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7 Tips For Hanging Things on the Wall

Rachael Provost

By Rachael Provost
Updated August 7, 2023

Your walls are the perfect place to hang almost anything, including pictures, mirrors, shelves, TVs and cabinets. Before you do, check out our hanging tips and watch our video to learn the basics of what's in your walls so you can safely hang your items.

Skill

Beginner

Time

Few Hours

Two palm leaf prints in white frames on a white wall over a light wood table.

Seven Tips for Hanging Items on a Wall

A woman hanging an oval cork board in a decorative frame on a white wall.

  1. Before using fasteners, know what your wall is made of. If you can insert a pushpin easily, you have drywall. Most homes built before the 1950s have plaster walls, which require special hanging techniques.
  2. Screws work better than nails. Use the shortest screw possible to avoid puncturing wires, pipes or ducts. For drywall, a 1-1/4-inch screw will usually suffice. See our Screws Buying Guide.
  3. Attach heavier items, like shelving, cabinets and bulky picture frames, to a wall stud. Studs are vertical wooden boards or steel beams located inside your walls. They’re typically placed 16 or 24 inches apart in most homes and can be located with an electronic stud finder. If your home has steel studs, you’ll need special fasteners. See How to Find Studs in Walls.
  4. Mark multiple wall studs easily by using a level to run a strip of painter’s tape across the length of the wall. This will help when hanging wider items.
  5. If you need to hang an item on drywall without attaching it to a stud, weigh it first using a bathroom scale. Use drywall anchors labeled for the necessary weight. See How Do I Use Drywall Anchors?
  6. When drilling a pilot hole in a wall, catch dust and falling debris by hanging a plastic bag below your work area with painter’s tape. See How to Drill a Pilot Hole.
  7. If you’d prefer not to make holes in the wall, consider tape and adhesive options. Command strips are a great damage-free alternative for hanging pictures. They do have weight limitations, so they’re better suited for holding lighter picture frames and wall décor. Make sure you check the packaging to see how much weight the strips can hold, and then choose accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Things on a Wall

What Is the Best Way to Hang Something on the Wall?

A woman hanging framed pictures on a wall in a hallway outside a living room.

This depends largely on what you are hanging and what your walls are made of. For drywall, lightweight items can typically be hung with a nail or screw. Heavier items require more reinforcement so as not to damage your walls. We carry a variety of picture hangers, so you can find the right solution for your needs.

If you’re trying to create a display of multiple pictures or artwork, like a gallery wall, try taping paper templates to the wall so you can see the layout as you go. Measuring is important for placement, and a level can come in handy to ensure your frame isn’t crooked.

How Do You Hang Things on Walls Without Nails?

Alternatives to hanging items without nails include adhesive options, like Command strips. These adhesive strips stick to walls, offering a damage-free way to showcase framed portraits, some of your favorite artwork, and other hanging wall décor. Be mindful of the weight limitations — these are not designed to hold heavy items.

How Do You Hang Heavy Things on Drywall?

If utilizing a stud to hang heavy items isn’t an option, using drywall anchors to help hold the weight and keep them secure is the best option. Be sure  to check weight limitations on the packaging of any drywall anchors you purchase.

How Do You Attach Something to a Wall Without Drilling?

Hanging things doesn’t always mean putting screws in drywall. You can use a hammer and nails for hanging or Command strips if your wall art or decor is lightweight and/or it’s something that may not stay on the wall permanently.

What Kind of Tape Can You Use to Hang Pictures That Will Not Remove Paint?

If you’re using tape or another kind of adhesive to hang items, choose an option that is specifically designed to be removed without damaging your walls, like poster tape.

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