How to Perfectly Hang a Poster Without Damaging Your Wall

Posters have been the go-to for wall décor since your parents hung that iconic photo of Farrah Fawcett in their rooms and basements, but these days, we love them for their ability to cover large empty walls in our grown-up apartments. Then and now, one thing remains the same: posters, unlike professionally installed art, are most often a more temporary or easy-to-swap addition to a space. With this in mind, it's probably best to keep the power tools tucked away. 

If you're looking to add visual interest to your living room, bedroom, or dining room without losing your deposit, you can rest assured knowing there are renter-friendly options out there.

Ahead are 4 easy steps to hang a poster without damaging your walls, according to a pro.

How to Pick the Right Size Poster

Herrero tells us, "It's better for your art to be too big than too small, so always go with a piece of wall art that is on the slightly larger side—nothing looks more barren than a piece that is too small."

She recommends using the following formula to find the right size for your space:

• [Ideal width of artwork] = [Wall width in inches] x 0.57

"The overall area of the artwork should cover ⅔ to ¾ of the open wall space," she explains.

Things You'll Need:

• Washi tape
• Mounting putty
• Command Strips
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Painter's Tape

How to Perfectly Hang Posters

For Unframed Posters:

Washi tape and mounting sticky putty are the best options for hanging posters, according to Herrero. However, these methods will only work with lightweight artwork printed on paper.

For Framed Posters:

If you prefer to hang framed posters, mirrors, unframed canvas, or tapestries, Herrero suggests you use something stronger. She says Command strips are the best option. 

"Hanging is not the only way to display art," Herrero tells us. "Leaning large and tall pieces against the wall gives your interior the look of an artist studio."

Herrero also suggests using a mantle, bookcase, shelf, or other existing structure as a base for your frame as another stylish option.

Step 1: Prepare With Appropriate Hooks

Before purchasing your Command strips, consider the weight of your project and select an appropriate hook size. Before applying any adhesive product, be sure to clean and dry the surface and follow the instructions carefully, respecting the wait times. Doing this will ensure the adhesive holds up for a long time.

Step 2: Plan Your Layout

Measure your poster and use painter's tape to mark your layout on your wall. This is especially helpful for multiple posters and gallery wall arrangements. 

Step 3: Mark Your Anchor Point

Find the anchor point of your poster (this can be corner grommets, a frame wire, or a canvas frame) and mark it on your wall. Place your hook right over your marking.

Step 4: Hang Your Poster

Hang your poster from your hook. Enjoy your art piece until you're ready to swap it out. When that time comes, easily remove the adhesive backing and don't worry about losing your deposit.

How High to Hang Posters

"Art should hang at approximately the eye level of a person standing between 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall," Herrero explains. "The goal is to be able to enjoy the artwork at a natural level, not to be looking up at it."