How to Hang Art on Brick Wall: Complete Beginner's Guide

Hanging artwork on a brick wall can instantly transform a room. Exposed brick adds warmth, texture, and character—but it also presents a unique challenge. Unlike drywall, brick requires the right tools and techniques to avoid damage while keeping your artwork secure.

Whether you're decorating a loft, styling a fireplace, or creating a gallery wall, this guide will show you exactly how to hang art on brick wall safely and beautifully. Plus, we'll share a simple way to preview your artwork before making any holes.

Quick Answer

The best way to hang art on a brick wall depends on the weight of your artwork and whether you want to drill.

Brick clips are ideal for lightweight to medium pieces without drilling.
Masonry screws offer the strongest hold for heavy artwork.
Adhesive hooks work only for very lightweight frames on smooth brick surfaces.

Before you commit, it's smart to visualize your art placement first. Tools like Wallnora let you preview artwork directly on your brick wall using AI, helping you find the perfect size and placement before installation.

Can You Hang Art on a Brick Wall?

Absolutely. Brick walls are sturdy and can support everything from small framed prints to large statement pieces.

However, brick is much harder than drywall, and not every hanging method works equally well. The right solution depends on:

The weight of your artwork
Whether the brick is painted or unfinished
If you're renting or own your home
Whether you want a permanent or temporary installation

For renters or those avoiding damage, non-drill options can be excellent.

Best Methods for Hanging Art on Brick Walls

Here are the three most effective methods:

Choosing the right method ensures both safety and aesthetics.

Method 1: Use Brick Clips (No Drilling Required)

Brick clips are the easiest way to hang art on brick wall without damaging the surface.

They attach directly to the brick by gripping the edges, making them perfect for renters.

Best For

Framed prints
Small canvases
Lightweight mirrors
Seasonal décor

Pros

No drilling required
Easy to remove
Reusable
Great for apartments

Limitations

Brick clips only work if your bricks protrude slightly from the mortar joints.

Method 2: Install Masonry Screws for Maximum Security

For heavier artwork, masonry screws are the gold standard.

This method provides the strongest hold and is ideal for large framed pieces, mirrors, or gallery installations.

Tools You'll Need

Hammer drill
Masonry drill bit
Masonry screws
Wall anchors (optional)
Level
Pencil

Step-by-Step

Mark your desired placement.
Drill into the mortar joint whenever possible.
Insert the masonry screw.
Leave enough screw exposed for hanging hardware.
Hang and level your artwork.

Drilling into mortar is usually safer and easier to repair than drilling directly into brick.

Method 3: Use Adhesive Hooks for Lightweight Art

If you're hanging something very light, adhesive hooks may work on smooth, painted brick.

Ideal For

Small prints
Lightweight canvas
Temporary decorations

Important Note

Traditional Command Strips often struggle on rough or porous brick surfaces.

Always check the manufacturer's weight limits before use.

Preview Before You Drill with Wallnora

One of the biggest mistakes people make is drilling first and regretting placement later.

Before installing anything, upload a photo of your brick wall to Wallnora. Its AI-powered Wall Preview tool lets you:

Test different artwork sizes
Visualize frames on your actual brick wall
Compare styles instantly
Avoid unnecessary holes

This is especially helpful when working with permanent mounting methods like masonry screws.

How to Hang Heavy Art on Brick Wall

For artwork over 25 pounds, masonry screws are strongly recommended.

Additional safety tips:

Use two mounting points for stability.
Drill into mortar whenever possible.
Confirm your hanging hardware is rated above your artwork's weight.
Use a stud-level to ensure perfect alignment.

Heavy pieces deserve extra caution.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced decorators make these errors:

Using adhesive strips on rough brick
Drilling directly into fragile brick edges
Ignoring weight limits
Skipping a level
Hanging artwork too high

Previewing placement with Wallnora can eliminate many of these issues before installation begins.

Styling Tips for Brick Walls

Brick already has strong visual texture, so choose artwork thoughtfully.

Best Art Types

Large abstract canvases
Black-and-white photography
Minimalist framed prints
Vintage posters
Gallery wall collections

Design Tip

Aim for artwork that covers about 60% to 75% of the available wall space.

Brick walls naturally become focal points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you hang pictures on brick without drilling?

Yes. Brick clips are the best no-drill solution, provided the brick has a protruding edge.

Do Command Strips work on brick?

Usually not on rough, unpainted brick. They may work on smooth, painted brick for lightweight items.

Should you drill into brick or mortar?

Mortar is generally preferred because it's easier to drill and patch later.

How much weight can brick clips hold?

Most standard brick clips hold between 20 and 25 pounds.

How do I know what size art will look best?

Use Wallnora to virtually place artwork on your wall before purchasing or hanging.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to hang art on brick wall doesn't have to be intimidating.

For renters and temporary displays, brick clips are often the easiest choice. For large or valuable artwork, masonry screws provide unmatched security. Lightweight pieces can sometimes work with adhesive hooks on smooth brick.

Most importantly, always plan before you install. With tools like Wallnora, you can visualize the perfect arrangement on your actual brick wall, helping you decorate with confidence.

A beautiful brick wall deserves equally beautiful art.