You just moved into your beautiful new apartment in Seattle, and those blank walls are staring back at you. Or maybe you’re refreshing your Austin rental, ready to hang some new art finds in the living room. Either way, you want to make your space feel like home—but without damaging the drywall or risking your security deposit.
Hanging pictures on drywall can be tricky, especially if you’re working with rental restrictions. Should you use nails? Do you need anchors? What if there’s no stud? Don’t worry—we’ve got expert-backed tips to help you hang your pictures securely while keeping your walls (and your lease) intact. From using the right tools to damage-free solutions, here’s everything you need to know to get your art up like a pro.
How to hang pictures using a stud
If you’re hanging a heavier picture, finding a stud—the wooden support behind your drywall—can help prevent damage and ensure your picture stays put.
Three easy ways to find a stud
- Use a stud finder – The easiest and most accurate method is using a stud finder, an electronic or magnetic device that signals when it detects a stud behind the drywall.
- Try the knock test – If you don’t have a stud finder, knock along the wall and listen for a solid sound instead of a hollow one. A stud will create a denser, more muted knock.
- Start near a corner – Studs are typically spaced 16 or 24 inches apart, so begin near a corner and move toward the center of the wall to find them.
Once you’ve located a stud, you can securely mount your picture without worrying about it falling or damaging your drywall.
How to hang pictures without a stud
If your perfect picture spot doesn’t line up with a stud, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to hang it securely. The key is choosing the right anchor to support the weight.
Choosing the right anchor
“Oftentimes, mounting hardware that comes with your purchase isn’t strong enough for the job,” shares Orlee from Ron Hazelton DIY Home Improvement. “This is especially true for things that get tugged on or used frequently. What happens over time is the fasteners become loose, and the item you’re hanging becomes wobbly – or fails entirely. The culprit is often the type of wall anchor you used for the job. Choosing the right wall anchor is critical for a secure wall mount.”
| Anchor Type | Best For | Weight Capacity |
| Plastic anchors | Lightweight frames | Up to 15 lbs |
| Winged anchors | Medium-sized frames | Up to 25 lbs |
| Toggle bolts | Heavy mirrors/artwork | Up to 50 lbs |
| Self-drilling anchors | General use | Varies—check label |
Except for self-drilling anchors, most require pre-drilled holes large enough to fit the anchor. A small power drill can make the job easier. With the right anchor, you can safely hang pictures without a stud while keeping your walls as damage-free as possible.
“For lightweight pictures, like canvases or family photos, we use 1″ coarse-thread drywall screws, or 1 1/2″ screws if we’re going into a stud,” shares Nathan from BiltPros, Southern California’s highest rated general contractor. “When it comes to heavier pictures, like large portraits or mirrors, sometimes you can screw it into a stud, but we always want to run at least a 1/4″ lag bolt into a stud if possible. For drywall, we use 1/4″ toggler bolts, which are the strongest type of anchor for that type of wall. If you have any concerns on hanging heavier items, it’s recommended to consult with a home professional like BiltPros to ensure it’s properly located and secured.”
Best methods for hanging pictures on drywall
Having the right tools makes hanging pictures on drywall much easier. A level ensures your pictures are straight, while a tape measure helps with centering and spacing. A pencil allows you to mark the wall without leaving permanent marks—plus, any leftover pencil lines will fade over time. Or, you could try this clever hack for precise hanging from Ashley, writer of home decor blog Alexander Renee Design:
“You can also use toothpaste to mark nail or hook placement. Apply a small dab of toothpaste to the back of the frame where the nail or hook will go, then press it against the wall. Install your preferred hanging method at the toothpaste spot, then wipe away any residue. Once secure, hang your picture and adjust as needed for a level finish.”
With your preferred tools at the ready, it’s time to choose the best method for hanging your pictures.
Best methods for hanging pictures on drywall
1. Nails (Best for lightweight art)
- Quick and easy, ideal for small frames and light décor.
- Leaves only a small hole, making patching simple when moving out.
- Works best in a stud—nails in plain drywall can loosen over time.
- Not suitable for heavy frames, as they can pull out without extra support.
2. Picture hanging hooks (Best for medium weight)
- Stronger than nails, with hooks that distribute weight more effectively.
- Leaves minimal wall damage, making it a renter-friendly option.
- Available in different weight capacities—check packaging to match your frame.
- Not designed for very heavy pieces; may require a stud or anchor for support.
3. Anchors & screws (Best for heavy frames)
- Essential when no stud is available, preventing screws from pulling out.
- Works well for mirrors, large artwork, and shelves.
- Provides a secure hold, but requires pre-drilling a hole for most anchors.
- Can leave larger holes, which may need more effort to patch when removing.
4. Monkey hooks (Best for quick, tool-free hanging)
- Holds up to 50 pounds, making it one of the strongest no-tool options.
- Easy to install—just push and twist the hook into the drywall.
- Leaves a small pinhole that is less noticeable than anchors or screws.
- Won’t work if pipes, wires, or studs are behind the drywall, so placement may be limited.
