Not everyone can drill into their walls. Renting, listed buildings, or simply not wanting to commit — there are good reasons to look for alternatives. The options have improved significantly, and most prints can be hung securely without a single hole.
Adhesive hanging strips
One of the most reliable no-drill options for lighter and medium-weight frames. These strips attach directly to both the wall and the back of the frame, using an interlocking adhesive system that helps distribute the weight more evenly than a single hook.
When removed correctly — by pulling the tab straight down rather than pulling the strip away from the wall — they can come off cleanly without damaging the paint. Weight is the key factor: always check the packaging and stay within the recommended limit. For standard A4 or A3 prints in lightweight frames, they are often a great solution.
Adhesive hooks
A good option for lighter prints in frames with a hanging wire or cord at the back. They are quick to install and easy to use, but they are less suitable for heavier pieces or frames with a fixed hanging point.
Leaning
Often underestimated, leaning a print against a wall requires no fixing at all. A frame placed on a shelf, mantelpiece, console, or directly on the floor is easy to move or swap out. It works particularly well for larger formats and creates a more relaxed, lived-in feel than a traditionally hung piece.
What doesn’t work
Standard sticky tape, blu-tack, or any adhesive solution that is not designed to support the weight of a frame. These methods tend to fail gradually — sometimes slowly enough that you do not notice until the print ends up on the floor.
For heavier frames, there is still no real substitute for proper wall fixings. But for most art prints in standard frames, no-drill solutions are more than adequate.
— Studio Ninette, designed in Belgium.