that exists throughout your space, such as a small space that can be taken up by creative decorations and artistic expression. Look at all that empty space on top of your dresser, media console, or kitchen cabinets. Have you considered playing around with that space, letting larger art pieces rest in these spots? This is a great way to display pieces that you don’t have frames for, and it requires no nails, wire, or hooks! If you’re free of children and looking for a more modern feel, you can also position paintings and art pieces near the baseboards in your space.
5. The Clip
Entertain some flexibility in how you can change up your pieces by trying out this neat trick. Although Command Strips are nice rather than attaching them directly to the frame or the back of the object. Instead, attach them to clips, such as clothespins or office pins. Plan out places on your wall to install the clips with the other side of the Command Strips. Whenever you want to change your pieces around, just lift them up and swap them with the other pieces that are also on clips. This will allow you to bring some variety and sporadic nuance to your decorative space.
6. The Cork Wall
Similar to a pegboard, a cork wall is a great way to change up your decorations with a little bit of sporadic ability. A cork wall can be fun to add to the kids’ playroom, your personal office, existing art space, or even your kitchen. You can use Command Strips to install the cork wall and then use push pins to hang art, photographs, medals, decorations, and whatever you want. Cork walls are great because they are as interchangeable as placing magnets on your refrigerator—whatever you want to put on the cork wall, you can!
7. Use Props
Furniture, ladders, tables, and bookshelves—there are many different ways to decorate in your space free from the hassle and damage of nails, wire, and hooks. Hanging pieces on other stable spaces, such as from your already existing bookshelves or on the top of your dresser. There’s no limit to creatively hanging your framed pictures in these intimate spots!
Whether you’re searching for a new real estate situation, decorating your personal space, or prepping a cozy spot for in-laws, there are many different hanging techniques here that will have the space popping and vibrant. You should celebrate your Los Angeles spot and make it yours. If you are new to the area, make sure you check in with your neighbors about decorating tips and tricks. Check out local restaurants, walk through the park, and keep the kids’ teeth healthy by making appointments for them at your local Children’s Dental FunZone.
If you need further advice for your home, contact Realtor Liz Jones!
Author Bio:
Alison Brown
Alison Brown is the Marketing Strategist at Children’s Dental Fun Zone. Since her childhood, she has been inclined towards oral care as she comes from a family of dental background. She loves spending time with kids and contributes her insights by writing and promoting informative blogs for families to help them adapt to their new homes and localities without any hurdles.