Gallery Wall Ideas
The complete guide to creating a perfectly arranged gallery wall
A gallery wall is more than a collection of frames — it’s a curated narrative that reflects your personality, travels, and taste. But creating one that looks intentional rather than chaotic requires planning. Here’s how to nail it.
Choose Your Layout Style
Before hanging anything, decide on your approach. Each layout creates a different mood.
The Grid
Uniform frames, identical spacing, perfect alignment. The grid is the most structured option and works best with photographs, prints of the same size, and minimalist interiors.
Grid Rules
Use identical frames. Maintain 5-8cm spacing between pieces. Works best with 4, 6, 9, or 12 pieces. Everything must be perfectly level.
The Salon Style
Mixed sizes, varied frames, organic arrangement. The salon style originated in 19th-century Parisian art exhibitions. It’s more relaxed and works well with diverse collections.
The Linear
Art arranged in a single horizontal or vertical line. Clean, modern, and easy to execute. Works great above sofas, along hallways, or up staircases.
Planning Your Gallery Wall
- Measure your wall space — Determine the total area you want to fill
- Gather your pieces — Collect all frames, prints, and objects you want to include
- Lay it out on the floor — Experiment with arrangements before touching the wall
- Take a photo — Reference your chosen layout while hanging
- Start from the center — Hang your anchor piece first, then work outward
Frame Selection Guide
| Style | Frame Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Minimal | Thin black metal | Photography, line art |
| Warm Classic | Natural wood | Botanicals, landscapes |
| Industrial | Raw metal or pipe | Typography, bold graphics |
| Eclectic | Mixed vintage | Salon-style arrangements |
| Luxury | Gold or brass | Traditional art, portraits |
The Spacing Formula
Professional Spacing
Keep 5-8cm between frames for a tight look, or 10-15cm for a more airy feel. Within a gallery wall, consistency matters more than the exact measurement — pick one spacing and stick to it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much white space — Your gallery should fill roughly 60-75% of the wall area
- All one size — Mix at least 2-3 different frame sizes for visual interest
- No anchor piece — Every gallery wall needs one dominant piece that draws the eye first
- Hanging too high — Keep the center of your arrangement at eye level (150cm)
- Overthinking it — Salon-style galleries are meant to feel collected, not calculated
Pro Hack: Paper Templates
Cut paper templates the exact size of each frame. Tape them to the wall with painter’s tape. Step back, adjust, and only then start hammering nails. This saves walls and sanity.
Gallery Wall Ideas by Room
Living Room: Large-scale anchor piece with 4-6 supporting works. Mix photography with illustration.
Staircase: Follow the angle of the stairs. Keep consistent spacing and align pieces at the same height from each step.
Bedroom: Softer palette, more personal pieces. Above the bed works as a headboard alternative.
Hallway: Linear arrangement of similar-sized pieces. Create a visual “journey” as you walk through.
Build Your Gallery Wall
Mix and match from our collection of high-quality prints. Same-day dispatch, worldwide shipping.