How to Hang Garland Anywhere (Without Nails)
To hang garland without nails, match the method to the surface: removable adhesive hooks on smooth painted walls, wood trim, mantels and cabinet tops; soft ties or floral wire on banisters and bed frames; and a tension rod inside a doorway. Clean the surface, let the adhesive set as the package says, secure both ends first, then support the middle.
Below: the best renter-friendly, no-nail method for 7 spots, how much garland you need, and how to layer two garlands for a fuller look.
Jump to: Mantel · Staircase · Wall · Doorway · Mirror · Headboard · Kitchen cabinets · How much garland · Layering · FAQ
Quick pick: the best no-nail method for every spot
| Spot | Best no-nail method | Backup method | Watch-out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mantel | Clear adhesive hooks under the front lip, or on top at the ends | Garland hanger or mantel clamp; brick clips on brick | Heavy greenery slides if only the ends are anchored |
| Staircase / banister | Soft ties, floral wire or zip ties every few balusters | Adhesive hooks on the stringer or wall (no rail) | Keep the handrail grippable |
| Wall | Adhesive hooks at both ends, then evenly spaced between | Ties on a picture rail, shelf or trim you already have | Check the hook package for wallpaper or fresh paint |
| Doorway | Tension rod inside the opening, garland wrapped around it | Adhesive hooks up the trim and across the header | Measure the opening first; keep head clearance |
| Above a mirror | Adhesive hooks on the wall just above the top corners | Drape over the frame top, tie with wire | No hooks on the glass unless the package says they're for glass |
| Headboard | Rest it on a wide top, or tie it to posts or the frame | Adhesive hooks on the back of a wood headboard or the wall behind | Adhesive won't hold on fabric or upholstery |
| Kitchen cabinets (top) | Lay it on top; anchor with small adhesive hooks at ends and intervals | Hooks on the top front edge or behind the crown | Keep it clear of the range, hood and heat |
Your no-nail toolkit (what you'll need)
- Removable adhesive hooks, such as Command hooks (clear, small and medium): walls, trim, mantels, cabinet tops. Check the weight rating on the package.
- Floral wire or green twist ties: tie garland to hooks, rails and bed frames.
- Zip ties: join strands or anchor heavier garland to a rail.
- Soft fabric garland ties: painted or stained banisters you don't want scratched.
- Clear fishing line: a nearly invisible tie to a distant hook.
- Adjustable tension rod: the doorway hack.
- Brick clips: grip a brick face without drilling.
- Garland hanger or mantel clamp: mantels where nothing sticks.
- Rubbing alcohol and a cloth: clean every hook spot first.
- Tape measure and a long piece of string: plan the length.
1. How to hang garland on a mantel (without nails)
Best method
Clear adhesive hooks under the front lip, at least three. On brick, stone or concrete, use brick clips or a mantel clamp.
Steps
- Wipe the hook spots with rubbing alcohol and let them dry.
- Place the end hooks first, then space the middle hooks evenly.
- Let the adhesive set as long as the package says.
- Hang one end, drape the garland across, then hang the other end.
- Wire the garland's center wire to each hook.
- Fluff every branch, shape the tails, and tuck cut ends behind.
Hanging it under the mantel? Put the hooks on the underside of the lip, facing down.
| Mantel surface | No-nail method | Watch-out |
|---|---|---|
| Painted or smooth wood | Adhesive hooks under the lip or on top at the ends | Test one hook in a hidden spot |
| Raw or stained wood | Mantel clamp or garland hanger | Adhesive can pull at some finishes; check the package |
| Brick | Brick clips | Check the clip package for brick-depth fit |
| Stone, concrete, tile | Clamp, weighted hanger, or fishing line to end hooks | Textured stone gives adhesive little grip |
Brick, stone and concrete mantels (no drilling)
On stone or concrete, run clear fishing line from the garland to a hook on a smoother surface at each end, like the side of the shelf, or use a clamp-style or weighted hanger on top.
Keep it from sliding
Garland falls when its weight hangs from only two points. Add middle anchors and let one tail hang longer.
Watch-out: keep garland, especially felt and paper strands, away from open flame. Take it down before lighting the fireplace, and use flameless candles.
Garland that works here: the Realistic Artificial Pine Garland, 180 cm or the Artificial Cypress Garland for Christmas Mantel for a Christmas base. For fall, our best-selling Artificial Fall Maple Leaf Garland for Mantel & Doorway comes in six color mixes (more in fall decor). For accents: the Green Felt Pennant & Wood Bead Garland, 200 cm, the Felt Snowman Face & Wood Bead Christmas Garland, or an Artificial Cedar Drop Swag at each corner.
