Decorating your apartment can be a fun and rewarding hobby. But it can also be a hassle if you don’t know how to hang things without damaging the walls.
Fortunately, there are several ways to hang things in your apartment without causing damage to the wall or taking money out of your security deposit. Here are some tips to help you get started!
Consider the Weight
Whether you’re looking to hang a new art piece or a mirror, it’s essential to consider the weight of your items before deciding on a hardware solution. There are a wide variety of tools available that can help you accomplish this feat, from adhesive hooks to screws. Choosing the right one for your specific needs can make all the difference in how safe and secure your apartment occupants are.
The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a hook is how heavy your object is and the type of wall you have. Choosing the wrong tool could cause some serious damage to your walls. For example, nails could wreak havoc on the delicate material of drywall with plaster, and screws may leave unsightly marks unless they’re countersunk into the wall. The best way to ensure that you’re using the right one is to test out the various hooks and anchors on a sample board before making your final decision.
Check the Wall’s Material
When it comes to hanging things in your apartment, the wall’s material can be a crucial factor. It determines the hardware you’ll need and how secure the mounting will be. For example, drywall, plasterboard or lath and plaster walls tend to be more brittle than other surfaces like wood paneling, so using nails may cause serious damage over time.
Fortunately, there are some ways to hang things in an apartment without damaging the wall’s material. These methods require a bit of precision and patience, but they’re a great way to make your space look its best while avoiding any permanent damage to the wall.
The first step is to determine what type of material your wall is made out of, says Rothman. If you’re working with drywall, he suggests using plastic anchors to hang heavier items, such as shelves or mirrors, because they will keep the object from pulling away over time. For lighter decorations, adhesive strips work well since they’ll provide a strong bond and will not cause any damage when removed from the wall.
Next, it’s important to measure carefully and make sure your measurements are even before you begin drilling into the wall. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure that everything is hung perfectly. It will also be helpful to make sure that power cables and pipes aren’t behind the surface before starting the process.
Use a Stud Finder
If you want to hang anything – from shelves to heavy picture frames – on the wall in your apartment, it’s important that the item is attached to a stud. The studs behind drywall are structurally stronger than nails, so they can bear the weight of your items.
A stud finder will help you determine the studs that are behind the drywall. Most stud finders use sensors to measure the change in density between wall board and a stud or other material in the wall. You can then move the device along the wall until it detects a stud.
Once the stud finder finds a stud, it will beep or flash a light, which you can then use to mark the spot. Most stud finders also have a feature that allows you to mark the center of the stud.
You can also try using a table lamp to identify studs. Remove the shade, turn on the lamp and hold it about 10 to 12 inches from the wall.
It will skim the surface of the wall, highlighting nailheads or drywall tape, and revealing additional studs nearby. This method may not be as precise, but it’s a good start.
Another way to verify the stud you’ve found is to drill a small hole in the wall. If you drill into the wall and hear a hollow sound, it’s likely that you’ve found a stud.
You can use a stud finder in most homes, though it’s best to use a quality tool with multiple features. Many stud finders have a feature that allows you to mark a stud’s center, which is useful when hanging large pieces on the wall.
Measure Carefully
Measurement is key when it comes to hanging anything. Having a clear picture of the wall before you start drilling is paramount to avoiding damage and costly repairs later on. You should also consider the type of walls you have, as well as your specific needs and limitations when it comes to the types of hardware you need to use.
Choosing the right tool for the job can mean the difference between a successful installation and a flimsy mess on your new home. There are many different types of mounting devices to choose from, from adhesive hooks and nails to screws and wall plugs in all shapes and sizes. Whether you are mounting a chandelier, a picture frame or something more serious like an art piece or bookcase, the right tools will save you time and money down the road. The best way to make sure you get it right is to plan out your project in advance so you can focus on the fun part.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you’re a renter and want to add some character to your apartment, hanging things is an essential part of home decorating. You can hang paintings, pictures, and other items to make your space feel like home without damaging the walls. If you’re not sure how to hang something, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many apartments have supers who know how to hang up things and will be happy to lend a hand.
Before hammering a nail or installing adhesive hooks, it’s important to mark the wall with a pencil. This way, you can avoid making mistakes and ensure that your items are mounted evenly. This will also protect the walls from damage. It’s also a good idea to check with your landlord before drilling or using adhesive hooks in your apartment. This will help you avoid any problems with your security deposit and prevent any hassles in the future. It’s also important to note that some landlords may not allow you to hang anything on the wall at all. So it’s always a good idea to do your research before you start.