hang fairy lights without damaging the wall

9 Methods to Hang Fairy Lights without Damaging the Wall

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Fairy lights can imbue any space with a beautiful, subtle ambiance. To enjoy the glow they bring, it is essential to know the right way of setting them up. But these lights need some anchors and methods like nailing and drilling can damage the walls.

If you’ve decided to illuminate an area of your home and desire to know how to hang fairy lights without damaging the wall, read this post till the end. We will cover nine methods to hang these lights without causing any harm to your wall.

1. Use Adhesive Hooks

Adhesive hooks allow you to hang fairy lights on the wall without nails. Different types of hooks are available, and you can pick one per your specific needs. Some hooks can take more weight, which makes them ideal for lights with big shapes.

But if you want to hang classic fairy lights, go for smaller hooks. Just peel and stick the hook.

POINT TO NOTE – Adhesive hooks are ideal for smooth surfaces or walls. They are also good for a glass balustrade. However, they don’t work as well for concrete, brick, or textured walls.

adhesive hooks

2. Use Adhesive Clips

You can also use damage-free adhesive clips to hang fairy lights without damaging the wall. The adhesive on these clips is strong, so your lights are bound to not fall off the wall.

When using this method, pay attention to the size of the clips. You will need big clips if your lights feature thicker cables. Mini clips in sizes 3/4X ½ are ideal for indoor lights. These will work to hang lights on the smooth walls of your home, office, or dorm room.

adhesive clips

3. Use Transparent Adhesive Tape

A transparent adhesive tape can also be used to hang fairy lights without damaging the wall. An advantage of using it is that they make the lights appear on the wall magically with nothing supporting them. Since it is transparent and does not appear obvious, you can use it when you don’t want other elements to interfere with the beauty of your fairy lights.

Are you planning to hang fairy lights on your balcony walls? If the weather around your place is extreme, use a tape that can hold up to 15 pounds of weight and can bear different weather conditions. To hang the light, just put some tape on the wire at the end. Alternatively, you can place a tack between the wires to press them on your wall.

POINT TO NOTE – Always use a double-sided transparent adhesive tape that is paint-safe.

transparent adhesive tape

4. Use Removable Adhesive Putty

A removable adhesive putty is a good option for hanging fairy lights without damaging the wall. Pick a non-toxic and repositionable putty, as you can use it on various surfaces besides walls. It includes papers, posters, metal, tile, glass, plastic, and metal.

Before applying, ensure that the surface is dry and clean. Take an appropriate amount of putty squares and apply four squares per 1 lb weight. Press the object for thirty seconds to let the putty build a strong bond.

removable adhesive putty

5. Use Wire Suckers

Wire suckers work well for hanging decorative fairy lights on many occasions. They are available in various sizes. You can customize them as per your light-hanging needs.

Press the sucker onto the wall. They have a mechanism through which they grip a wire. Wire suckers are perfect for hanging fairy lights on a smooth wall without nails and keeping them firmly in place.

DO REMEMBER – It is best to purchase wire suckers with a strong metal hook. Those made from clear PVC are ideal for indoor and outdoor use.

wire suckers

6. Use Tension Rods

If you want to hang fairy lights on your curtain, you don’t need to install another curtain rod hardware, which can potentially damage walls. Instead, use a tension rod between two flat and hard surfaces. Buy a rod that’s longer than your measurement. It’s because these rods lose strength when expanded.

Now you can push the rod through your curtain. Twist the ends of the rod in order to unlock it. Slide the rod between the walls and allow it to expand. Hold one end of the rod and then pull it down. It will loosen it and allow you to pull it out.

Find out how far the fairy lights extend horizontally. Mark your wall for the hooks of the light to be placed. Now hang your light cord on these hooks.

tension rods

7. Use Non-Trace Hanging Hook

Non-trace hanging hooks are seamless nails that you can install conveniently. They are made from robust plastic, which can take around 20 lbs of weight. You can hang your fairy lights using a hook on a drywall, cement wall, sticker wall, or lime wall.

Mark the location you want to fix on your wall. Now place the non-marking nails in that position. Knock them into the wall. After they are firmly installed, hang your fairy lights.

DO REMEMBER – Non-trace hanging hooks are not suitable for plaster walls, marble walls, stone walls, brick, and glass walls.

non-trace hanging hook

8. Use Drawing Pins

Drawing pins are commonly used to hang fairy lights without damaging the wall. They can be pushed between the wires of the lights. Although they make a tiny hole in your wall, it still doesn’t compare to the damage caused by the nail.

If you plan to use drawing pins for hanging fairy lights, make sure the lights are lightweight. Besides, it is better for wooden walls made of soft materials, such as corkboards, softwood panels, etc.

drawing pins

9. Use a Glue Gun

Using a hot glue gun is one of the simplest ways to hang fairy lights on the wall without nails. This method is perfect for installing lights in both cold and hot climates.

Now put some glue on the fairy light’s base and press it against the surface for approximately 20 seconds. This will cool and harden the glue. You can also easily remove the lights when it is time. The hot glue quickly peels off the lights and the surface.

DO REMEMBER – A glue gun is not ideal for stucco, painted, metal, and plastic surfaces.

glue gun

Concluding Words

Fairy lights have become a common part of functions and festivals such as weddings, Christmas, and backyard parties. But traditional methods like nailing for hanging them can cause damage to your walls. Now you can bask in the wonderful glow of these lights as you know how to hang fairy lights without damaging the wall. Materials like adhesive hooks, wire suckers, and drawing pins, among others, will help you make your space look beautiful with these lights for any occasion.

If you would like to decorate your home with string lights, some of the methods we mentioned above also help.

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About the author

My name is Edward, the owner of this website. With over 5 years of experience in the lighting industry, I’ve worked extensively with both indoor and outdoor lights. I’m here to share my knowledge and experiences regarding lighting ideas and issues, providing inspiration and assistance for your lighting needs.

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