2. How to hang garland on a staircase or banister
Choose a look
- Straight run along the rail: tidiest, least garland.
- Soft swags between tie points: classic and forgiving.
- Spiral wrap: takes the most garland; check the length section first.
Steps
- Lay string along the path, swags included, to plan the length.
- Join strands end to end on the floor with zip ties or floral wire.
- Start tying at the top post with soft ties, floral wire or zip ties.
- Tie at regular points down the rail. Rambling Renovators spaces ties about 2.5 ft apart; go closer for heavier garland.
- Finish with a drop down the newel post, tied in two places.
- Fluff to hide the ties.
Keep the handrail usable
Tie the garland to the side or underside of the rail, never along the top, so the rail can still be held (Rambling Renovators says the same). If a tie won't fit around the rail, tie to a baluster.
No railing, or glass panels
Run the garland along the wall side with small adhesive hooks following the stair angle. With glass panels, use the wall side too rather than sticking anything to the glass.
Garland that works here: the Artificial Pine Christmas Garland, 172 cm lists staircases on its page and the Artificial Cypress Garland lists stair rails. The Holly Leaf Bead Garland, Bendable Table Decor bends around a rail or newel post. For fall, the Artificial Maple Leaf Garland, Red, Orange & Gold Fall Vine is about 39 in (100 cm), so use it for short rails or accents.
3. How to hang garland on a wall without nails
Steps
- Mark the shape with painter's tape or string before committing.
- Place adhesive hooks at both ends, then evenly between. Heavier greenery needs more hooks.
- Let the adhesive set, hang the garland, and wire it to each hook.
- Step back and even out the swag depth.
Make an arch or swag
For an arch, put the highest hook in the center and two lower hooks on each side. For swags, keep the hooks level and let the garland dip between them.
Felt and wood bead garlands are light
A few small clear hooks are usually enough. Drape them in shallow swags.
Without adhesive hooks
Tie the garland with wire or ribbon to what's already there: a picture rail, shelf, curtain rod, or the hooks your art hangs from.
Watch-out: to hang garland without damaging walls or paint, note that hook makers generally advise against wallpaper and freshly painted walls. Read the package and test one hook in a hidden spot; no method is guaranteed damage-free.
Garland that works here: the Christmas Icons Felt & Wood Bead Garland, 180 cm needs only a few small hooks. The Rainbow Tassel Garland, Boho Christmas Wall Decor is about 25 in (64 cm) wide, a short focal piece for a nursery or backdrop (more boho decor). Hang the Mini Berry & Blossom Christmas Wreath, 36 cm, under a greenery swag. For fall, the Pumpkin Garland with Black Satin Bows is a kit you string yourself.
4. How to hang garland around a doorway (tension rod or adhesive hooks)
Method A: the tension-rod hack (inside the opening)
- Measure the width of the opening inside the trim.
- Buy an adjustable tension rod that fits; check its weight rating against your garland.
- Wrap one or two strands around the rod; two lighter strands look fuller than one.
- Secure with ties tucked into the greenery.
- Add battery lights while the rod is still on the floor.
- Twist the rod into place near the top of the opening and let the ends fall.
Method B: Command-style adhesive hooks around the door frame
Place a hook at each top corner of the trim, plus one or two up each side. Drape the garland across the header and wire it to each hook. For a top-only swag, use the corner hooks and one in the center.
Arched doorways
Space hooks along the curve. A tension rod needs a straight opening, so it can't follow an arch.
How much?
A full frame takes twice the height plus the width. See the length table.
Watch-out: hang it high enough that nobody ducks, and keep it clear of the door's swing.
Garland that works here: for fall, the Artificial Fall Maple Leaf Garland (175 or 200 cm, about 69 or 79 in, by style). For Christmas, the Artificial Pine Christmas Garland and the Artificial Holly & Red Berry Christmas Garland both list doorways on their pages; the holly comes with or without berries.
5. How to hang garland above a mirror
Steps
- Stick two adhesive hooks on the wall just above the mirror's top corners.
- Let the adhesive set as directed.
- Drape the garland across the top, resting it on the hooks.
- Let the sides fall to different lengths for a relaxed look.
- Wire the garland to each hook and fluff.
Round mirrors
Drape over the top third and let one side trail lower.
