This post contains affiliate links and a gifted product, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclosure statement here.
A few months ago, I was gifted a stunning star map poster and stuck on how to display it. After seeing how expensive large frames can be, I fell in love with the simplicity of scroll-style poster holders and knew I had to make my own.
Here’s how I created an easy DIY poster hanger using some scrap wood and a glue gun.
I was lucky enough to work with Mapiful on an Instagram campaign some time ago. They sent me a beautiful star map poster featuring the star pattern on the day my daughter Holly (whom this blog is named after) was born. I knew I didn’t want to spend the money on a traditional frame, so I went on the hunt for a black scroll-type poster hanger. Looking at all of the magnetic options available online, I quickly realized how simple it could be to make my own.
The best DIY projects are cheap, easy, and fast – This one checks all of those boxes!
The supply list for this project is short in the best way. I ended up using items I had laying around my house, therefor spending a total of $0 for a fully custom sized hanger.
Supplies:
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- 2 pieces of scrap wood or MDF
- Paint or stain (optional)
- String
- Paper clips
- Hot glue
Directions
- Measure the poster, determine the overhang, and cut. I chose a 0.5″ overhang on either side of my poster and cut 2 scrap pieces of MDF to size.
- Paint or stain. I chose to spray paint the MDF matte black using this paint.
- Position string and clips. When positioning the paperclips, you’ll want to make sure that the shorter U shaped metal piece doesn’t go past the edge of the wood. This will keep it from showing in the front. I found it easiest to attach the clips to my poster and lay everything flat. The length of the string is fully based on preference.
- Attach using hot glue. No power tools required – a crafters dream!
- Test and adjust for weight. The MDF I chose is very light, but if you are using a larger or heavier piece of wood, you might notice that the paperclips can’t hold the weight. You might need to add a few extra clips, but I found that slightly bending my paperclips into the poster secured everything perfectly. You can also fully forgo the paperclips and use magnets or glue your poster in position. The goal is just to try and keep whatever you are using to clip the poster in place as flush as possible.
- Hang. Because there is no second wood strip clamping the poster, it lays perfectly flush to the wall. This is a detail I love, especially if the poster is hung in a way that it can be viewed from the side.
From the reverse, you can see exactly how I clamped my poster into position.
This DIY poster hanger took less than an hour and a total of $0 to create.
Looking at my scrap wood / MDF pile makes me think I need to search my brain for more ideas like this one! What do you do with your scraps?
