7 Cheap and Creative Ways to Hang Your Art (Don't Buy Frames!)

Framing and hanging art can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re an artist looking to display your own work, or you’ve just bought a print you love, there are plenty of ways to hang your art on a budget without sacrificing style. These ideas range from incredibly simple to surprisingly creative, and the best part is anyone can do them.

Below are seven budget-friendly art display ideas that will help you avoid costly frames while still making your artwork look great.

1. Paper Clip and Magnet

This is a really simple idea. All you need to do is take a paper clip and pop it on the wall with some masking tape. Now if you align those clips correctly... You will magically be able to place magnets at the corner of your painting and it will hold.

I use this idea in my campervan because it creates a lightweight frame which doesn't take up any space and the painting is supported on all corners. Unlike a normal frame, it can't rattle around. And the masking tape doesn't damage the walls, unlike blue tack.

2. Clothes Hanger

A wooden or metal clothes hanger can double as a unique art hanger. Just clip your artwork into the hanger and hang it on a nail or hook. This gives a clean, minimal look and works especially well with posters, sketches, or lightweight prints.

This one has a definite Scandi vibe and I was really surprised how much I loved it in my house.

3. Poster Hanger

You can buy these, but making one is easy. Use two slim strips of wood, sandwich the top of your artwork between them, and secure with small screws or nails. Attach a string or cord to hang it. This method is light, portable, and looks great for both modern and vintage pieces.

Of all the DIY options this is definitely the easiest. There are loads and loads of ways you could budge this and fudge this. I tried using masking tape and Blu-Tack to attach my painting to my frames. And I really think this is a great one. You could do just with a craft knife and some heavy duty cardboard too.

4. Simple Frame

If you like a classic framed look, you can make a basic frame from inexpensive timber or moulding. Leave the wood natural for a rustic style, or paint it for a polished finish. This is perfect if you want something more traditional but still cost-effective.

Forget the fancy joints. To make a fun wooden frame, you can do simple end joints you could do overlapping joints. You can if you want make mitre joints. But you don't need to worry about biscuits and other kind of fancy joinery. I made a range of frames using really simple joints. And I even managed to create a box frame just by adding small spaces made from plywood in the back of my frame.

It's amazing what a lick of paint will do to a rustic frame. So if you have any woodworking nouse at all, or you just fancy giving it a go this is an amazing project.

5. Twine and Sticks Frame

For a rustic or bohemian feel, gather four sticks of similar length and tie them together at the corners with twine. Attach your art to the back using clips or tape. This works especially well with nature-inspired art and outdoor displays.

I went all out on my version of this. But there aren't easier ways. You don't need to spend forever trimming down the wood and sanding it. You don't need a drill or screws. You can just tie the corners together with twine. Or you could go out and have a lot of fun with it. The result is a really flexible and fun frame which allows you to clip loads of different art in. Spend a little bit of time planning your frame 1st to make sure it's big enough and to visualise what it will look like.

6. Cardboard Frame

Cut a frame shape from sturdy cardboard, then paint or decorate it to match your space. This is one of the cheapest ways to give your artwork a ‘framed’ look, and it’s easy to customise for kids’ rooms, events, or seasonal displays.

7. Clipboard Display

A wooden clipboard makes changing artwork effortless. Simply clip your piece in place and hang the clipboard from a hook or nail. This method adds a casual, studio vibe and works perfectly for small sketches or rotating collections.

Why Use These Cheap Art Hanging Ideas?

Expensive frames can be beautiful, but they’re not always practical. These ideas are:

• Budget-friendly – most can be made from items you already have

• Easy to change – swap out your artwork in minutes

• Creative – each method adds its own style to your display

• Portable – great for events, markets, or pop-up exhibitions

Whether you’re decorating your home, setting up a gallery wall, or preparing for an art fair, these DIY art hanging hacks will save you money and still make your work shine.

Watch the Full Tutorial

I’ve put together a YouTube video where I demonstrate all seven of these methods, from the simplest magnet and paper clip to more creative stick-and-twine frames. You can watch it here: Never Buy a Frame Again – 5 Cheap & Easy Ways to Hang Your Art

Find it here - https://youtu.be/JCal3X5UmyY