How to Decorate with Posters

Co-authored by Kanika Khurana and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: November 22, 2022 References

Posters are a great way to express yourself through your favorite art, design, bands, and movies. Use posters to spice up your interior design by putting them throughout your home. Whether you want to hang a single poster to display or make a collage, posters will liven up your space in a pinch.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Hanging Your Posters on the Wall

1
Frame your poster for a clean, sophisticated look. Poster frames are available at many big box retailers in common sizes. Remove the backing from the frame and set your poster inside. Make sure it doesn’t wrinkle or bend. Secure the backing again and hang the poster from a nail.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you can’t find a frame that fits your poster, build your own with wood trimming.
- Get a frame with high quality glass to prevent damage to the poster if you care about keeping it safe.
Making a Simple Poster Frame

• Cut 1 in × 2 in (2.5 cm × 5.1 cm) boards with a saw to the height and width of your poster and screw them together.
• Paint or stain the boards whatever color works best in your space.
• Use a staple gun to attach your poster to the back of the frame to make a shadow box.
2
Use double-sided craft tape if you want your poster directly on the wall. Place small rectangles of tape in each corner of your poster. Put strips along the edges in the center so the poster doesn’t bow away from your wall. Press the top corners against the wall and smooth out the print before securing the bottom corners.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- The tape will hold best on a smooth, flat wall.
- Mounting putty will work with the same effect. Place a small ball of putty in each corner of your poster and stick it to the wall.
- Be slow and careful when removing posters with tape so you don’t damage the paint on your walls.
Advertisement
3
Hang the poster with colorful push pins to make them pop. Hold the print against the wall where you want to hang it. Make sure the print is straight and level before using any push pins. Either place a pin in each corner to hold the poster securely or place one in the top center. Use pins that are complementary to the colors of your print.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- For example, you may use an orange push pin if your poster is primarily blue.
- Using push pins will leave small holes in your poster and your wall.
- Use clear push pins if you don’t want them to be noticeable.
4
Attach your print to poster rails for a modern look. Slide the 3 provided plastic clips onto the top and bottom of your poster print. After the clips are in place, slide the rail pieces over the clips carefully so you don’t rip your poster. Hang the poster rail from a nail through the predrilled hole or by a string.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Poster rails can be purchased online or at home decor stores.
- Choose a poster rail that matches the decor in your home or pick a neutral color.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making a Poster Collage

1
Use posters with a similar color palette. Separate lighter-colored posters from your darker colors. Choose one stack to display in a room so the designs don’t strain your eyes when you look at them.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Create a collage of posters transitioning from light to dark if you want to use all your posters in an eye-catching way.
2
Arrange your posters on the floor to plan out how you want to hang them. Test different layouts of your design on the floor before you start putting them on the wall. Take pictures of each layout before rearranging it so you can look back and see which design you like the best.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Put posters of different sizes close to one another to add visual interest to your collage.
- Put a larger poster in the middle if you want to create a focal point.
3
Space your posters at least ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) apart when you hang them. Use whatever hanging method you prefer, but don’t let your posters overlap or else your collage may look too busy. Keep your posters straight and level so your eye can easily follow your design.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If you’re framing each of your posters, use frames that match one another.
- Use a level or a straightedge to make sure your posters aren’t hanging crooked.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Displaying Posters Creatively

1
Hang landscape-oriented posters in a line to make a border around your room. Use posters that are all the same size so your border looks uniform. Make sure your posters are of similar subject matter and color schemes. Place the posters at eye level around the entire room to make a dynamic display.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Keep at least ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) between the posters so they don’t get too crowded with one another.
2
Set posters on easels for an artistic display. Put your posters in thin frames so they don’t bend or curl. Set art or display easels in the corners of your room and place a poster on each one. This makes the posters look like works of art and adds a creative touch to your space.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Easels can take up a lot of room, so make sure you have a large enough space for the displays.
3
Lean posters against the wall for a simple look. Frame your posters and set them against the wall for a minimalistic design. If you want the posters at eye level, set the bottom on a table or shelf before leaning them against the wall.^{[10]
X
Research source}
4
Decorate with movie posters around your entertainment space. Look for posters of your favorite movies or video games and hang them around your television. This will make your entertainment center resemble a movie theater and get you into a fun mindset when you want to watch or play something.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Ask your local cinema what they do with movie posters once they’re out of theaters. They may give them away or sell them.