You will hang something. The question is whether the wall will forgive you. This site does not publish a nail policy, a paint brand, or a list of approved hooks. The lease and the condition of the unit when you move in are the documents that matter, not a blog post about gallery walls.
What is usually fine
Small nails and picture hooks in drywall are how most Manhattan rentals get art on the wall. Tile, stone, and glass are not drywall. Do not drill a marble bath surround because a living-room hook felt easy. Window frames, fire-safety equipment, and the front door closer are not a place for a wreath hook.
Photograph the walls on move-in day, including existing holes. That photo is how you avoid paying for a prior tenant's gallery. If the unit was just painted, ask before you put thirty holes in a fresh wall you will be asked to restore.
What to ask before you drill
Ask the leasing office or the concierge whether the building wants written approval for anything beyond picture hooks. Do not assume a security deposit is a pre-paid renovation. Filling holes at move-out is normal. Cutting a niche for a TV mount may not be.
Television mounts, shelves into studs, and anything that needs an anchor in a wet wall belong in a conversation before the hardware store. If a contractor needs access, the front desk will want notice anyway.
Move-out is part of the hanging
Take the art down before the walkthrough. Fill what you opened. Do not repaint a whole wall in a slightly wrong white unless the office asked you to paint. If you are still choosing a unit, look at wall space on the tour the way you look at closets. Filter listings and schedule a tour. Call (212) 684-3222.
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