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.
Command strips
The most reliable option for lighter frames. They work by adhering to both the wall and the frame, and when removed correctly — pulling the tab straight down rather than pulling away from the wall — they come off cleanly without damaging the paint. Weight matters here: check the packaging and stay within the limit. For a standard A4 or A3 print in a light frame, they hold well.
Picture hanging strips
Similar to command strips but designed specifically for frames, with interlocking adhesive pads on each side. They distribute the weight more evenly than a single hook and work well for slightly heavier frames.
Adhesive hooks
Good for lighter prints in frames with a hanging wire or cord at the back. Less suitable for heavier pieces or frames with a fixed hanging point.
Leaning
Often underestimated. A print leaned against a wall — on a shelf, a mantelpiece, or directly on the floor — requires no fixing at all and is easy to move or swap out. It works particularly well for larger formats and creates a more relaxed, lived-in feel than a formally hung piece.
What doesn’t work
Standard sticky tape, blu-tack, or anything not rated for the weight of the frame. These solutions fail gradually — sometimes slowly enough that you don’t notice until the print is on the floor.
For heavier frames, there’s no real substitute for a proper wall fixing. But for most art prints in standard frames, no-drill options are more than adequate.
— Studio Ninette, designed in Belgium.