How to Hang Decorations from a Ceiling

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The decorations you choose to add to a room can transform the look and feel of it, and often times the best place to hang them is from the ceiling! Whatever is it that you are trying to hang, whether it is party decorations or more permanent décor, there are many different options to tackle the job. The options are plentiful, from basic and simple-to-use supplies to crafty DIYs.

How to Hang Things from the Ceiling

Use adhesives like tape or mounting putty to hang lightweight items like streamers. Hang heavier objects with thumbtacks, nails, or hooks. Hang things like photos or bulbs along a rope with clothespins. Get creative by wrapping your decorations around a light fixture rather than the ceiling.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Supplies to Hang Your Decorations

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  1. As long as the items you have are lightweight, such as streamers, using sticky tack or tape is probably the best bet, and is something that you’ll typically have lying around the house. [1]
    • Place tape or mounting putty on the end of your decoration, and attach it to the ceiling. Smooth it over and apply pressure to ensure it doesn’t fall off.
    • Tape is especially useful if you are using one that isn’t going to chip the paint off the ceiling when you pull down your decorations – Gaffer’s Tape is a great option to ensure this.
    • Mounting putty, also known as sticky tack, is also great for lightweight items and can be re-used. Similar to tape and mounting putty, you can also try adhesive hooks for lightweight objects.
    • You can also use self-adhesive Velcro for your decorations. Attach one side of the Velcro to the ceiling and one side of the Velcro to your decoration, then stick the Velcro back together! [2]
  2. If your objects are heavy, securing them with tape just won’t do. If you are looking for a more permanent solution and don’t mind puncturing your ceiling, you can attach thumbtacks, hooks, or nails to your ceiling which will allow for a more sturdy mount, and will also last longer over time. [3]
    • Thumbtacks are the simplest of the three, which you can easily pop right through your decoration and onto the ceiling. These are best for lighter objects.
    • You can also use a hammer for nails and hooks, or a drill for screws in your ceiling, which you will be able to tie your objects to or hang them from. This option is excellent for heavy decorations as the hooks, nails and screws are able to support more weight.
    • If you do drill into the ceiling, make sure you wear protective eyewear so nothing gets into your eyes. [4]
    • If you're hanging something heavy, make sure you're using an anchor that's rated for the amount of weight you're hanging up so it doesn't fail. [5]
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  3. This can be done, for example, by wrapping it around a hook on the ceiling. Then, once those are hung, you can add the decorations to the end of each hanging line. [6]
    • String or yarn is beneficial because you will be able to find different colors and thickness to add to your décor and theme.
    • Twine is a good option if you are going for a more rustic feel.
    • Fishing wire serves two very useful purposes when hanging décor: it is extremely strong, and since it is thin and clear, can easily be hidden from sight.
  4. If you are hanging objects like photos or bulbs from the ceiling, secure two ends of a rope on either end of the room and let the rope drop a little bit in the middle. Use clothespins to hang your items along the line. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Getting Creative with Hanging Your Decorations

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  1. For rooms that give you a little more leeway than just a typical flat ceiling, you can attach your decorations directly to the ceiling rafters or exposed beams, which are likely lower to the floor and easier to access. [8]
    • Use zip ties to securely wrap your decorations around the rafters or beams, so you can easily cut them down when you are finished with them. [9]
    • You should be able to tie string, fishing wire, twine, or even the object itself directly around the beams or rafters in a tight knot.
  2. If you have a chandelier or hanging light fixture on your ceiling, you can easily tie your decorations like balloons or streamers to the light fixture itself. [10]
    • Be sure to keep the decoration away from the actual light itself, or keep the light turned off to avoid the decoration from heating or catching fire.
  3. If you’re hanging items from a ceiling that has ceiling tiles, like in a classroom, for instance, you’ll be able to slip one end of your decoration under a lifted ceiling tile. Then, when you put the ceiling tile back down to its original resting place, it will automatically secure your decoration. [11]
    • Make sure the decoration is lightweight like ribbons or streamers so that it doesn’t slip through the ceiling tiles.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I drill into a ceiling?
    Jason Phillip
    Handyman
    Jason Phillip is a handyman and owner of Iconic Interior Installations based in New York City, New York. With over five years of experience professionally mounting and installing objects through his company, Jason's work includes mounting window AC units, designing art gallery walls, installing kitchen cabinets, and replacing light fixtures on drywall, brick, and plaster. He has been rated a "Top Pro" every year since 2016 by Thumbtack for being one of the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
    Jason Phillip
    Handyman
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can, but make sure you're wearing safety glasses while you drill to protect your eyes from falling debris.
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  • Question
    Do I need an anchor to hang something heavy from the ceiling?
    Jason Phillip
    Handyman
    Jason Phillip is a handyman and owner of Iconic Interior Installations based in New York City, New York. With over five years of experience professionally mounting and installing objects through his company, Jason's work includes mounting window AC units, designing art gallery walls, installing kitchen cabinets, and replacing light fixtures on drywall, brick, and plaster. He has been rated a "Top Pro" every year since 2016 by Thumbtack for being one of the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
    Jason Phillip
    Handyman
    Expert Answer
    Yes, and you should make sure that the anchor you're using is rated for the right weight limit. You don't want to hang something heavier than the anchor's weight limit.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

      • Always make sure that heavy items are secured extremely well to the ceiling.
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      • If you are using a ladder to reach the ceiling, make sure you have a buddy with you to help keep the ladder secure and be your spotter.
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      • When using tools of any kind, always have adult permission and supervision.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://ohhappyday.com/2017/01/the-ultimate-guide-on-how-to-hang-party-decor/
      2. ↑ https://www.forrent.com/blog/decor-for-the-home/4-renter-friendly-ways-to-hang-things-on-your-walls/
      3. ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-hang-anything-on-anything/
      4. ↑ Jason Phillip. Handyman. Expert Interview. 2 July 2020.
      5. ↑ Jason Phillip. Handyman. Expert Interview. 2 July 2020.
      6. ↑ http://ohhappyday.com/2017/01/the-ultimate-guide-on-how-to-hang-party-decor/
      7. ↑ http://ohhappyday.com/2017/01/the-ultimate-guide-on-how-to-hang-party-decor/
      8. ↑ https://www.houzz.com/ceiling-rafter
      9. ↑ http://ohhappyday.com/2017/01/the-ultimate-guide-on-how-to-hang-party-decor/
      1. ↑ https://prettylittlepartyshop.co.uk/blogs/pretty-little-party-ideas/17451308-how-to-decorate-with-crepe-paper-streamers?epik=07AA1E_IWX4h8
      2. ↑ https://www.americanboard.org/blog/8-ways-to-decorate-your-secondary-classroom/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Hanging decorations from your ceiling is a great way to add color to your room. For lightweight objects, like posters, streamers, and paper decorations, use sticky tape, self-adhesive Velcro, or mounting putty, also known as sticky tack. Just stand on a chair or ladder and stick each corner of your decoration to the ceiling. For heavier objects, like tapestries, fairy lights, and hanging ornaments, use thumbtacks, hooks, or nails. Alternatively, attach a thin piece of rope to the corners of 2 walls. Then, you can hang photos and other objects from the rope. For more tips, including how to hang decorations from ceiling tiles, read on!

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