There are several effective ways to hang pictures without using nails, suitable for renters or anyone wanting to avoid wall damage:

Common Methods to Hang Pictures Without Nails

• Adhesive Picture Hanging Strips or Hooks
  These are pressure-sensitive adhesive strips (like 3M Command Strips) that stick to the back of the frame and the wall, holding pictures securely without nails or holes. They come in various sizes and weight capacities, so choose according to your frame’s weight. Proper surface cleaning and following instructions (e.g., waiting an hour before hanging) ensure strong adhesion. They can be removed cleanly without residue or wall damage

• Using Hooks That Fit Molding or Picture Rails
  If your room has molding or picture rails, you can use hooks that fit over them and hang pictures using rope or string, avoiding wall punctures altogether

• Ceiling Hanging Systems
  Hanging pictures from the ceiling using drop ceiling hooks, bullet hangers, or gallery systems is an option, especially if you want to avoid wall damage completely. This is useful for heavier art and creates a unique display

• Washi Tape for Lightweight Paper Art
  For posters, prints, or photographs, decorative washi tape can be used to stick art directly to the wall. It’s less adhesive and less likely to damage paint, allowing creative framing with tape designs

• Push Pins or Small Wall-Friendly Picture Hangers
  Push pins can be used for lightweight frames or art, leaving only tiny holes that are easier to patch than nails. Specialized wall-friendly picture hangers also exist that avoid large holes

• Magnetic Strip Systems (e.g., Magnofix®)
  Magnetic strips that attach to the back of the picture and the wall offer a no-nail solution where the picture can be easily removed and repositioned without damage

• Leaning Art
  Simply leaning framed pictures on shelves, mantels, or against the wall on furniture is a no-damage way to display art

Summary

The easiest and most popular method is using adhesive strips like Command Strips, which hold various weights securely and remove cleanly. Other options include hanging from molding or ceiling hooks, using decorative tape for light art, push pins, or magnetic systems. Choose based on the weight of your picture, wall surface, and whether you want a permanent or temporary solution