Have you been asking yourself how to hang a poster? It might seem simple, but there’s more to it than you think. This is especially true if you’re hanging a poster in a public place, like your shop or office. There are lots of ways to hang a poster and lots of ways to inadvertently ruin your poster, wall—or both if you aren’t careful.
A poster can be exactly what your space needs to pull together an aesthetic or to relay vital information, even if that vital information is just your brand.
- Your walls should be spotless before hanging—a clean surface means your poster will stick better and last longer.
- Pick an adhesive that works with your wall type and the weight of your poster.
- Want a more professional look? Try poster rails, frames or no-hassle sticky posters instead of basic tape.
- Don’t eyeball it! Taking a few minutes to measure and mark your wall will save you from a crooked disaster later.
- If you’re renting, removable adhesives and frame options will keep both your deposit and your walls intact.
Want to create an eye-catching poster? Start designing your perfect poster today. Browse poster options.
Key considerations for posters
There’s a reason why posters have been a staple for bedroom walls, in-store displays, merch stands and art contests for decades: posters are awesome! They’re versatile enough to fit most aesthetics, and they’re inexpensive to produce, making them accessible to a wide range of people. Plus, they can also be quite large, an ideal choice for decorating business spaces or advertising products, services and promotions.
Before you start creating your own, get inspired by our guide to designing posters.
A few key considerations before hanging posters in your space:
How is the size of your space? Do you have large, blank walls that you want to break up with posters, or is the space fairly small, requiring you to opt for smaller posters and careful placement?
What is your wall texture? Hanging a poster on sheetrock is easy, hanging a poster on exposed brick is trickier. Depending on your wall’s material, you might need to get creative with how you hang your posters or opt for a completely different type of decor.
Do you own the space or rent it? If it’s the latter, you need to be especially careful about choosing adhesives that won’t damage the wall. Of course, you don’t want to damage a wall you own either, but damaging your own wall won’t result in a potential loss of your security deposit.
What are your goals for hanging the poster? Is it just for something pleasant to look at while you work, or does it need to create a specific mood? Maybe the poster is for your team and will display your company values, a call script, motivational quotes or safety requirements? If it’s for customers, the poster might advertise promotions or highlight specific products or services. Perhaps the poster is how you’ll display your prices.
These factors impact how you’ll hang your poster, where you’ll hang it and whether you’ll frame it or hang it directly on the wall. Having a plan ahead of time can save you money when you buy poster-hanging supplies and save you headaches when you’re actually hanging your poster.
Concert posters add personality to any space. Image via StockSnap on Pixabay.
How to hang a poster: Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Prep the walls and your hands
One of the most important steps in hanging a poster actually happens before you hang anything. Prep your walls by cleaning them with a warm water rag. You can add a mild detergent to the water or, if the wall is oily and grimy, use a cleaning solution designed specifically for that type of wall (i.e. tile, wood or sheetrock). Allow the wall to dry completely before you hang your poster.
And, before you touch the poster, wash your hands as well! These preparation steps are crucial when learning how to hang a poster without damaging it or your walls.
Clean walls and clean hands are key to poster longevity.
Image via Pixabay
Step 2: Measure and mark the walls
Measure twice, hang the poster once!
Once you’ve identified where you want to hang the poster, measure the area to make sure it will fit. If you want some negative space on the wall or to hang other posters or decor in the same area, planning, measuring and marking is essential for everything to fit without being too crowded.
With a pencil, lightly mark the four corners where your poster will hang. That way you can easily erase your marks if you change your mind. Use a level or laser measurement tool to make sure your planned poster position is level—or not, if you’re going for a tilted look.
This is your chance to think creatively about how your poster will fit into your space’s overall design. Take some time to explore poster inspiration and think about the kind of look you’re going for. Maybe you have multiple posters to hang—could they fit together as a larger design, like a triptych or a series?
Abstract design with eye-catching color blocking. Poster design by GemmyVN via 99designs.
Or maybe you can play with color and create a stunning palette?
Using a cohesive color palette can help multiple posters feel connected. Image via Kam Idris via Unsplash
Step 3: Attach adhesive to posters
Note that you should apply the adhesive to the poster, not to the wall. This helps keep it from falling. Let’s explore the best ways to stick up posters for different surfaces and situations.
The easiest way to hang a poster without a frame is with adhesive. It keeps your poster stuck to the wall without visual clutter. Just be sure to pick the right kind for your surface and poster weight.
