The uncomplicated 'hack' Joanna Gaines uses to conceal unsightly parts of her walls (it takes seconds)

The designer has an aesthetic way of covering screws left in walls, and it works for marks and scrapes, too

Joanna Gaines
(Image credit: Joanna Gaines x Magnolia Home Castle Collection)

It would seem that no one is immune from imperfect walls, including the likes of Joanna Gaines, who recently contended with screw holes on her green-painted walls. However, with the experience came a seamless design trick translating to homes far beyond her Waco abode. 

'When one of your children drills like nine too many screws in the wall, here's a design hack: just cover it [with] a cute pic,' Joanna says. She covers the marks with a monochromatic frame, housing a classic black and white photograph, but as she suggests, any artwork will do. 

Her tricks work for screws, as demonstrated in her house, but also scuffs and marks that may be notoriously hard to remove (even after reading up on how to clean walls). However, alongside covering up those less attractive areas, Joanna's tip offers an opportunity to decorate with art – because the only thing better than a practical hack is one that's aesthetic, too.

As Joanna hints, her son was behind the excessive number of screws in her wall, but there are many reasons you may have a marked-up wall. Whether we contend with screw holes from those who previously lived in our homes or we're simply working with a mysterious (and hard-to-clean) stain, Joanna's solution works almost every time.

joanna gaines in dining room with gold ceiling
Joanna Gaines

Joanna Gaines is an interior designer, author, and HGTV personality, best known for co-hosting the home renovation show Fixer Upper with her husband Chip Gaines. She also co-founded her Magnolia lifestyle empire known for its homeware offerings. 

Naturally, hanging artwork often involves putting holes in our walls, so it's important to get it right. 'Hanging pictures may seem like an easy task, but doing it correctly for the best possible results is something that many people are unaware of,' comments a spokesperson from Parrot Print. Firstly, they recommend measuring and making small markings before we attempt to hang our pictures. 

'To ensure that the photo is hung correctly on the first attempt, accurately measure dimensions, and make markings on the wall to ensure that it is in the correct place and is level,' they comment.

Similarly, it's key to pre-check the type of hanging the picture requires. 'Wire, D rings, or hangers are examples of the types of hanging that a photo can have,' they say. 'In order to hammer in the correct hooks or nails into the walls, check this beforehand. It may be that hanging strips may be easier to use.'

These strips are an easy and reliable way to hang pictures without thinking about any lasting wall damage. 

Large Command Strips | $12.90 on Amazon

Large Command Strips | $12.90 on Amazon

One package includes 14 pairs (28 strips total) of the brand's largest hanging strips. They hold up to 16 pounds (and allow for a maximum frame size of 24 x 36 inches).

To further achieve the Joanna Gaines look, we recommend these black and white frames, similar to the one seen in her post. We love her choice of photo, but these are versatile enough to work with any print you may choose.

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.