Adhesive hooks have become a go-to for renters, DIY decorators, and anyone who wants to skip the drill. They’re easy to use, leave minimal marks, and promise damage-free hanging. But as appealing as that sounds, not all items are suited to be suspended from a sticky hook. In fact, some things could be ruined—or worse, cause damage or injury—if you trust adhesive hooks to hold them.
We tapped into the wisdom of interior designers and home decor experts to understand which items should never be hung with adhesive hooks, no matter how tempting the convenience may be.
- Mirrors: A Shattered Mistake Waiting to Happen
Let’s start with the biggest no-no—mirrors. As sleek and stylish as they are, mirrors are deceptively heavy, especially when framed in glass or metal.
“Adhesive hooks may boast impressive weight capacities, but they rarely live up to the task with mirrors,” warns interior designer Ana Cvetkovic of Rowhome Design. “Eventually, the adhesive fails, and your mirror ends up in pieces.”
Even frameless, lightweight mirrors carry risk. The safest way to mount a mirror? Use metal cleats drilled into wall studs or secure plastic clips for lightweight alternatives. Adhesive is just too risky for anything reflective.
- Framed Artwork and Photos: More Than Just Aesthetic Loss
Framed pieces may not seem heavy, but frames add bulk and weight—especially when glass is involved. Willow Wright, owner of Urban Redeux, advises steering clear of adhesive for anything framed.
“Temperature changes, humidity, or even time alone can loosen the adhesive,” she explains. “One day you’ll hear a crash, and your once-perfect gallery wall becomes a mess of broken glass and crooked corners.”
Wright emphasizes that even strong adhesives can degrade, making framed items a gamble not worth taking.
- Artwork and Decorative Pieces: Don’t Risk the Originals
Whether it’s a beloved painting or a print you splurged on, artwork should never be at the mercy of a peel-and-stick hook. Marcy Kelman, a decor blogger with Church Hill Classics, is blunt on this point: “Adhesive hooks aren’t meant to bear the weight—or the value—of treasured artwork.”
Beyond just the weight, falling artwork can suffer tears, warped edges, or worse. Even a minor tumble can leave behind irreversible damage.
And here’s a little-known truth: the adhesive backing degrades over time, meaning what holds today may fail tomorrow. It’s not worth the risk for anything you truly care about.
- Vintage or Collectible Items: History Doesn’t Stick
Vintage decor might bring warmth and personality to your space—but it deserves better than an adhesive hook.
“These items are often delicate, irreplaceable, or both,” says Wright. “A fall could mean chipped china, cracked glass, or scuffed metal. Worse still, it might be something you simply can’t replace.”
Think of antique plates, classic vinyl records, or old signage. Hanging them with adhesive mounts is like driving a vintage car with plastic tires—it might work for a minute, but it’s just not built to last.
- Sentimental Mementos: Too Precious to Risk
There’s a special kind of heartbreak when something sentimental gets damaged. And that’s exactly why Cvetkovic strongly advises against using adhesive to hang anything with emotional value.
“Family heirlooms, keepsakes from weddings, baby clothes, handwritten letters—if you’d be crushed if it fell, don’t hang it with adhesive,” she says.
Even items that aren’t fragile can be damaged or dirtied from hitting the floor. And once the moment—or memory—is harmed, there’s no fixing it.
- One-of-a-Kind or Irreplaceable Items: The Line You Shouldn’t Cross
There’s a clear rule here: if it’s irreplaceable, don’t risk it.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s heavy, light, big, or small,” says Wright. “If you can’t go out and buy another one, keep it far away from adhesive hooks.”
Instead, invest in proper hardware. Drywall anchors, for example, provide secure hold for anything with value, without doing significant damage to your wall. And yes, they require a little more effort—but they also offer a lot more peace of mind.
- Shelves: Don’t Get Hooked on the Wrong Idea
This might seem obvious, but it’s a mistake people still make: using adhesive hooks to hold up shelving.
“Most adhesive hooks top out at around 8 pounds of weight capacity,” Kelman explains. “That includes the weight of the shelf and whatever you put on it.”
Add in environmental factors—humidity, heat, wall texture—and suddenly your shelf is a hazard. Whether it’s a floating shelf in your living room or utility shelving in the garage, always secure shelves with proper anchors, screws, or brackets.
So, What Can You Hang with Adhesive Hooks?
Despite the caution, adhesive hooks still have a place in your home. Just use them wisely.
