Your Super Simple Guide to Creating the Perfect Gallery Wall
”Look at this Photograph, Every Time I do, it makes me laugh.” - Nickelback
Gallery walls are more than just a design trend—they’re a personal statement. They’re like a visual biography, blending art, memories, and personality into one jaw-dropping centerpiece. Whether you’re styling a cozy nook or creating a dramatic focal point in your living room, a well-designed gallery wall can instantly add character, and a personal touch to your home decor.
If you’ve been hesitant about creating one because it seems too overwhelming, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through every step and give you the confidence to turn that huge, blank wall into a curated masterpiece. I know you can do it!!
Step 1: Gather Your Content
Your gallery wall starts with what you want to display. Here’s where you get to be creative! Think about the mood or story you want your wall to convey. Your content can include:
Art Prints: Choose pieces that reflect your style—whether abstract, modern, or vintage.
Photographs: Personal photos always add warmth and personality. Black-and-white photography can add a timeless, cohesive feel.
Postcards or Mementos: Souvenirs from travels or small tokens are a great way to add personality.
Other Artwork: Get creative—think textiles, illustrations, or even handwritten notes or calligraphy.
Step 2: Source Your Frames
You've got 2 options here: You can't go wrong with either choice.
Be Matchy Matchy: For a clean, modern look, go with matching frames in one material, like black metal or natural wood. This creates a polished, cohesive finish.
OR
Anything goes: For a playful, eclectic vibe, mix frame materials—combine wood, gold, aluminum, and even painted frames. Using frames with unique textures or edge details can create depth and character.
Insider tip: Thrifted, secondhand frames, or the ones sitting in the attic that aren't currently being used are excellent options.
Step 3: Good News! There's no Rules!
Don’t be afraid to mix things up—it’s part of what makes a gallery wall unique. Here are some fun ways to mix in other elements:
Materials: Try combining sleek metal frames with rustic wooden ones.
Mounting Styles: Mix it up by using float mounts, matted frames, shadow boxes for depth or no frames at all.
Orientation: Include a mix of portrait and landscape layouts to keep things dynamic.
Step 4: Let's Get Personal
A gallery wall doesn’t need to feel like you’re walking through an art gallery. Add a personal touch that tells your story to make it feel more you. Consider including:
Framed handwritten letters or notes.
Memorabilia such as ticket stubs & boarding passes
Vintage postcards or souvenirs collected from travels.
Family heirloom pieces
Remember, blending personal elements like these takes a gallery wall from being simply “decorated” to deeply, uniquely personal.
Step 5: Plan Your Layout
You've got your content, and you've sourced your frames - you can now lay everything out on the floor. Trust us, this step will save time (and frustration) later! Once you've got it how you like it, snap a photo of your wall layout before you start hanging—it’ll serve as a helpful reference if you forget the exact placement in the process. Trust me - it's so helpful!!
Here’s how to approach it:
Start With Your Biggest Piece
Start with your biggest piece and position it slightly off-center. This will be the focal point of your wall. If you’re working with two large items, avoid placing them next to one another—instead, distance them to create balance.
Play Around with Arrangements
Experiment with the layout until it feels right. Use smaller pieces as fillers to balance the larger ones. Trust your instincts—gallery walls are one spot in decorating where the “eyeball test” often works better than perfect calculations.
STYLE TIP:
For those who prefer precision, you can measure and map out your layout using painter’s tape on the wall to mimic the arrangement. Have I ever done this? Well no. Is it a method many other people use? Well yes. This way, you’ll have a visual guide when it comes time to hang your pieces.
Step 6: Hang it Up Like a Pro
You’ve gathered your art, sourced frames, and perfected your layout—now it’s time to bring it to life.
Lay it Out on the Wall
Start hanging with the anchor piece and work outward.
Keep Frames Level
Gallery walls can look messy if frames are misaligned. Use clear putty stickers to keep them perfectly straight. These are a game changer.
Don’t Overcrowd
Leave even spacing between your pieces. A little breathing room helps each piece stand out while keeping the overall look cohesive.
You've Got This!
Have fun experimenting and letting your story shine through your design choices. Whether you’re filling a living room wall for guests to admire or making your bedroom cozier with personal mementos, gallery walls are an easy yet impactful way to elevate your home decor.
Remember, perfection isn’t the goal—it’s all about creating something you love. Get creative, trust your instincts, and start building your gallery wall masterpiece today.
You've got this!!! Send us a picture of your masterpiece after you're done! We want to see your beautiful handy work.
