With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can create a personalized living space in your apartment, even if you can’t paint or put holes in the walls. One great way to make your space reflect your personality is through art. Here are some ways you can display your artwork without damaging your walls.
Use Adhesive Hooks and Poster Putty
Adhesive hooks, like Command hooks, are great for hanging artwork. Make sure you get the right size for the weight of your art. After placing the adhesive hook where you want it, press the art frame to the wall for a few seconds to make sure it’s secure.
Loved by teachers everywhere, poster putty can be shaped in a variety of ways, giving you the flexibility you need to hang art that’s awkwardly shaped or doesn’t have a good edge for hanging. Poster putty is best for lightweight artwork, like (you guessed it) posters.
Get Creative with Washi Tape
Look for high-quality Washi tape, which will stay put and work like masking tape. You can use the Washi tape to frame a picture or create your very own work of art.
Lean Art Against the Floor or Wall
As a stylish alternative to hanging art, try leaning it against the floor or wall. This works best with larger, heavier paintings or mirrors. Prop your painting up on the fireplace mantle, angle it on a shelf, or put it directly on the floor next to a piece of furniture. Try using multiple works of art for a layered look, with the largest painting in the middle.
Look for Inconspicuous Hanging Spots
Look for inconspicuous hanging spots where a nail hole won’t show, such as crown molding or other wood trim. To get your art to eye level (the ideal place for hanging art), cut some twine or leather string to twice the length you want from the hanging spot to the display spot. Staple the ends to the back corners of the frame and hang from the nail.
Take Your Art to Higher Places
Yes, it’s true that eye-level is the ideal spot for art. However, you can achieve a fun look by displaying your art in higher locations, such as above (or on, if you’re leaning it) tall furniture or on top of kitchen cabinets.
Use Your Art as Camouflage
Have a bookcase or open shelving that’s filled with clutter or not-so-attractive dishware that you rarely use? Hang your art in front of the shelf to hide the clutter and create an interesting art display. If the open shelving you’re trying to hide has a frame, try using an “S” hook to hang your artwork.
Mix Art with Other Accessories
Group together books, vases, and other works of art to create a stylish vignette. This works great on a shelf or on top of a fireplace mantle, but any open surface will do. Try leaning the art behind or to the side of the other items.
Find Your Style
If you’re still not sure how to display your art, try some of these tips:
- Keep part pieces consistent in color and style. If you have large built-ins or bookcases, place art on every other shelf.
- Hang several small art pieces together. Keep the center piece at eye level and hang the other pieces around it.
- Don’t overlook small spaces! That strip of wall between the window and the door will look great with smaller artwork displayed there.
- If you need to hang your art higher than eye level, try placing a smaller piece of furniture or a houseplant below it.
- Your bookcase can hold more than just books! To keep it all balanced, try using the rule of thirds: one-third books, one-third art, and one-third other décor (like statues or vases).
- Strategically hang art between two pieces of furniture. The furniture will act as a frame for your art.
Apartments tend to have a very neutral color palette, so adding vibrant works of art throughout your home will make it feel uniquely yours — without having to worry about filling holes when you move or risking losing your security deposit.