Mirror above a fireplace
Hang the mirror garland first, then the mantel garland, so the two read as one design.
Bathroom mirror
One light strand, hooks on the wall, not the glass.
Watch-out: no hooks on glass unless the package says they're made for it, and don't add weight to a mirror that isn't securely hung.
Garland that works here: the Artificial Cedar Drop Swag, Hanging Christmas Greenery is about 19.7 in (50 cm) with a hanging loop, and its page suggests a mirror frame. For a full drape, use the Realistic Artificial Pine Garland or the Artificial Holly & Red Berry Christmas Garland with a Wood Bead Garland with Tassels on top.
6. How to hang garland on a headboard
Steps
- Pick the method for your headboard type (below).
- Measure the headboard width and check the length table.
- Secure the ends first, then the middle.
- Add the bead or felt layer and fluff.
Wide wooden top
Lay the garland on top and tuck the ends behind. If it slides, wire it to two small adhesive hooks on the back.
Fabric or upholstered headboard
Adhesive won't hold on fabric. Instead: - Tie the garland to the legs, posts or frame behind the headboard with floral wire or soft ties. - Or put adhesive hooks on the wall just above the headboard and let the garland rest against it.
Metal or post bed frames
Soft ties or floral wire around the posts and top rail.
Layer it
Start with a greenery base of about 6 ft, then add a wood bead strand and a felt strand.
Watch-out: battery LED lights only, kept clear of pillows and bedding, and check that the string is rated for indoor use.
Garland that works here: the Felt Stocking & Wood Bead Christmas Garland mentions headboards on its page; the red is about 70 in (178 cm), the green about 78.7 in (200 cm). Pair it with the Realistic Artificial Pine Garland and the Wood Bead Garland with Tassels. On a post bed, the Holly Leaf Bead Garland bends around the posts. More ideas in our Christmas decor collection.
7. How to hang garland above kitchen cabinets
Steps
- Measure the run along the cabinet tops, including corners.
- Lay the garland on top of the cabinets so it hangs slightly over the front edge.
- Anchor the ends and every few feet with small adhesive hooks on the cabinet top or the back of the crown.
- Skipping hooks? Weight the garland with the decor you keep up there.
- Join strands at the hidden back edge with wire.
Cabinets that go to the ceiling
Run the garland along the crown or the lip under the cabinets with small clear hooks.
Add a second layer
Lights or a felt or bead strand, kept light and simple.
Watch-out: keep greenery and lights well clear of the range, hood and any heat source. Test hooks on a hidden spot of the finish first.
Garland that works here: the Artificial Holly & Red Berry Christmas Garland (about 78.7 in) or the Artificial Pine Christmas Garland (about 67.7 in); join two for a long run. For fall, the Artificial Fall Maple Leaf Garland with Maple Leaf Fairy String Lights woven through. They run on a coin cell battery (not included).
How much garland do you need?
A helpful trick from Christmas Central: lay string along the exact path, swags and tails included, then measure the string. The last column shows how many of our roughly 6 ft strands to join.
| Spot | Rule of thumb (source) | Worked example | ARTILADY strands that cover it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mantel, swag | 1.5–2× mantel width (Martha Stewart), or width + 4 ft so about 2 ft hangs off each end (Christmas Central) | 6 ft mantel at 1.5× = 9 ft | Two 180 cm strands (11.8 ft), about 1.4 ft of tail per side |
| Mantel, straight | Width plus tails | 5 ft mantel | One 200 cm strand (6.6 ft), about 9 in per side; two for a swag |
| Staircase | 1.5–2 ft per linear foot of stairs, or steps × 2 (Martha Stewart) | 12 steps × 2 = 24 ft | Five 180 cm (29.5 ft) or four 200 cm (26.2 ft) |
| Doorway, full frame | Measure the top and both sides (Christmas Central), about 2× height + width | 7 ft × 3 ft = 17 ft | Three 200 cm (19.7 ft); three 180 cm (17.7 ft) is too tight once joins overlap |
| Doorway, top only | About 1.5× the width | 3 ft wide = 4.5 ft | One strand |
| Mirror | Top plus how far each side drops (Christmas Central) | 3 ft wide, 1.5 ft drop per side = 6 ft | One 200 cm strand |
| Headboard or cabinets | Measure the run; add for swags and joins | 10 ft cabinet run, straight | Two 200 cm (13.1 ft) |
Strand math: 180 cm = 70.9 in (about 5.9 ft); 200 cm = 78.7 in (about 6.6 ft); the 172 cm pine = 67.7 in (about 5.6 ft).
