Wall decor is a reflection of the memorable moments spent with friends and family. Wall decor gives a platform to display joyous memories on the walls to keep you happy and filled with positive energy. However, the common query is how to hang wall decor. It can be done with the help of command strips, putty, and washi tape. Whether you are living in a rented house or in your own home, one of the significant requirements is to hang wall decorations without damaging the walls. Fortunately, there are various methods to decorate a wall without leaving marks or damaging it. This guide will help you understand the ways and tools to use to hang wall decor without damaging walls.
6 DIY Safeguarding Practices for Wall Hanging Decor
Here are some DIY methods to protect your wall while hanging wall decor.
Locate the Studs - Use a stud finder wall scanner to locate wall studs if you're hanging heavy items like a mirror. Skip this step if the walls are made of brick or stone. Additionally, avoid drilling into live wires and electricity in the walls.
Select Best Tools - Ensure to be equipped with the best tools for any kind of wall decor hanging, such as ribbon, tape, adhesive strips, etc.. For example, use a sturdy step ladder while hanging the wall pieces at a height.
Envelope Hack - Tape an open envelope directly to the wall, using a painter's tape to avoid damaging paintwork. Ensure they are open wide and well-positioned. This will help in catching the debris, preventing it from falling on the floor.
Plug and Anchor for Wall Types - Use plugs and anchors considering the type of wall.
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For plasterboard walls, consider using hollow wall-plugs or self-drill screws.
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For solid walls like brick or stone, ensure to drill pilot holes before inserting plugs.
| Notes | Consider the load-bearing capacity of selected anchors and plugs to prevent cracks or damage. |
Fix Minor Damages - If a bigger hole has formed in the wall during drilling, perform the following points, respectively.
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Clean the area of dust and debris.
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Fill the hole with some joint compound.
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Once the compound has dried, sand the area gently to gain a flush surface.
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Apply a matching coat of paint to restore the wall's appearance.
Inspect the Work - Maintaining and keeping the wall free from damage is important.
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Inspect the frames and walls periodically for any damage or movement.
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Due to changes in temperatures in different seasons, frames made of wood can contract or expand. This may twist or shift the frames.
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Ensure to double-check the sturdiness and alignment of frames, making sure they are straight. Tighten the loose screws or rehang the required items.
8 Tools to Hang Wall Decor Without Damaging Walls
Here are some ways to hang the wall decor items without damaging the walls:
Apply Adhesive Strips
Paste one or two adhesive strips directly on each side of the frame as per its size. Ensure to buy the correct size strip, depending on the weight of the artwork. Heavy-duty strips usually need one strip adhered to the wall and one to the photo frame for pictures ranging from 10 and 20 pounds. They are best suited for painted walls and surfaces like tile, concrete, and glass. Remember not to use these strips on wallpaper, brick, or fabric.
Wall Lean Placement
Instead of hanging the display on the wall, homeowners can lean it against the wall. Put the display artworks on any surface, such as a fireplace mantel, a floating shelf, or a console table, by leaning it against the wall. To achieve a modern look, consider arranging taller and larger artworks directly against the wall with smaller frames in front.
Use Clothespins, Ribbon, or Twine
With the help of a clear tape, tie both sides of a piece of twine or ribbon to the wall. Then, clip photographs and prints using small clothespins to the twine or ribbon. Although this fancy and trendy idea won't work for heavy artworks, you can always swap out prints and photographs without damaging the walls.
Make a Bulletin Board
Use a wooden board coated with magnetic paint as a base to showcase the artworks once it's dried. You can attach artworks such as a mix of photographs, prints, quotes, and cuttings from magazines. Adding or removing any art piece of your choice can never damage the wall while using a wooden board.
Use Hook-and-Loop Tape
Attach one side of the hook-and-loop tape to the top back corners or along the top and bottom edges of decorative items. Apply another side of the hook-and-loop tape on the wall. Afterwards, press one side of the frame against the other side of the wall. This way, you can hang items up to about 10 lb ( 4.5 kg).
Use a Putty or Double-Sided Tape
Putty or double-sided tape is best for light and unframed items. Cut some pieces of double-sided tape into small and fingernailed sizes or tear off bits of poster putty.
Stick the tape of putty on each corner of the item and press it firmly against the wall to make it stick. Also, refrain from using any industrial-strength tape such as duct tape, as it can damage the wall.
Use S-Hooks and Wire
Hang framed items from molding using S-hooks and wire. Screw a small screw eye into the back of the frame. Then, wrap one end of flexible craft wire around the loop. Similarly, wrap another end of the wire around one side of a metal S-hook. Place the other side of the S-hook over the strip of built-in wall molding to hang the frame.
The S-hooks come in different sizes. Thus, select the correct size, depending on the molding you plan to hang it on.
Wall Trellis
Get a wooden or metal trellis that has a grid-like structure from a home improvement store or garden center. Place it on the floor, behind a heavy or huge piece of furniture such as a bed or couch. Push the piece of furniture tightly against the trellis to hold it firmly in its place. Then, hang small framed art from the trellis with the help of hooks and wire. Additionally, pin paper prints or photographs to the trellis, using clips.
