You've got a new canvas and want to hang it, but without drilling? Maybe you're renting, the wall is tiled, or you simply want to stay flexible. The good news: there are several ways to get a canvas on the wall without a drill. In this guide we walk you through the common options and tell you what to look out for.
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The weight of your canvas
A small canvas weighs a lot less than a large one. Framed canvases are heavier because of the extra frame. Quickly weigh your picture on a kitchen or bathroom scale. Then you can pick a suitable way to mount it.
The surface of your wall
Whether an adhesive solution holds depends a lot on the surface. Smooth, solid surfaces such as tiles, painted wood or glass usually work well. Textured wallpaper, freshly painted walls, crumbly plaster or textured finishes make it trickier, because the adhesive only sticks to the very top layer. That layer can come away together with the picture.
The manufacturer's instructions
Every mounting product has its own details on load capacity and suitable surfaces. Stick to them and plan in a little extra margin. We can't make any statement about the load capacity of other manufacturers' products.
Option 1: Self-adhesive nails
Self-adhesive nails are an adhesive pad with a small hook or pin. You stick them to the wall, and depending on the product they need some time to set before you hang anything on them.
With a canvas on a stretcher frame this is handy: the top bar of the frame is exposed on the back and can sit right on the hook. Our unframed canvases are stretched over a 4 cm deep stretcher frame.Our unframed canvases are stretched over a 1.5 inch deep stretcher frame. That means the picture stands out slightly from the wall and the hook stays out of sight.
Our tip: for wider sizes, use two nails at the same distance from the center. That way the picture hangs straighter and the weight is shared.
Option 2: Picture hanging strips
There are special picture hanging strips that interlock in pairs. One part goes on the back of the picture, the other on the wall. That way you can take the picture down again later. With a canvas, stick the strips to the back of the stretcher frame, not to the canvas itself. Make sure the wooden bar is clean and free of dust.
Option 3: Use existing holes and picture rails
Many homes already have wall plugs or hooks from earlier pictures. Maybe the spot works for your new canvas. A picture rail that's already mounted on or just below the ceiling also lets you hang pictures on cords and move them whenever you like, with no new holes at all.
Option 4: Lean it instead of hanging it
A canvas doesn't always have to hang on the wall. On a sideboard, a dresser, a mantelpiece or a picture ledge it looks relaxed and modern. The deep stretcher frame helps the canvas stand steady. You can group several pictures so they overlap and rearrange them whenever you like.
A large canvas can also lean against the wall on the floor. That looks especially laid-back in a hallway or bedroom. Make sure the picture stands securely and can't tip over, especially if children or pets live with you.
Option 5: Tension rods and clamp systems
For alcoves or the space between two walls, there are tension rods that hold purely by pressure. You can hang light pictures on them with hooks. This solution is mainly suited to smaller sizes.
The right height
A common rule of thumb: the center of the picture sits roughly at eye level, so about 145 to 160 cm above the floor. Above a sofa or sideboard the picture hangs a little lower, with about 20 to 30 cm of space above the top edge of the furniture.A common rule of thumb: the center of the picture sits roughly at eye level, so about 57 to 63 inches above the floor. Above a sofa or sideboard the picture hangs a little lower, with about 8 to 12 inches of space above the top edge of the furniture. That way furniture and picture look like they belong together.
A tip before you stick anything up: cut a piece of paper to the size of your canvas and tape it to the wall with painter's tape. That way you can see in advance whether the size and position work.
Which size suits your wall?
Our canvases come in sizes from 30×20 cm to 120×80 cm, and also framed if you like.Our canvases come in a range of sizes, and also framed if you like. Smaller sizes are lighter and usually easier to mount without drilling. Larger sizes really come into their own above a sofa or bed, but they need a sturdy solution. Your artwork is created with AI from your photo, in styles like watercolor, oil, Royal or Pop Art. Try it with a free previewTry it with a free preview or take a look at the canvascanvas right away.
Frequently asked questions
Will a canvas hold on textured wallpaper without drilling?
That's tricky, because the adhesive only sticks to the wallpaper, and the wallpaper can come loose. Leaning the picture, using existing holes or a picture rail are often the more dependable choice here. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the mounting product.
Where do I attach hanging strips on a canvas?
To the stretcher frame on the back, not to the canvas itself. The wooden bar should be clean and dry.
How high should I hang the canvas?
As a rule of thumb, the center of the picture sits roughly at eye level. Above furniture, leave about 20 to 30 cm of space above the top edge.As a rule of thumb, the center of the picture sits roughly at eye level. Above furniture, leave about 8 to 12 inches of space above the top edge.
