What to Use to Hang String Lights on Wall: Best Methods & Tools

Transforming a blank wall into a warm and inviting space is often easier than you think, and it starts with the simple elegance of string lights. However, the magic quickly fades if your lights are sagging or, worse, plummeting to the floor. To achieve a flawless, long-lasting installation, it is critical to move beyond basic thumbtacks and understand the specific tools and methods for how to hang string lights on wall. The right combination of hardware and technique ensures your lighting setup is both secure and aesthetically perfect.

Choosing the Right Fasteners for Your Wall

The foundation of any successful string light installation is selecting the correct fastener. The material of your wall—whether it is drywall, concrete, or brick—dictates the hardware you must use. For standard drywall or painted wood, a basic plastic drywall anchor paired with a screw provides sufficient support for lightweight fairy lights. However, if you are hanging heavier icicle or tube lights, you will need to upgrade to a more robust solution to prevent damage to your walls.

Command Strips and Adhesive Hooks

For renters or those who prioritize a non-permanent solution, high-quality adhesive strips are the market leader. Modern variants like Command Picture Hanging Strips are designed to handle significant weight when used correctly. The key to success lies in the preparation: the wall surface must be completely clean, dust-free, and dry. You must also apply firm, consistent pressure when attaching the strip to the back of the hook, allowing the adhesive's bonding agents time to set. While effective for medium-weight items, it is essential to check the strip's weight rating against the total load of your lights to avoid a sudden detachment.

Hardware for a Permanent, Secure Hold

If you are looking for a installation that will last for years without worry, drilling is often the best approach. For drywall, the classic combination of a small anchor and a wood screw remains the gold standard. The anchor expands behind the wall surface when the screw is tightened, distributing the weight of the lights over a wider area and preventing the drywall from cracking. This method provides a secure hold that adhesive strips simply cannot match, especially for strands with heavy transformer units or multiple connections.

Screws and Rawl Plugs

When maximum security is the priority, direct screwing into a stud is the most reliable method. A wall stud is the vertical wooden frame inside your drywall that provides the structural strength your hooks need. Using a stud finder, you can locate this solid wood support and drill a pilot hole for a screw. This eliminates the need for a wall anchor and creates a bond with the dense material of the stud. For heavy-duty applications, pairing a screw with a rawl plug—a hollow tube that expands when tightened—creates an incredibly strong anchor point that keeps your string lights perfectly aligned.