Few things add instant personality, creativity, and charm to a space like a well-curated gallery wall. Whether you’re showcasing bold art prints, personal photos, or a mix of both, a gallery wall is more than just décor—it’s a visual narrative of who you are. The best part? There’s no single "right" way to create one. But there are steps you can follow to ensure yours feels intentional, balanced, and uniquely you.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything from choosing the right wall to selecting your artwork, arranging your layout, and hanging your pieces with confidence.
Step 1: Choose the Right Wall
First things first: where will your gallery wall live? While any blank space can work, some areas are particularly suited for visual storytelling.
Great spots include:
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Above a sofa or bed
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Along a hallway
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Around a TV
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Staircases
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Entryways
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A dining or reading nook
Tip: Choose a wall that naturally draws attention and has enough space for multiple frames without feeling crowded.
Step 2: Pick a Theme or Story
A cohesive gallery wall tells a story—whether it’s a color story, a theme, or simply a collection of things you love.
Popular gallery wall styles:
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Color-coordinated: All prints follow a similar color palette.
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Black and white: Photography or sketches in monochrome tones.
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Eclectic: A mix of styles, frames, and mediums for a curated, lived-in feel.
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Personal: A combination of personal photos, travel mementos, and custom artwork.
Tip: Don’t overthink this step. Start with a couple of pieces you love and build around them.
Step 3: Gather Your Artwork
This is where your personality shines. A great gallery wall can feature a wide variety of content—just make sure it feels harmonious. You can purchase pre-curated gallery walls at gsprintshoppe.com; the easiest way to go with pieces you know will look good together!
Mix it up with:
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Art prints
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Photographs (family, travel, portraits)
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Typography or quotes
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Paintings
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Line drawings or sketches
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Mirrors or sculptural elements
Tip: Don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once. Curating over time often leads to the most meaningful results.
Step 4: Choose Your Frames (or Don’t!)
Your frame choice can tie your gallery wall together—or become part of the eclectic charm.
Frame approaches:
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Matching frames: Sleek and modern, ideal for minimal or monochrome layouts.
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Mismatched frames: Cozy and eclectic, perfect for vintage or boho vibes.
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No frames: Canvas wraps, washi tape, or clips can give a relaxed, artsy feel.
Tip: If you’re using different frames, unify the look with a consistent mat size, color palette, or layout symmetry.
Step 5: Plan Your Layout
Before you put a single nail in the wall, plan your arrangement. This step can make or break the final result.
Layout options:
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Grid layout: Clean, formal, and symmetrical.
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Linear layout: Aligned along a center line—great for hallways or staircases.
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Salon-style (organic): Freeform and dynamic, with pieces arranged in varied sizes and spacing.
How to plan it:
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Measure your wall space.
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Lay your frames on the floor or use painter’s tape to outline shapes on the wall.
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Use paper cutouts (same size as your frames) to tape up and try different configurations.
Tip: Start with the largest piece first, placing it slightly off-center, and build outward from there.
Step 6: Arrange with Balance in Mind
Even in a freeform layout, balance is key. You want the eye to move naturally around your collection.
Tips for visual balance:
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Mix vertical and horizontal pieces.
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Distribute color or bold prints evenly across the wall.
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Alternate between heavy (dark or large) and light (small or airy) visuals.
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Keep similar spacing between frames—usually 2 to 3 inches.
Tip: Use painter’s tape and a level to map out straight lines or align edges for structure, even in organic arrangements.
Step 7: Hang with Confidence
Once you’re happy with your layout, it’s time to commit.
What you’ll need:
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Measuring tape
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Pencil
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Level
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Hammer and nails (or picture-hanging strips for renters)
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Hooks or hanging hardware
Hanging tips:
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Use wall anchors for heavier frames.
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For a gallery wall above a sofa or bed, start 6–8 inches above the top of the furniture.
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Hang centerpieces at eye level (typically 57–60 inches from the floor).
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Work from the center outwards or from the bottom up.
Tip: Step back often as you hang to ensure spacing and alignment still feel right.
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches
Once everything is up, take a step back and live with it. See how it feels at different times of day and with different lighting. You might find yourself swapping a print, rotating a frame, or adding to the collection later.
Finishing ideas:
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Add a picture light above the arrangement for a museum-style glow.
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Incorporate 3D objects like woven baskets, sconces, or shelves with small sculptures.
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Let plants or books below the wall enhance the visual impact.
Step 9: Evolve Over Time
Your gallery wall doesn’t need to stay static. One of the joys of this design element is that it can evolve as you do. Add new art. Swap out prints. Let your wall reflect the life you’re living now.
Tip: Keep a few extra frames on hand for spontaneous additions or seasonal swaps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Hanging too high—aim for eye level, not ceiling level.
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Skipping the layout planning step.
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Clustering all large pieces on one side.
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Not using enough variety in size or shape.
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Being too rigid—gallery walls are meant to feel lived in and layered.
Conclusion: Make It Yours
At the end of the day, the perfect gallery wall is the one that makes you feel something. Whether it’s a collection of bold, modern art prints, a family photo wall, or a mashup of travel souvenirs and funky finds, let your gallery reflect who you are.
It’s more than wall décor—it’s a visual diary. A daily source of inspiration. A space that says, “This is my world.”
So go ahead—grab those frames, unroll that bold art print you’ve been saving, and get to curating. Your perfect gallery wall is just a few steps away.
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