How to Design a Gallery Wall: Simple Tips For Any Space
1. A Gallery Wall
Creating a gallery wall in your home is a fantastic way to showcase your style and memories, adding a touch of creativity and warmth to any space. When considering how to design a gallery wall, the layout and arrangement of your pieces can make all the difference.
2. Effective Tips on How to Design a Gallery Wall for Any Space
Whether you’re an art lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to display cherished memories, a gallery wall is an excellent way to achieve this.
Let me guide you through the process of creating a gallery wall that not only looks stunning but also feels uniquely yours.
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(2.1) Choose Your Space and Colour Scheme
The first step in creating a gallery wall is deciding where you want it to go. Staircase walls, living rooms, and entryways are popular choices, but really, any wall with enough space can work.
Once you’ve chosen the spot, think about the colour scheme.
Do you want a monochromatic look with black and white photos? Or perhaps a vibrant, colourful display?
The colour scheme will set the tone for your gallery and help you choose the right frames and artwork.
You might also like my other blog post: How to Decorate Your Blank Walls
(2.2) How to Design a Gallery Wall: Plan Your Layout
Before you start hammering nails into the wall, take the time to plan your layout. I recommend mapping out your wall space and then arranging your frames and art pieces on the floor.
This allows you to play around with different configurations without committing to anything.
Consider whether you want a symmetrical arrangement, where frames are evenly spaced and aligned, or an asymmetrical layout, which can feel more dynamic and organic.
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(2.3) Select Your Pieces
What you choose to hang on your gallery wall is entirely up to you. This could be a mix of family photos, art prints, travel souvenirs, or even children’s drawings.
The key is to select pieces that resonate with you and reflect your style. Mixing different types of artwork—such as paintings, photographs, and illustrations—can create a more eclectic and interesting display.
If you prefer a more cohesive look, you could stick to a single theme or colour palette.
(2.4) How to Design a Gallery Wall: Arrange and Rearrange
Once you’ve selected your pieces, start arranging them on the floor in front of the wall where they will be hung.
This is where you can experiment with different arrangements. You might find that a certain photo looks better in the centre or that a smaller piece works well as part of a group.
Don’t be afraid to move things around until you’re satisfied with the layout.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do this—it’s all about what feels right to you.
(2.5) Hanging Time
Now comes the moment of truth—hanging your pieces on the wall. Start with the central piece and work your way out.
This helps ensure that your gallery wall feels balanced. Use a level to keep everything straight, and consider using adhesive strips for lighter pieces, which allow for easy adjustments without damaging your walls.
For heavier items, you’ll need nails or screws. Take your time with this step to avoid any mistakes.
(2.6) Mix and Match or Keep It Uniform
Decide whether you want a mix-and-match look with different frame styles, sizes, and colours, or if you prefer a uniform look with matching frames.
Both approaches can look beautiful—mixing frames adds a more relaxed, eclectic vibe, while matching frames create a more polished, cohesive feel.
(2.7) Leave Space for Future Additions
Your gallery wall doesn’t have to be completed all at once. In fact, I often encourage leaving some space for future additions. As you collect more memories or artwork, you can continue to add to your wall, making it an ever-evolving display of your life and style.
(2.8) Creative Ideas on How to Design a Gallery Wall That Reflects Your Personality
Mastering the layout and arrangement is key to designing a gallery wall that truly stands out.
While there’s no fixed rule, and it ultimately comes down to your creativity and the items you want to display, here are some layout ideas to ignite your imagination.
- Symmetrical Arrangement: Align frames in a grid or linear pattern for a balanced, classic look.
- Asymmetrical Arrangement: Mix different frame sizes and shapes for a dynamic, eclectic feel.
- All Artwork Similar: Use artwork with a consistent theme or style for a cohesive and unified display.
- Mixing Art and Objects: Combine wall art with clocks, mirrors, or shelves for added texture and interest.
- Theme-Based Gallery: Focus on a single theme, like travel or family trips, to tell a visual story on your wall.
- Black and White on White Background: Choose black frames with 2-3 inch white mats for a clean, modern aesthetic.
- Kids’ Artwork Showcase: Display children’s drawings in colorful frames for a playful and personal touch.
- Modern Art Display: Highlight contemporary art pieces in sleek, minimalist frames for a stylish, urban vibe.
- Incorporate 3D Elements: Add sculptures or shadow boxes for depth and a more interactive gallery wall.
- Use a Uniform Frame Color: Stick to one frame color, like black or gold, for a polished and consistent look.
- Layered Look: Overlap frames slightly for a casual, layered effect that feels collected over time.
- Storytelling Layout: Arrange pieces chronologically or in a way that narrates a journey or experience.
- Mix Mediums: Combine photography, paintings, and prints to create a diverse and engaging gallery.
- Floating Shelves Addition: Include floating shelves within your gallery to hold small decor items or books.
- Symmetry with Variations: Keep a symmetrical layout but vary the content within each frame for a twist on tradition.
3. Conclusion: Making Your Wall a Reflection of You
Creating a gallery wall is more than just hanging pictures—it’s about telling a story through your walls. By carefully choosing the pieces and planning your layout, you can create a wall that not
