Stop Making Holes In Your Wall And Use A Paperclip Hack To Hang Decor

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Hanging photographs, art, and other decor in your home is an easy way to liven up a room and showcase your personality. The only downside is that the tacks, nails, and screws often required to hang decor can leave unsightly holes in your walls. If you don't get the placement just right the first time, you may even need to make multiple holes that remain visible above your artwork. Of course, you can use ingredients to fill small holes in your wall, like wood glue or a combination of baking soda and toothpaste. But by not making holes in the first place, you can save yourself valuable time. On the flip side, you might live in an apartment or dorm room that prohibits you from making these holes at all. Either way, there's a solution — you can use paperclips, some masking tape, and a few strong magnets to hang your favorite pieces without damaging the drywall.

This hack is easy, renter-friendly, and allows you to move your decor around without making any holes. This can be especially helpful when you're trying to create the perfect gallery wall and want to experiment with different layouts. Keep in mind, however, that small magnets will not hold as much weight as nails and screws and are best used for lightweight items such as art prints and photographs.

First, use masking tape to secure four paper clips to your wall — one for each corner of the art you plan on hanging. Then, place your artwork overtop of the clips and secure the four magnets on the corners to hold the print in place. It's really that easy. DIYMAG Small Rare Earth Magnets are a great choice here as they are incredibly strong. However, to add a cute, personal touch, you can choose magnets that reflect the decor you're hanging. For example, if you're hanging a photo you took on a trip to France, use these cute Favenson Food Fridge Magnets with wine and baguettes. Alternatively, if you're hanging something floral in nature, these KEYDUACU Flower Magnets would be perfect.

One issue that might arise with this hack is the tape not staying adhered. But don't worry — there are a handful of tape hacks that are worth trying to prevent this issue. Start by cleaning and drying the walls completely. Even a slight hint of grime or grease can impact the stickiness of masking tape. If that doesn't work, the weather conditions may be to blame. Swap out the masking tape for double-sided tape, which is better at sticking to difficult surfaces.

If you prefer to frame your artwork, it may be worth investing in a few VAIIGO Magnetic Frames. These thin frames add a layer of protection and come with a magnetic backing that should stick to your paper clips. Due to the added weight of the frame, use a handful of clips to create a small border the same size as your frame.