Pictures, mirrors and shelves can damage walls if the fixing is wrong. In rented homes, it is best to keep things lightweight, removable where possible, and agreed before making holes.
This guide helps you think through the risk before you hang anything.
Check the wall
Work out whether the wall is plasterboard, masonry, tile or another finish. Avoid drilling near sockets, switches, radiators, bathrooms, kitchens and obvious pipe routes.
If you are unsure what is behind the wall, do not drill. Use a safer removable option or ask for permission and guidance.
Choose the fixing
Use fixings suited to the wall type and the weight of the item. Lightweight pictures may only need small picture hooks or approved removable strips, while heavier mirrors and shelves need proper assessment.
Do not rely on adhesive hooks for heavy, fragile or valuable items. Heat, moisture and paint condition can affect how well they hold.
Avoid damage
Keep holes to a minimum, measure carefully, and avoid textured, tiled or freshly painted surfaces unless permission has been given.
If a wall is cracked, damp, crumbling or sounds hollow in an unexpected way, do not hang anything there. Report the condition instead.
