Hanging pictures and posters in a rented home without drilling into the wall is possible—and with the right materials, you can do it without leaving a single mark when you move out. The short answer: use velcro mounting strips for framed posters up to 2 kg and individual wooden decor, adhesive putty or washi tape for unframed prints, and for heavy mirrors, let's be honest, a screw and wall plug. In this guide, we explain which product to use for each method in a rental, how to apply and remove the strips, and what to watch out for to avoid issues with your landlord. Examples are from our framed posters and lightweight wooden wall decor.
Look at your lease first, then the wall
Most rental agreements in Turkey include a "no damage to walls" clause; while small nail holes are often not an issue for most landlords, they can turn into a dispute over painting costs upon moving out. Non-drilling hanging methods eliminate this risk. The second step is to identify your wall type: smooth painted plaster and drywall are ideal for adhesive solutions; rough plaster, wallpaper, and damp bathroom walls will not hold adhesive well. You can find the full table regarding which poster to hang based on wall type in our guide on how to hang posters.
Method 1: Velcro mounting strips — for framed posters and wooden decor
The tenant's most reliable tool. The two-part strips lock together like velcro: one sticks to the back of the product, the other to the wall. Steps: 1) Wipe the wall with an alcohol pad; strips won't hold on dusty surfaces. 2) Apply the strips to the back corners of the product, 1-2 cm from the edge. 3) Align the product on the wall and press firmly for 30 seconds. 4) Remove the product and let the wall-side strips sit for 1 hour, then reattach. Skipping this waiting step often causes half the strips to fall off at night.
Weight limit: Use 4 small strips for a 30×40 cm framed poster, and heavy-duty strips for 40×50 and 50×70 sizes. Since Alasart's individual wooden decor pieces are lightweight (laser-cut plywood), they are easily held by 4 strips; pieces like the Howling Wolf and Paw Print or the Cool Cat are ideal decorations for a rental home.
Method 2: Adhesive putty — for unframed prints
Four hazelnut-sized pieces of putty will hold an unframed poster for months. The advantage is zero cost and instant application; the downside is that it can leave oil stains on glossy paper over time and, rarely, marks on matte paint. Test it on an inconspicuous corner and wait 24 hours. Putty is not sufficient for framed products; switch to strips.
Method 3: Washi tape — temporary and decorative
A classic for student and rental homes. Cross-tape an unframed poster at the four corners; colorful washi tape leaves no residue and becomes part of the design. It is not for long-term use, as the tape's adhesive weakens on walls that get sunlight. You can see examples of this method in our student home article.
Method 4: Leaning — without touching the wall at all
Consoles, shelves, mantelpieces, or directly on the floor: when a framed poster leans against a wall, it creates a gallery vibe without touching the wall. Attach two small silicone pads to the bottom edge of the frame to prevent slipping. For large posters (50×70), this method often looks more characterful than hanging; horizontal text designs like Small Steps Every Day work especially well on a desk.
Method 5: Poster hanger frame — one point, many posters
Wooden poster hanger frames are hung with a single strip or one small nail; you can change the poster in seconds. The only "hole"—or zero-hole—solution for those who love changing their designs frequently.
Which product with which method? The honest table
| Product | Weight | Non-drilling method | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framed poster 21×30 – 30×40 | 0.5-1 kg | Mounting strip (4 pieces) | Easiest case |
| Framed poster 40×50 – 50×70 | 1.5-2.5 kg | Heavy-duty strip (4-6 pieces) or leaning | Choose leaning for rough walls |
| Individual wooden wall decor | 0.4-1 kg | Mounting strip (4 pieces) | Ideal as the back is flat |
| 3-piece wooden set | 0.3-0.7 kg per piece | 2-4 strips per piece | Mark alignment in advance with masking tape |
| Wooden framed mirror | 2-5 kg | Not recommended | Wall plug and screw required; ask the landlord |
In sets, each piece is hung separately; lightweight sets like the 3-Piece Leaf Wall Decor Set are the "biggest looking, lowest risk" decor for a rental home. See our installation guide for set arrangement.
A honest warning for mirrors: wooden framed mirrors like the Luna Oval Wall Mirror cannot be safely hung with any adhesive solution; drilling one small hole for a plug and filling it with putty when moving out is always cheaper than a fallen mirror. Our mirrors are shipped with hanging hardware and screws.
Removing without leaving a trace
The secret to the strips is the direction of removal: pull the tab slowly parallel to the wall, downwards — if you pull towards yourself, you will peel the paint. As the strip stretches, it releases its adhesive, leaving the wall perfectly clean. Putty marks can be removed with a damp cloth, and washi tape residue with the warm air from a hairdryer. These three steps are a small but real part of getting your full security deposit back.
4 rules for choosing wall decor in a rental
Choose lightweight: posters and single wooden decor; postpone heavy mirrors and glass art. Choose neutral colors: if you can't change the wall color, decor should match white, beige, and gray walls. Choose portable: pick sizes and styles that will work in your next home. Choose "few but good": two strong pieces look more "settled" than five mediocre ones. For narrow hallways, our hallway decoration article, and for size decisions, our size guide will help. For non-permanent decor ideas, Bellona's personalization article for tenants and rental home decor boards on Pinterest are great sources of inspiration.
Designs that play well with neutral walls for above the sofa in a rental living room, such as the Self Love Club Retro Typography Poster or the Red Stairs and White Cloud Minimalist Poster; all start at 549 TL, come with frames and hanging hardware, and include free shipping across Turkey. Put them back in their boxes when moving; let them come with you to your new home.
Frequently asked questions
Is it forbidden to hang pictures on the wall as a tenant?
It is not forbidden; lease agreements usually state "do not damage the wall." Mounting strips, putty, and leaning methods don't cause damage, so they won't cause issues; it is always best to ask the landlord before drilling a hole.
Do mounting strips peel off the paint?
If removed correctly, they do not: pull the tab slowly parallel to the wall and downwards. Pulling towards you will peel the paint. For freshly painted walls, apply the strips after 2 weeks.
How much weight do the strips hold?
A pair of small strips holds about 0.5 kg, and a pair of heavy-duty strips holds 1.5-2 kg. Use 4 small strips for a 30×40 framed poster and 4-6 heavy-duty strips for a 50×70.
Can wooden wall decor be hung without drilling?
Individual wooden decor pieces are lightweight and have a flat back, so they can be easily hung with mounting strips. In sets, each piece is hung separately. Wooden framed mirrors, however, are heavy and require a screw and wall plug.
The strips don't stick on rough plaster, what should I do?
Adhesive surface area decreases on rough surfaces. Lean the poster on a console, hang the poster hanger frame with a single thin nail, or ask the landlord for permission for one wall plug.
How do I clean strip residue?
Correctly removed strips don't leave residue. For minor remaining adhesive, a cloth with warm water and a little dish soap is enough; do not use harsh solvents, as they will dull the paint.
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