Display Small Prints Without Frames: 5 Easy Steps
By Jacqueline Colley Illustration | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to show off your A5 print collection without buying frames. Use washi tape, mini easels, and clipboards for an unframed art display that feels intentional and stylish.
Quick answer
Skip the frames and use washi tape, mini easels, clipboards, or magnetic strips to display your small prints. These methods let you swap prints easily and keep your walls damage-free.
Why skip frames for small prints?
Frames can cost more than the print itself, especially for open-edition pieces like the A5 Small but so Spicy! print. Going frameless saves money and makes it easy to rotate your collection whenever you want a fresh look.
Unframed displays also work well in rental spaces where you cannot put nails in the wall. Adhesive strips, tape, and leaning methods leave no marks and let you rearrange your gallery in minutes.
5 steps to display small prints without frames
- Step 1: Choose your display method: Decide between washi tape, mini easels, clipboards, magnetic strips, or leaning on a shelf. Each method suits a different space: tape for a casual gallery wall, easels for a desk or nightstand, clipboards for a tidy row, magnets for a kitchen or office, and leaning for a layered shelf look. Common mistake: mixing too many methods in one area can look cluttered. Stick to one or two per wall.
- Step 2: Prepare the print: Handle your risograph print by the edges to avoid fingerprints. If the paper is slightly curled from storage, place it under a heavy book for a few hours. No need to trim or mount — the raw paper edge is part of the charm. Checkpoint: make sure the paper is flat before attaching it to the wall to avoid permanent creases.
- Step 3: Attach the print (tape method): Tear small pieces of washi tape (about 1 inch each) and place them at each corner of the print. Press firmly but gently. Washi tape is removable and won't damage the print or the wall paint. Common mistake: using regular Scotch tape can leave sticky residue and tear the paper. Always use low-tack washi tape.
- Step 4: Arrange your collection: Lay out your prints on the floor first to decide the spacing. For a gallery wall, keep 2-3 inches between prints. For a shelf lean, layer a larger A4 print behind a smaller A5 print for depth. Checkpoint: step back and check the arrangement from across the room before committing to tape.
- Step 5: Swap and refresh regularly: Because there are no frames, you can switch prints in under a minute. Change your display with the seasons, your mood, or when you add new pieces to your collection. Common mistake: leaving a print in direct sunlight for weeks can fade the inks. Rotate prints to keep them vibrant.
Prints that work well without frames
- A5 Small but so Spicy!: A5 size (14.8 × 21 cm), risograph printed on paper made from 80% recycled coffee cups, open edition unsigned. The compact A5 size is ideal for unframed display methods like washi tape or mini easels. The recycled paper has a natural texture that looks great when clipped or taped directly to the wall.
- A4 Positivity Tea Caddy: A4 size (21 cm wide x 29.7 cm high), printed with soy-based inks onto paper made from recycled coffee cups, open edition unsigned. The A4 size gives you a slightly larger canvas for a statement piece. Its sturdy recycled paper holds up well in a clipboard or magnetic frame without curling.
