How to Hang a Puzzle Without a Frame

So you’ve finished a puzzle, you love the image, and now you want to hang it up — but maybe you don’t want to shell out for custom framing or deal with all that glass and hardware. Good news: there are totally doable, inexpensive ways to hang a puzzle on the wall without a frame — and yes, I’ve tested a few myself!

If you’re looking for classic glue-and-frame tips, we do have a whole blog post on that. But if you want alternatives that don’t involve a trip to the frame shop, keep reading.

My Go-To Method (and It’s Still Holding Strong!)

One of my favorite no-frame methods is using Buffalo Games’ Puzzle Presto! Peel & Stick Glue Sheets. These are especially great if, like me, you don’t fully trust yourself with the liquid glue process (I’ve had too many streaky disasters to count 😅). The sheets are mess-free, easy to use, and keep the puzzle super secure.

Once the glue sheets are on and everything is nice and sturdy, I just use Command Strips on the back of the puzzle to hang it right on the wall. No damage to the wall, no need for hooks, and mine has stayed up perfectly for two years now. Zero slipping, zero peeling!

Another Option: Painter’s Tape (Time-Consuming but Effective)

This one takes a little more patience, but it really works — I’ve tried it on a larger puzzle that didn’t quite fit the glue sheets. Flip your puzzle over carefully (I like to use cardboard or poster board to sandwich it), and tape across the entire back with painter’s tape.

Cover all the seams between pieces and make sure everything is locked together. It takes a bit of time, but once it’s done, the puzzle is surprisingly sturdy. Then just use Command Strips or mounting putty to hang it up.

Poster Clips: An Easy Display Trick

If you want something that looks just a little more polished, check out poster clips. You can find ones that nail into the wall or some that come with adhesive backing (hello again, Command Strips). Just glue or tape the back of the puzzle to hold it together, and clip the corners or edges. It’s an easy, low-commitment way to display your puzzle without an actual frame.

What I Don’t Recommend: Magnets

I’ve seen the magnet idea floating around online, but in my experience, it just doesn’t work. At least not with standard puzzle cardboard — the magnets I tried weren’t strong enough to hold through the layers. Maybe if you have super thin puzzles or industrial-strength magnets? But honestly, there are better options that don’t risk your puzzle crashing to the floor.

Quick Answer

Want to hang a puzzle without a frame? Try glue sheets or painter’s tape to hold it together, then use Command Strips or poster clips to mount it to the wall — no damage, no tools needed!