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.
Why Command™ Picture Hanging Solutions? Rental-Friendly, No-Drill Hanging
-
Create a family photo wall with ease using Command™ no-drill picture hanging solutions.Create a family photo wall with ease using Command™ no-drill picture hanging solutions. -
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, they come in a range of sizes to accommodate different frame dimensions and weights.
Command™ Picture Hangers are also suitable for frames with sawtooth, wire-back, and keyhole fixtures, as well as canvas. Displaying unframed photos and posters? You can try Command™ Poster Strips.
And when it is time to move out, removable is simple. The stretch-release adhesive comes off cleanly with an easy pull of the tab, leaving no sticky residue, nail holes, and cracked plaster.
To sum up, here’s why Command™ Picture Hangers are suitable for Australian renters:
- Personalise your space without worrying about damage
- Rearrange or refresh displays anytime—no permanent decisions
- No mess, no tools, no drilling required
- Clean removal helps protect your bond when you move out
- Available in white and black, in a range of sizes for every frame
How to Mount a Picture on a Wall: Getting Started
Before anything goes on the wall, here are two 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 painted 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.
-
Compatible Surfaces
Painted plasterboard or painted concrete
Painted or varnished wood
Tile, metal, glass
Laminates and smooth PVC panels
-
Not Compatible
Heavily textured or rough walls
Wallpaper, fabric wall coverings and other soft surfaces
Brick and other rough, non-stick surfaces
Freshly painted walls (wait a minimum of 28 days after painting to apply)
-
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 Solutions 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:
-
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.
Ready to Hang Your Frames? Here’s How with Command™ Picture Hanging Solutions
How to Hang Your Picture at the Right Height and Keep the Frame Straight
-
Arrange picture frames at eye level.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.
More tips on how high should you hang your picture in specific spots:
Above a sofa or couch. 15 to 20 cm between the top of the sofa and the bottom of the frame
Above a fireplace mantel. Bottom of frame 10 to 15 cm above the top of the mantel
In a hallway. Centre at 145 to 150 cm from the floor
Above a desk. Centre at approximately 130 to 140 cm (lower for seated eye level)
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.
-
Lay frames on the floor to plan your layout before hanging them.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.
When 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 Heavy Pictures on Plasterboard Wall
-
Hang large, heavy frames with Command™ X‑Large Picture Hanging Strips.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.
Ready to Make Your Rental Walls Your Own?
Your rental house should feel like home and reflect your personality, even if it’s temporary. The freedom to remove and rehang your wall décor is one of the biggest advantages of Command™ Picture Hanging Solutions. Refresh your walls for Christmas and other holidays, swap photos after a big vacation, rearrange when you get new furniture…and walk away at the end of your lease with your full bond intact.
Get inspired to start your wall décor project? You can purchase Command™ Picture Hanging Products from your favourite stores below, and view our Where to Buy information for more channel partners.
Recommended No-Drill Command™ Picture Hanging Products
-
Holds up to 9 kg. Suitable for displaying large picture frames, wall art, and notice boards.
-
Holds up to 5.4 kg and is designed for narrow frames. Suitable for creating a gallery wall, mounting décor, and more.
-
Holds up to 3.6 kg. Suitable for frames with back attachments such as sawtooth hangers, D-rings, or keyhole fixtures.
-
Hang posters, children’s artwork, banners, and signs without tools. Suitable for home, office, or dorm décor.