5. Pegboard (Best for renters with lots to hang)
- Creates a customizable gallery wall without making multiple holes.
- Allows easy rearranging of artwork, shelves, and decorative items.
- Requires mounting into studs for stability, which means it’s not entirely damage-free.
- Exposed pegboard holes can look cluttered if not fully covered with décor.
6. Adhesive strips (Best for damage-free hanging)
- A great option for renters since they leave no holes when removed properly.
- Strong enough for lightweight frames and canvases.
- Works best on smooth, clean walls—textured or painted walls may reduce effectiveness.
- Won’t hold heavy items, and improper removal can damage paint.
Tip: “Adhesive strips and hooks that pull off cleanly are your best friend as a renter,” shares Ashley from interior decor blog Decorology. “They can’t hold things like a heavy mirror, but you’d be surprised at the size and weight of artwork they can handle. Once the lease is up and it’s time to pack up and move out, you won’t have to worry about damage left behind.”
7. Velcro strips (Best for lightweight, repositionable art)
- A good alternative to adhesive strips for small, lightweight pieces.
- Easy to adjust and reposition without leaving marks.
- Best for posters, small canvases, and temporary décor.
- Not strong enough for heavier frames; works best for items under 10 pounds.
8. Decorative tape (Best for posters and lightweight prints)
- A renter-friendly way to hang prints without causing damage.
- Available in various colors and patterns, adding a decorative touch.
- Ideal for paper prints, posters, and lightweight art.
- Adhesion may weaken over time, and some tapes can pull off paint when removed.
Extra expert recommendations for picture-hanging methods
For precision without extra holes: PicGenie ensures each frame is positioned perfectly, saving you time, effort, and keeping your walls neat and damage-free.
“A lot of tools out there offer different ways to get the job done, and it really helps to pick one that lets you work like a pro. Whether you’re hanging lightweight frames or something heavier like mirrors, finding a versatile solution that works for a range of weights and sizes can make all the difference.” – Roger, owner and inventor of PicGenie Patented Spot Marking System.
Give your artwork the gallery treatment: A gallery picture hanging system allows you to arrange and re-arrange pictures without damaging the walls.
“Unlike conventional hanging hardware, a picture hanging system uses three simple parts: a rail, a hanger, and a hook, which together allow users to hang and re-arrange pictures in endless combinations without ever damaging the drywall. Picture hanging systems can be used on all kinds of apartment wall surfaces, including brick, fabric, wood, and curved walls.” – Christine, artist, photographer, and managing director of Gallery System Art Displays.
Preparing a picture for hanging
Before hanging, check the back of your frame for built-in hanging hardware. If it’s missing, you’ll need to add it.
- Picture wire: Attach two small metal loops to the back of the frame, aligned across the middle. Cut the wire slightly longer than the frame, thread it through the loops, and twist to secure.
- Sawtooth hanger: A self-adhesive option that allows the frame to rest on a nail or hook. It typically has multiple grooves to help balance the picture.
Ensuring your frame has the right hardware will make installation easier and more secure.
Repairing holes in your drywall
The enemy of all renters comes out once it’s time to take down the pictures you’ve worked so hard to put up — holes. If you hang up a bunch of pieces with nails, anchors or the hook combos in a picture hanging kit, you’ll have holes to fill. Luckily, we reached out to experts for their best tips on how to tackle holes in your drywall. Justin, founder of Odd Job Handyman Services, recommends the following steps for drywall repair:
- Gather supplies: “You’ll need spackle, a spackle or putty knife, a sanding sponge, primer, a paint brush, drop cloths, and finish paint.”
- Prep the space: “Start by laying out the drop cloth, then remove the picture and the tools used to hang it.”
- Spackle: “Fill the hole with spackle using your spackle knife. Let it dry for about a day.”
- Refine: “Sand the area smooth, then grab your paint brush. Paint over the sanded area with primer, and once dried, apply two coats of paint.
- Celebrate: “Step back and revel in the flat wall that no longer has any holes in it. Remember, a good drywall patch gets forgotten in a moment, while a bad one gets remembered for a lifetime.”
“If you need a quick fix for small holes before moving out, you can rub a dry white soap bar or white crayon over them to fill them instantly,” shares the team from CondoMounts, a specialized TV mount company. “This simple solution is perfect for rentals, allowing you to leave without a trace.”
“For larger holes, using drywall repair patches provides a sturdy and seamless fix, ensuring a smooth surface before repainting,” shares Brandon, managing director of Timothy’s Toolbox, a family owned online tool supplier. “Whether you’re dealing with small imperfections or more noticeable damage, renter-friendly drywall repair techniques can help restore your wall with minimal effort.”
“To achieve a truly flawless repair, paint the entire wall from corner to corner using a matching color,” adds Luke, owner of Hoeft Design and Build in Georgetown, TX. “Touch-up paint alone can result in “flashing,” where patches of paint appear uneven or shinier than the surrounding area. A full wall repaint ensures a uniform, professional finish.”