Example sizes are illustrations; measure your own space. To join strands, overlap the ends a few inches and wire them together; as our Garlands & Wreaths collection puts it, "For a wide mantel or long tails, join two strands."
How to layer garlands (pine + wood bead)
The formula
Base greenery (pine, cypress, holly or maple) first, then an accent strand (wood bead or felt), then lights. Our collection page suggests the same: pine, cypress or holly, topped with the Wood Bead Garland with Tassels.
Steps
- Hang and fluff the base completely.
- Lay the bead strand on top, weaving it above and below the greenery.
- Tie the layers together at the center wire with floral wire or zip ties. Decorator's Warehouse ties theirs every 8–10 in.
- Add lights last, with the battery pack within reach.
Mind the lengths
The Wood Bead Garland with Tassels, Farmhouse Decor, another best seller, is about 55–57.5 in (140–146 cm); the 180 cm pine is 70.9 in. Center the bead strand in a swag, or use two on a long run. The Geometric Wood Bead Garland with Tassels is about 46.5 in (118 cm), a short accent.
Three layered looks
- Cozy farmhouse Christmas: Realistic Artificial Pine Garland + Wood Bead Garland with Tassels in natural with red & green tassels.
- Playful felt: Artificial Pine Christmas Garland + Christmas Icons Felt & Wood Bead Garland.
- Fall glow: Artificial Fall Maple Leaf Garland + Maple Leaf Fairy String Lights, or the neutral Artificial Fall Maple Garland with White Pumpkins.
To avoid a flat look, vary swag depths, let one tail hang longer, and tuck cut ends behind.
Safety, take-down and storage
Keep every garland away from open flame and a working fireplace; use flameless candles instead. Keep battery packs reachable and greenery away from stoves, lamps and heaters. When the season ends, remove adhesive hooks slowly by pulling the tab straight down along the wall, not out toward you. Store garland loosely coiled in a box.
FAQ
How do you hang garland without nails?
Match the method to the surface: adhesive hooks on smooth walls, trim, mantels and cabinet tops; soft ties or floral wire on banisters and bed frames; a tension rod inside a doorway. Clean with rubbing alcohol, let adhesive set, check the hook's weight rating, and secure both ends before the middle.
How long should garland be on a mantle?
A common guideline is 1.5 to 2 times the mantel width (Martha Stewart), or the width plus 4 ft for 2 ft tails (Christmas Central). For a 6 ft mantel that's 9 to 12 ft, so two joined strands of about 6 ft each give a soft swag with tails.
How much garland do I need for a staircase?
Martha Stewart's guideline is 1.5 to 2 ft of garland per linear foot of stairs, or the number of steps times two. A 12-step staircase needs about 24 ft: four 200 cm (about 6.6 ft) strands or five 180 cm (about 5.9 ft) strands. A spiral wrap takes more, so lay string along the rail and measure it.
How do you hang garland around a doorway without nails?
Use a tension rod inside the top of the opening: wrap the garland around it, tie it on, and twist the rod into place. Or put adhesive hooks at the top corners of the trim and up each side. A full frame takes twice the height plus the width, about 17 ft for a 7 by 3 ft doorway.
How do you hang garland over a mirror?
Stick two adhesive hooks on the wall just above the mirror's top corners, not on the glass unless the package allows it. Drape the garland across, let one side fall lower, and wire it to the hooks. Above a fireplace, hang the mirror garland first, then the mantel garland.
How do you get garland to stay on top of kitchen cabinets?
Lay it so it hangs slightly over the front edge, then anchor the ends and every few feet with small adhesive hooks on the cabinet top or behind the crown, or weight it with decor. Join strands at the back edge with wire, and keep everything well clear of the range and hood.
How do you attach garland to a fabric headboard?
Adhesive hooks won't hold on fabric or upholstery. Tie the garland to the legs, posts or frame behind the headboard with floral wire or soft ties, or put hooks on the wall just above it and let the garland rest against the fabric.
Shop garlands for every spot, or browse Christmas decor and fall decor. Orders ship from the US: $4.99 flat-rate shipping, free on orders of $49.90 or more (merchandise subtotal after discounts, before tax), with most orders arriving in 6–17 business days (delivery times are estimates). For the 2026 holidays, order by October 30 for Thanksgiving delivery and by November 30 for Christmas delivery. See our FAQ and shipping policy for details. ARTILADY has been making things by hand since 2006.