Poster Hanging Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Posters are such an easy way to show off your style—whether it’s your favorite band, a classic movie, or an abstract art print. But here’s the thing: even the coolest poster can look off if it’s hung the wrong way. Don’t worry, though—I’ve rounded up some common poster-hanging mistakes and how you can avoid them.

Hanging Too High (or Too Low)

We’ve all seen it—posters awkwardly floating way up near the ceiling or sitting almost on the floor. The sweet spot? Eye level. Aim for the center of your poster to be around 57–60 inches from the ground. That way, it feels natural and easy to enjoy.

Using Tape or Sticky Tack

It’s tempting to just slap a poster up with tape, but trust me, it rarely ends well. Tape can rip the corners, leave residue, or just give up and let your poster crash down. Instead, try frames, magnetic hangers, or those removable wall strips—they’ll hold things up without the mess.

Getting the Size Wrong

A tiny poster on a huge empty wall? It’ll look lost. A massive poster squeezed into a tiny corner? Overwhelming. Think about scale. If you’ve got a small poster, group it with a few others to create a cool gallery wall vibe.

Skipping the Straight Line

Crooked posters are impossible to ignore. Even if it’s off by a little, it’ll bug you every time you walk by. Use a level (or even just your phone) to make sure everything lines up.

Leaving Posters Bare

If you’re just pinning your poster to the wall, it can look more like dorm décor than intentional design. A frame—even a simple one—instantly makes it look more polished and helps protect it from dust, sunlight, and damage.

Overloading the Wall

Yes, posters are fun, but too many can make a space feel cluttered. Give each piece some breathing room. Sometimes one bold poster makes more of a statement than ten competing for attention.

In a Nutshell

Hanging posters doesn’t have to be complicated—just a little planning goes a long way. Avoid these easy mistakes and you’ll turn your walls into a display that actually shows off your style.