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task master
How do I hang up art and photos without putting holes in the walls?
Not keen to start hammering nails into the plasterboard? Here’s what to do instead.
MAYBE YOU’VE JUST moved into a new home and are a little undecided about where and how to display your pictures.
Or perhaps you have beautiful wallpaper that you don’t want to damage by putting holes or picture hooks into it. Or maybe you just really enjoy mixing and rearranging your artworks a lot? (I know I do.)
There are lots of ways to display art and photos without lifting a single hammer or drill, and with no annoying holes that you need to fill in and repaint later. Here are some creative ways to hang and display your favourite pieces…
1. Easy on, easy off: Removable hanging strips like Command Strips are the ideal, low commitment way to display pictures, artworks, or even irregularly shaped things that are just difficult to hang with picture hooks. Do bear in mind though, that the weight indicated on the pack refers to the load that the whole pack can bear, not just one strip.
2. Get creative with washi tape: Washi tape is a paper tape – a bit like masking tape, but adorned with bright colours and patterns. It’s readily available in most craft shops. You can use washi tape to create a gallery wall of unframed prints; tape your print just at the corners if you want a really minimal look or tape the whole way around to create a subtle frame effect. Washi tape is low tack and should peel off most wall finishes without any damage, but test it in a discreet spot first as the glue strength can vary from one brand to another.
3. Skip the hanging part altogether: Who says artworks have to be hanging anyway? Avoid any dilemma about how to hang your pictures by artfully arranging large framed works propped on the floor, smaller ones on furniture or countertops, or intersperse them between books and ornaments on shelves or a mantlepiece to add interest and rhythm. Large framed prints look great on the floor just leaning against the wall, especially when arranged with a large mirror or some potted plants. Adding smaller prints or photos sitting on top of a sideboard or counter can create a perfect backdrop for ornaments and knickknacks, or can fill awkward blank spots on shelving by layering behind books and plants.
4. Create a clothesline display: Use removable hooks, some string, ribbon, or wire, and some mini clothes pegs to create a clothesline gallery – a really fun way to display unframed prints or photos. I especially love this idea for children’s artworks and paintings as little hands can interact with this easily. It’s also a great way to create a seasonal display, once you use hooks that release from the wall easily (see point one above!) and without damage when you’re done with them.
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