How to Hang Photos and Artwork without Nails: A Complete and Rental-Friendly Guide
Renting a home in Australia doesn’t mean settling for plain white walls. You can display your photos, showcase your art collection, or show off your children’s creations while keeping your rental bond safe. Yes, you can inject personality into your space without a lot of risk.
This guide from Command™ Brand explains how to hang pictures in your rental property without breaking your lease. You’ll learn:
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Create a gallery wall in your space with the help of Command Picture Hanging Strips.Create a gallery wall in your space with the help of Command Picture Hanging Strips. -
How to hang without drilling and using nails or screws
How picture hanging strips work
How to arrange picture frames on your wall
How to hang a heavy picture safely
This guide will hopefully help you display your favourite pieces without holes and without the worry!
Why Command™ Picture Hanging Strips? Rental-Friendly, No-Drill Hanging Solution
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Personalise your rental walls without worrying about damage, with the help of Command™ Picture Hanging Strips. Available in white or black to blend seamlessly with your frames and walls, Command™ Picture Hanging Strips come in a range of sizes to accommodate different frame dimensions and weights.
Check this video to learn more about the sizes and designs of Command™ Picture Hanging Strips.
How do Command™ Picture Hanging Strips work? Command™ Picture Hanging Strips use a hook-and-hook system—not hook-and-loop. Both sides are identical, so when clicked together, they lock firmly and hold your frame flat against the wall without sagging over time. When you are ready to remove the photo frame, a stretchy pull tab releases the adhesive cleanly. No sticky residue, no holes, no cracked plaster.
How to Mount a Picture on a Wall: Getting Started
Before anything goes on the wall, here are three quick tips will help keep your pictures—and rental bond—safe.
1. Always check your wall surface before choosing a no-nail hanging method. Command™ Picture Hanging Strips work well on smooth surfaces, including plasterboard, which is one of the most common surfaces in Australia. Remember: Choosing the wrong surface can cause picture frames to fall or leave residue behind. Taking a moment to check your wall surface helps ensure a safe and secure installation.
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Compatible Surfaces
Painted plasterboard or painted concrete
Painted or varnished wood
Tile, metal, glass
Laminates and smooth PVC panels
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Not Compatible
Heavily textured or rough walls
Wallpaper or fabric wall coverings
Brick and other rough, non-stick surfaces
Freshly painted walls (wait at least 7 days)
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2. Determine the size and weight of your picture frame. Why does this matter? Choosing the correct size and holding power of Command Picture Hanging Strips ensures your frame is properly supported and securely mounted. Knowing your frame’s size and weight helps you select the right product from the start. Check this visual guide and table below:
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Visual guide: How to choose your Picture Hanging Strips depends on your frame size and weightVisual guide: How to choose your Picture Hanging Strips depends on your frame size and weight
View How to Choose Command™ Hooks and Picture Hanging Strips for the full How to Choose guide.
3. Check your frame type. Not all frames are built the same, and the right hanger makes all the difference. Here's how to match yours:
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Hang a wire-suspended photo frame using Command™ Wire Back Picture Hanger- Frames with flat backs (no hardware): Use Command™ Picture Hanging Strips (all sizes).
- Frames with sawtooth back attachments, D-rings, or keyhole fixtures: Use the Command™ Jumbo Universal Picture Hanger—sturdy and made of metal—or the Command™ Sawtooth Picture Hanger, which is versatile enough you can also use it for unframed photos and artwork.
- Wire-suspended frames: Use Command™ Wire Back Picture Hanger, which can hold up to 2.2 kg. You can also hang it with the Command™ Jumbo Universal Picture Hanger.
How to Hang Your Picture at the Right Height and Keep the Frame Straight
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Arrange picture frames at eye level.A commonly used guideline is to position the centre of your artwork at approximately 145 to 150 cm from the floor. This is roughly average eye level when standing, and it’s also the same standard used by most galleries. The 145 cm measurement refers to the centre of the artwork, not the top of the frame, so factor in the distance from the hanging point to the top of your frame.
That said, if you're taller, shorter, or simply have a strong instinct about where something looks right—just go with it.
How high should you hang your picture in specific spots:
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Position your photos wherever you like—secured with Command Picture Hanging Strips.To hang a picture straight, lightly mark the intended placement with a pencil, then confirm the alignment using a level app on your phone. You can also place a small round object, such as a gumball, on top of the frame; if it rolls, adjust the frame until it stays centered. These methods help ensure the frame is horizontal and straight before you hang your frame.
