How to Decorate Without Hanging Anything on Your Walls

No nails? No problem! Here’s how to make your space feel finished without putting a single hole in the wall.

In my first home, I was hesitant to commit to a hammer and nails. Hanging things on the wall felt a bit too permanent, especially when I was still figuring out my style and rearranging furniture every few months.

There are a lot of reasons you may be weary about hanging things on your walls, but living with blank walls doesn’t have to mean your space looks unfinished.

How to Decorate Without Hanging Anything on Your Walls

If you’re in a rental, experimenting with your aesthetic, or—like me—just not ready to punch holes in the drywall, here are my favorite ways to make a room look complete without hanging a single thing.

1. Add Life with Houseplants

I say this all the time, but it’s worth repeating: houseplants bring a space to life. Whether you’re decorating a bare corner or trying to fill visual gaps, greenery adds texture, color, and movement.

Start with low-maintenance houseplants like:

• Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – virtually impossible to kill
• Pothos – fast-growing and perfect for shelves
• ZZ Plant – thrives in low light

Place them on shelves, in baskets, or on plant stands to create height and variety in your décor. I love using a modern plant stand to elevate greenery and draw the eye upward—bonus points if you add a floor lamp nearby for a layered look.

Also consider a faux plant for the darker spaces in your home. This faux snake plant has lived in various places around my home for years.

2. Create Height with Layered Decor

One of the biggest reasons a room can feel incomplete without wall hangings is lack of vertical interest. If everything sits at the same height, your space might look flat or cluttered.

Instead of wall-mounted art, style your dressers, consoles, and shelves with a mix of tall and short objects. Try combinations like:

• A tall ceramic vase with real of faux stems
• A stack of coffee table books
• A short sculptural object or candle

Adding a floor lamp or a tall plant next to a furniture piece is another great way to bring in height and balance a blank wall behind it.

3. Lean Art and Mirrors Against the Wall

If you love framed art or mirrors but don’t want to commit to hanging them, lean them instead. You can prop them up on a shelf, console table, or even directly on the floor.

Larger pieces like this arched floor mirror can make a big impact without being mounted. Smaller frames can sit on bookcases or layered on top of one another for a casual, gallery-inspired vibe.

This approach not only protects your walls—it also gives you the freedom to rearrange or update your décor any time you feel like it.

4. Make Use of Floor Space

A well-styled floor adds warmth and coziness, especially when you’re keeping your walls minimal. Start with a rug that’s big enough to anchor your furniture. A too-small rug can make a space feel disconnected, so go for one that fits under the front legs of your sofa or bed, like this neutral area rug.

Then, add texture with baskets, which are perfect for storing throw blankets, toys, or extra pillows. I love these woven seagrass baskets for their functionality and aesthetic appeal. Drop one next to a sofa, bed, or even under a console table.

5. Layer in Texture Everywhere

When you’re not relying on art or wall décor, texture becomes your best friend. A mix of materials keeps things visually interesting, cozy, and complete, even without wall hangings.

Consider layering:

• Linen throw blankets on your sofa or bed
• Woven baskets on the floor
• Wood and metal accessories throughout your shelves
• Cozy textiles for your seating

It’s Okay to Skip the Nail Holes

My home is still a work in progress – many rooms are far from finished – but these no-nail decor tricks have helped me embrace the process while making my space feel cozy and intentional.

And if there’s something “everyone” does in home design that you’re not quite ready for (hello, nail holes!), know that there’s almost always another way. With a few thoughtful choices, you can create a stylish, welcoming home…no hammer required.