How to hang decor, using the toothpaste method
How to Hang Wall Decor Using the Toothpaste Trick
You know when you measure and mark exactly where you want a frame or mirror to go, but then you flip it over and realize the hangers on the back are in totally different spots? That’s where the toothpaste trick comes in.
Here’s how it works: you still measure to center your decor or get it at the right height—this isn’t a total free-for-all. But instead of guessing where the nails need to go based on mystery hangers on the back, you use toothpaste to mark their exact spots on the wall.
Just dab a little toothpaste on each hanger, press the decor against the wall right where you want it to hang, and boom. You’ve got perfect marks for where your screws or nails need to go, no extra measuring required.
It’s weirdly satisfying, saves so much time, and makes things way easier to get level on the first try.
What You’ll Need:
Your art, mirror, frame, or whatever you’re hanging
Two nails or screws (or however many hangers are on the back)
A tape measurer (to find the right spot)
A pencil to mark your spot
Toothpaste. Yes, really.
The Method:
Flip It Over: Look at the back of your frame and find the hangers. Those little keyhole openings or sawtooth brackets? That’s where the toothpaste is going.
Dab It: Put a small dot of toothpaste on each hanger, right where the nail or screw would go.
Press & Mark: Carefully press your frame against the wall exactly where you want it to hang. Don’t wiggle it. Just a nice firm press. The toothpaste will leave a dot on the wall in the perfect spot.
Nail It: Drive your nails or screws right into those toothpaste marks.
Hang It Up: Wipe away any extra toothpaste, and hang up your piece. That’s it.
Why It’s So Good:
It works every time. Some decor has hangers in the most random, hard-to-measure spots, and trying to line everything up can drive you a little nuts. Whether you're creating a perfectly centered gallery wall or dealing with one stubborn mirror that never wants to hang straight, the toothpaste trick takes all the guesswork out.
Final Thoughts:
I still measure to get things centered or at the right height, but figuring out exactly where the hangers are? That’s where the toothpaste trick saves the day. No more guessing, no more flipping frames over five times. Just dab, press, and hang.
Once you try it, you’ll never go back.
Links At A Glance
Candleholder (Estate Sale Find)
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Our Little Cheetah Bathroom Glow-Up
If there was ever a room that gave me the green light to go a little wild, it was this one. Our half bathroom may be tiny, but it came with a big opportunity to pack in all the personality I could. So I did what any maximalist at heart would do and covered the walls in cheetahs.
The wallpaper really sets the tone in here. It’s bold and a little playful, but it still feels polished and grown-up. I pulled in more warm tones with the gold mirror, a vintage-style towel ring, and that marble and brass console sink that kind of steals the show. Everything works together to make the space feel styled and intentional without tipping into full-on theme territory.
One of my favorite little spots is right by the sink. I use a decorative box to hold paper towels, paired with a textured glass soap dispenser, and it all just works. It feels pulled together without trying too hard and adds a little bit of style to an otherwise functional corner.
Even the back of the toilet got a glow-up with a thrifted woven basket that holds spare rolls and looks way cuter than anything plastic. Little things matter in small spaces, and this room is proof that no corner is too small to style.
So here’s the takeaway: if there’s a room you’ve been playing it safe with, maybe it’s time to go for it. Try the bold wallpaper. Add the fun details. Make it a space that feels like you, even if you're the only one who sees it.
Links At A Glance:
Decorative Box (mine was thrifted but I’ve linked something similar)
Soap Dispenser (this one is out of stock but I’ve linked something similar)
Toilet Paper Basket (thrifted)
Candleholder (thrifted)