How to Arrange Picture Frames on a Wall
One way to make your rental place feel like home is by displaying your photo frames through a picture wall or gallery wall. Think: a curated collection of artworks and photos that you can refresh as often as your mood or the season changes. For example, highlighting Christmas-themed images during the holidays or displaying family portraits for Mother’s Day! You can also just have a dedicated gallery wall with your favourite photos displayed all year long.
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Lay frames on the floor to plan your layout before hanging them.How to create a gallery wall
- Lay frames on the floor first to plan your layout before hanging anything.
- Start with your largest "anchor" piece, centred on the wall or above a piece of furniture
- Leave 5 to 8 cm of breathing space between frames to keep the arrangement more balanced.
- Mix portrait and landscape orientations to create visual rhythm.
- Create a full mock-up of the placement before committing to the final layout. Adjust freely until it feels right.
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Display a collage of family portraits in your home officeWhen it comes to displaying photos in your rental, the options are wide open. Explore these other creative ways on how to arrange your photos on your wall:
How to Create a Framed Wall Collage
How to Hang Picture Frames on the Wall with Command™ Strips
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Create a gallery wall with mixed posters and pictures using Command Strips.-
Prep the wall. Clean both surfaces with isopropyl alcohol. Let dry for at least one minute.
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Attach to frame. Click strips together, separate, remove the black liner, and press firmly onto the back of the frame for 30 seconds.
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Press onto wall. Remove the red liner. Hold the frame in position and press the entire frame against the wall for 30 seconds.
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Separate and re-press. Lift the frame off. Press the wall-side strip firmly again for 30 seconds. Wait 1 hour.
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Hang. After an hour or so, click the frame back onto the wall-side strips.
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How to Hang Canvas Art and Posters on a Wall
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Hang posters, artwork, and signs easily using Command Poster Strips.You can hang your canvas art using canvas hangers, which come with built‑in sawtooth ridges that provide secure support. For posters, Command™ Poster Strips let you keep them flat and crease‑free without damaging corners or leaving marks.
How to Hang Heavy Pictures on Plasterboard Wall
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Hang large, heavy frames with Command X‑Large Picture Hanging Strips.It's worth taking 30 seconds to check; a heavier frame needs more support and stronger hold.
To hang heavy pictures on a plasterboard wall or other smooth wall surfaces, use Command™ Large or X‑Large Picture Hanging.
For pieces over 5 kg, place four sets of Large or X‑Large strips evenly across the back of the frame for balanced support. Remember: Always check the maximum weight limit on the pack and never exceed it.
Removing Command™ Strips Cleanly — and Making Changing Artwork and Photos Fun
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To remove the strips, slowly stretch down against the wall.The freedom to remove and rehang your wall décor is one of the biggest advantages of Command™ Picture Hanging Strips. Refresh your walls for Christmas, swap photos after a big holiday, rearrange when you get new furniture…and when moving day comes, take everything down with no repainting and no bond deductions.
Just remember:
Command™ Picture Hanging Strips are designed for single use. Once the adhesive has been stretched for removal, the strip should not be reused.Here’s a quick guide on how to remove:
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Grab bottom corners and peel frame from wall. Do not pull straight off.
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Always pull straight down on the Command strip; never pull away from wall.
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Stretch strips slowly against the wall at least 15 inches (38 cm) to release.
For the complete removal guide and more application reminders, view our guide on How to Use Command™ Picture Hanging Strips.
Ready to Make Your Rental Walls Your Own?
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Your rental house should feel like home and reflect your personality, even if it’s temporary. With Command™ Picture Hanging Strips, you can style up your space without worrying about damage, rearrange whenever you feel like a change, and walk away at the end of your lease with your full bond intact. To sum up:
- Personalise your space without worrying about damage
- Rearrange or refresh displays anytime — no permanent decisions
- No mess, no tools, no drilling
- Clean removal helps protect your bond when you move out
- Available in white and black, in a range of sizes for every frame
Where to Buy Command™ Picture Hanging Strips and Picture Hangers
Command™ picture hangers are available on the leading eCommerce platforms listed below, as well as at leading supermarkets, hardware, office and retail stores.
Recommended No-Drill Command™ Picture Hanging Products
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Holds up to 9 kg. Ideal for displaying large picture frames, wall art, and notice boards.
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Holds up to 5.4 kg and is designed for narrow frames. Perfect for creating a gallery wall, mounting décor, and more.
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Holds up to 3.6 kg. Ideal for frames with back attachments such as sawtooth hangers, D-rings, or keyhole fixtures.
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Hang posters, children’s artwork, banners, and signs without tools. Ideal for home, office, or dorm décor.
Explore More Wall Décor Ideas Using Command™ Picture Hanging Solutions
Display Your Photos or Artwork with Ease
These renter‑friendly wall décor ideas help bring personality into your space.
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