- Magic tape is a light option that doesn’t leave residue, but it won’t hold heavier posters.
- Mounting putty works well on textured walls but can cause bunching.
- Poster tape is stronger and made specifically for posters.
- Mounting tape is heavy-duty, best for framed or mounted posters.
VistaPrint Sticky Posters: One of the best ways to stick up posters
If you want to skip the adhesives altogether, try Sticky Posters. They’re one of the best ways to stick up posters without damaging walls, because they’re specially designed with a removable adhesive backing that sticks directly to walls, windows and other smooth surfaces without needing any additional materials.
Step 4: Hang the posters
The best way to hang posters is to follow careful preparation with proper installation. This last step might sound simple, but don’t assume it’s a no-brainer. If hanging your poster involves standing on a ladder or step stool, have somebody else help you. Not only will they act as a spotter in case you lose your balance, they can help you position the poster as they look at it from their perspective, something that can be difficult to gauge when you’re right up close to the poster.
How to use poster rails: An elegant hanging solution
For a more professional and polished look, consider using poster rails to hang your posters. They provide a sleek, modern frame alternative that’s perfect for businesses and professional environments.
Poster rails consist of two slim rails that clamp onto the top and bottom of your poster, creating a clean, finished look while keeping your poster perfectly flat. They come with an attached hanging system, making installation quick and easy.
Benefits of using poster rails include:
- Professional appearance that elevates your space
- No need for adhesives that might damage your poster
- Easy poster replacement when you need to update your display
- Protection for the edges of your poster
- Available in various sizes to match your poster dimensions
How to hang posters in frames
Want to elevate your poster and protect it long-term? Frame it.
Framed posters look polished and professional: ideal for offices, studios and customer-facing spaces. Use lightweight poster snap frames for easy installation or standard frames with nails or wall anchors, depending on the weight.
If you’re going this route, use a level to keep things straight and place your frame at eye level. Framing not only protects your poster from damage and dust but also gives your message more presence on the wall.
How to hang posters without a frame?
Remember how we said not all posters are hung with adhesives? Take a look at a few other ways to hang a poster.
With clothespins or binder clips on wire
Binder clips offer a creative, damage-free way to display posters. Poster design by FuturisticBug via 99designs.
On mounted clipboards
Mounted clipboards make it easy to swap posters in and out. Image via Rachel Hollis
With colorful washi tape
Washi tape is a fun, removable option for lightweight posters. Image via Parabo Press.
Be creative! As we mentioned earlier, posters are popular because they’re so versatile. You can do just about anything with a poster, so think outside the box to find innovative ways to work with them.
If you need to make an even bigger statement than posters allow, you might want to hang a banner instead.
Need help designing your poster?
Learning how to design posters effectively will make your messaging more impactful. As you create your design, explore some of the best poster templates for 2025, think about the colors, the amount of light in your space and the poster’s purpose to get the best design possible. Showcase it with the right type of paper and the best adhesive or hanging method for the job! Not sure which paper to choose? Our paper weight chart breaks it down for you.
Dive in deeper with posters for professional results
Expand your poster knowledge with these helpful resources:
- How to make a poster step by step—Get going quickly with this helpful walkthrough for creating your poster.
- The fundamentals of poster layout—Master effective poster design principles and learn about templates that work.
- 30 creative poster design ideas that will get you noticed—Get inspired with eye-catching concepts that capture attention.
FAQs about hanging posters
How do I hang a poster without damaging the walls?
Use removable adhesives like mounting putty or special poster strips. Sticky Posters are also a great option—they stick firmly but come off clean, leaving no residue.
What are the best materials for hanging a poster in a business setting?
Framed posters or poster rails offer a clean, professional look. For quick swaps or temporary promotions, Sticky Posters or poster snap frames are ideal.
Can I hang posters on glass, brick or other tricky surfaces?
Yes! Use clear mounting tape for glass, strong putty or masonry hardware for brick and clips or Velcro for fabric surfaces like cubicles.
How can I make my poster stand out for marketing purposes?
Hang it at eye level in busy spots. Use bold colors, clear messaging and consider framing or poster rails for a polished finish that grabs attention.
What’s the best way to hang multiple posters in a cohesive display?
Stick to even spacing (2–3 inches), matching frames and consistent placement. Try grids for neatness, or group posters with similar themes or colors.
