Hey everyone! I recently moved into an apartment in Germany, and I've come across a bit of a challenge. Unlike previous places where I've lived with solid masonry walls, one of my walls here is hollow, possibly drywall. It has a finish on it, and I'm uncertain about the best way to hang light items like picture frames or small sconces without causing damage. I've tried using Tesa adhesive strips, but they tend to rip off the top layer of the wall when removed. What are my options? Can I use wall anchors or screws? Do I always need to find studs? Any tips for hanging things without too much hassle would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
For most light pictures, a small nail should do the trick, as long as you aren’t hanging something massive. Just avoid anything overly heavy, and you should be fine!
If your wall's constructed like typical US walls (framed with studs), finding a stud is best for sturdy hanging. However, for light items like picture frames, just using a nail in the drywall works most times. If you're worried, toggle bolts or drywall anchors will give you flexibility for placement.
If you're dealing with drywall, I recommend looking into toggle bolts. They're super reliable for hanging heavier items. For light frames, a simple nail at a 45-degree angle should hold just fine. But for anything valuable, I’d say go with a toggle bolt for peace of mind!
Totally agree! Toggle bolts are fantastic, and they work for different types of drywall. If you're in Europe, check out Toggler Snaptoggle anchors; they’re awesome because they stay in place, even when you need to remove the screw.
I do picture framing too! A classic 45-degree bracket can be a great choice for hanging. It distributes weight well against the wall. Plus, it’s super low-fuss compared to Command strips, which can be a nightmare if not done right.

Thanks for the input! I’m working with a poster frame that's around 700 grams. I really want to avoid damaging the wall while keeping everything secure.