How To Hang Your Wall Art (No Seriously, It’s Harder Than It Looks)
Alright, so you’ve just got some fresh new posters, and now you’re wondering:
"How do I actually hang these without turning my wall into Swiss cheese?"
Whether you're in your first apartment or just want to upgrade your bedroom, this guide has you covered.
We’ll break it down step-by-step so even if you’ve never picked up a hammer or have any prior experience, you can still make your space look like an art gallery.
1. Know Your Wall Type (It’s Important, I Swear):
First things first: Not all walls are created equal. Your walls could be drywall, plaster, brick, or even something fancy like concrete (yeah, high five if you live in a loft).
Drywall (aka the Most Basic of Walls)
These are common and pretty easy to work with. Your best friend here is a basic nail or adhesive strips. Just remember, drywall is like that friend who can’t handle too much pressure—don’t expect it to hold your 50-lb poster of Keanu Reeves without some extra support.
Plaster (The Boujee Old-School Type)
Plaster walls are strong, but also a bit unpredictable. You’ll need special wall anchors to hang anything here, or you might end up with a mess.
Brick or Concrete (Strong but Unforgiving)
Okay, Hercules, you’ve got some serious wall strength here. For brick or concrete, you're looking at masonry nails or even a drill if you’re feeling ambitious. But honestly, if this is your setup, we’d recommend a friend with a power drill or a YouTube tutorial.
2. Let’s Talk Nails, Hooks, and Adhesive Strips (The Real MVPs)
Nails:
Simple, reliable, and gets the job done. Perfect for drywall and plaster. A regular nail can hold up to 9kg, which should be enough for most posters. Just make sure to use a stud finder if you’re hanging something heavier or super important.
Adhesive Strips (The TikTok Approved Option)
These are a life-saver if you’re renting or just hate commitment. Plus, no holes in your wall! Each strip can hold anywhere from 1 to 7 kg, depending on the size. The downside? They’re not ideal for super heavy frames or textured walls (sorry, plaster and concrete fans). Also, pro tip: Don’t rip them off too fast, or you’ll end up with half your wall in your hand.
Wall Anchors (For When You’re Feeling Fancy)
Wall anchors are for those times you want to hang something heavy—like that framed movie poster collection or a giant clock. These bad boys can hold anywhere from 11 to 22 kg, depending on the type you get. But, be warned, this involves some minor drilling, so you may want to recruit help or, at the very least, watch a 3-minute DIY video to avoid turning your wall into a construction zone.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how much weight each technique can hold:
Regular nails: Up to 9kg
Adhesive strips: Up to 7kg (but usually less)
Wall anchors: 11 to 22kg (get the heavy-duty ones if you’re hanging a giant tapestry or mirror)
For posters, you’re probably sticking with nails or adhesive strips, but if you’re hanging something heavier or in a fancy frame, wall anchors are your best friend.
Beginner (No Tools Required)
If you're in the "I don't own a hammer" stage of life, start with adhesive strips. They’re quick, easy, and renter-approved. Just be ready for the occasional fall if your wall isn’t smooth.
Intermediate (A Nail and Hammer Situation)
This is for the person who’s ready to commit—like you’re finally in a place where you can hang stuff without worrying about a security deposit. Nails are straightforward, just don’t go overboard with the hammering, and remember: “Less is more” if you ever plan on moving out.
Advanced (Bring Out the Power Tools)
So you’re ready to go full DIY? Wall anchors, masonry nails, and drills are your jam. This is for when you want your art to survive an apocalypse. If you’re hanging a flat-screen TV-sized frame or anything over 11kg, you’re here. Welcome.
So given you’ve read at least one or two of the previous paragraphs, one last tip before you go full Bob the Builder.
Always measure before you start —yes eyeballing counts, but a measuring tape counts more, bonus points if you can borrow some fancy measuring tools— make sure the frame or poster is centered, unless you’re going for that “off centered arty” look.
And finally, when in doubt call in that favor that one handy friend owes you, even better, let them do all the hard work, then remind them you helped by holding up one end of the poster.