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How to Hang Oars {or Paddles} in an X Shape

by | Mar 17, 2014 | Coastal, Decorating Inspiration, Family Room, my house

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How to Hang Oars {or Paddles} in an X Shape

At first the way to hang oars or paddles in an X shape might seem like it would be pretty obvious. But, if you’ve tried it you’ll see that it requires a bit more thought than just forming the letter X on a wall with your paddles. However, I have a really easy way to hang them and it doesn’t require brackets or hooks or any visible hardware. So today I’m going to finally answer the burning question that has been on everyone’s mind :-). How did I hang my flea market paddles in an X shape on the wall? First of all, I am calling them paddles rather than oars because I think the consensus on my Instagram was that they were paddles used for churning butter or cheese or something like that.

But whatever we call them, you could use the same tips for either.

How to Hang Oars {or Paddles} in an X Shape

I hung the first paddle on the wall with two Command Strips (a velcro-like sticker). I’ve hung oars with Command Strips before and I’ve never had one fall down.

Then I nailed a small block of wood to the wall and criss-crossed the second paddle over the top of the first, using a Command Strip to attach the paddle to the block of wood. The block of wood stabilizes the paddle. Then to secure the handle side of the paddle, I hammered one nail into the wall through the paddle’s existing hole. And that was it! I intended to paint the block of wood the same color as the wall, but I never did because you really can’t even see it.

How to Hang Oars {or Paddles} in an X Shape

I love the character the paddles bring to the family room! (Of course, when I finally get the built-ins on either side of the fireplace I will be relocating them!).

Do you have anything unique on your walls?

Other recent Reader Questions & Answers:

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PS. If you want Command Strips and can’t find them in your area (or just want to buy them from the comfort of your own home, I put them in my shop in the Favorite Craft/DIY Supplies section!)

12 Comments

  1. KAY

    I love your living room but only now noticed your 2-tone gray walls. I’m a fan.
    Re: hanging unusual items on a wall — my spousal equiv. made art ledges for me, using some original painted woodwork from our house + brackets he made himself from mild steel flat stock.
    I recommend for the serial re-hangers.

    Reply
  2. Alicia

    I purchased two heavy fences a few years ago and used them in our garden but decided this year to hang them on my dining room wall so I could enjoy them every day. They are painted white but are quite old so they are nice and rusty too (love rusty things).

    Reply
  3. teresa

    Perfect post for me today…I ‘ve been wanting to do this at the cabin…now it will be easier!
    Happy Day!

    Reply
  4. Lisa Bower

    Thank you for posting this how to! I just saw some cool oars at Home Goods (one of my favorite accessories stores) I think my blood pressure goes up from over stimulation in that place, seriously, its kind of sick.

    Reply
  5. Lise

    Love the style in your room and the oars looks so cool up on the wall. I don’t have anything interesting on my walls, but thanks for giving me a great idea! Check out my blog if you like, I post about all kind of stuff including home décor!

    Reply
  6. Patricia

    The only unusual thing I’ve hung is a very heavy Shinto Wedding Kimono … gorgeous with stunning embroideries and worth showing off a bit. Lucky for me we’ve got cove moldings (or picture rails) so I just suspended it on a long pole hung from clips on the rail.
    Love your tips on the paddles …

    Reply
  7. Kristina

    I believe those are roux paddles. We use something nearly identical to stir the pot when we have a crawfish boil, too.

    Reply
  8. Jennifer Booth

    It’s my first visit to your blog- and I love it. The pictures of your living room….GORGEOUS!!!

    Reply
  9. Tamela

    I love the idea of hanging the oars . They look great in your space. I ran into a similar situation when I was attempting to hang golf clubs on the walls in my son’s bedroom. I wrapped them together with a brown leather belt at the cross angle, then used large cup hooks near the top of the head to hold them in place. It worked out great! Thanks for sharing Melissa!

    Reply
  10. Suzy @ Worthing Court

    Hi Melissa. Love the hanging oars and what a clever way to get them up onto the wall! I just noticed the chair in your living room. That’s from Pier 1, isn’t it? Anyway, I just brought one of them home yesterday and was wondering how long you’ve had yours and whether or not you’re happy with the quality. Mine looks/seems great and it won’t be a daily sitter, so I’m hoping it will last a long time. :)

    Reply
  11. Kim

    how did you hang the second, crossing oar? Thanks. Kim

    Reply

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