How to Create a Wall Gallery in 5 Steps
If you ever feel like your favourite paintings or beloved photographs need some special attention start a gallery wall! It’s not as hard as it sounds and anyone can do this. You don’t need high-end price works of art worthy of hanging in louvres – your cherished wall pieces would be just right. It’s a great way to spruce up your walls and add a very personal touch to the interior. Let your visitors know your story when they take a look around. With a few tips, you can make up a wall gallery that will become your pride.
Learn how to start a gallery wall - follow this 5-step plan
- Choose a suitable wall
- Look through your collection
- Select pieces that go together
- Plan the layout
- Put up your gallery
What wall is suitable for a wall gallery?
You’ve probably already envisioned the wall gallery in one of your rooms, and that’s a good start. Thinking about this room consider two important factors: space available and where the light comes from. The place that you choose should be visible to all in the room. Beautiful frames hidden behind the big sofa would make no sense as family photos hung above the door frame when no one can see them.
Common areas such as living rooms and dining rooms are great spots for statement arts and collections. A bedroom is ideal for more personal, intimate photos like family pictures. These are just general ideas as it is you who choose what character you want to give to the room.
How to choose a wall for a home art gallery:
- Choose a wall void of construction elements like windows, doors or randomly mounted wall lamps.
- A solid colour would make the best background. Wallpapers or painted patterns can make your hanging art disappear in a variety of colours.
- Avoid a wall opposite the window as strong natural light will make it hard to see.
- Track lighting or adjustable scones can beautifully highlight the art
- Drywall is the most safe for hanging things. With plaster walls, one must be cautious with drilling holes. Brick walls are very sturdy, and because of that drilling into them can be hard.
- Panelled walls are a decoration on their own. It’s better not to damage them with hanging artwork
How to arrange art on walls?
Make a list of all the pieces you own. Sort them into two basic categories: personal photographs and artwork. Remember that not everything you hang on your walls must be strictly considered art. Have your kids’s cereal-based portrait of your family or a huge decorative spoon that you brought from holidays in Greece? Go ahead and use it, the limit is your imagination. You can use various approaches to choosing the pieces that you want to hang
Group pieces by colour
Black and white tones- Neutral colours black and white photographs or sepia prints give off a minimalistic and elegant look. Such a gallery would work great in contemporary spaces, lofts and industrial-inspired interiors.
Palette of one or similar colours - Stick to tones of one colour or use the colour wheel and choose the colours that are next to each other. A coloured wall gallery would bring bold character and cheerfulness to a room.
Multicoloured mash- What will happen if you put pieces of different colours together? Don’t wait and find out! Bold and colourful galleries are characteristic of eclectic-style interiors.
Group pieces by theme
Unified motif- Love your city? Showcase your passion by selecting photographs, vintage maps, and artistic posters that celebrate its history, architecture, and vibrant culture. You can apply the same concept to other themes—curate a gallery wall featuring snapshots from your travels, a bold collection of pop-art posters, or a heartfelt display of cherished family moments.
Thoughtfully arranging these pieces will not only add character to your space but also create a meaningful visual narrative that reflects your personality and experiences.
Group pieces by size
For a clean, minimalistic look, go for similarly sized frames they keep things cohesive, structured, and easy to plan. Perfect for modern interiors, this approach adds a sense of order and elegance. If you prefer something more dynamic, mix various sizes for an effortlessly stylish feel with a striking visual impact. This lets you get creative and personal, showcasing a diverse collection in a way that still feels intentional.
What non-framed pieces can become a part of a wall gallery?
Looking for a way to make your gallery feel special? Break out the pattern and introduce some non-framed decorations that will give your wall an extra spark. Irregular shapes, different textures or 3D structures can make a world of difference. If macramé brings softness and artisanal charm to a gallery wall, then faux animal heads introduce bold personality and a touch of whimsy.
Pairing woven wall hangings with ethnic-style artefacts collected from travels—such as carved masks, vibrant textiles, or handcrafted ceramics—creates a globally inspired, well-travelled aesthetic. To add contrast and dimension, 3D metal wall pieces bring a sleek, industrial touch.
Discover our varied wall decor collection
How do you space pieces on a gallery wall?
Spacing really is key when it comes to creating a gallery wall that looks balanced and not too cluttered. The right amount of space between each piece can make a world of difference, whether you’re after a neat, tidy look or something a bit more laid-back and personal. If you're looking to get your gallery wall just right, here are a few tips to help you find that perfect balance.
Pay attention to uniform spacing
Keep the spacing between each piece consistent for a balanced and tidy look. A good rule of thumb is to leave around 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 inches) between frames—enough to keep things looking neat without feeling too cramped or too spread out. This even spacing helps the whole arrangement feel intentional, making it easier on the eye and giving your space a more polished feel.
Consider the size of the wall
If you're working with a large wall, you may want to space the pieces slightly further apart—about 10 to 12 cm (around 4-5 inches)—to ensure the arrangement fills the space beautifully without making it feel too crowded. This approach works particularly well in spacious, light-filled homes, where a well-balanced gallery wall can enhance the airy, open feel while showcasing your art in a way that feels intentional and elegant.
Start arrangement with a central piece
Begin by placing your largest or focal piece in the centre of your chosen space, then build around it, keeping the spacing between each piece consistent. This creates a structured yet effortless look, allowing the arrangement to feel visually connected.
Group similar pieces
If you’re mixing art with photos or using different frame sizes, try grouping similar pieces together to create a more harmonious look. This helps balance the display while still allowing for variety. You can also use slightly smaller gaps between these groups to keep the arrangement feeling cohesive and intentional..
Create balance
Make sure your spacing feels balanced—not too cramped on one side or too spread out on the other. As you go, take a step back now and then to assess the overall look. Viewing it from a distance helps you spot any adjustments needed for a natural, well-proportioned display.
Plan with paper templates
Before you start putting any nails or hooks in the wall, a great way to plan your arrangement is by cutting out pieces of paper in the same size as your frames. Tape these paper cut-outs to the wall, then take your time adjusting the spacing and layout until it feels just right.
3 stunning wall gallery layout ideas to try
Symmetrical gallery wall
This arrangement features evenly spaced frames aligned in a grid pattern, creating a balanced and orderly appearance. It's ideal for traditional or classic interiors, where harmony and uniformity are valued.
Eclectic cluster
An eclectic cluster involves grouping variously sized frames in a seemingly random yet thoughtfully curated manner. This style suits bohemian or eclectic spaces, adding a personal and artistic touch to your decor.
Linear arrangement
Hang pictures in a straight line, either horizontally or vertically, with consistent spacing between them. This minimalist approach complements modern or contemporary interiors, emphasizing simplicity and clean lines.
How to create a gallery wall without damaging walls?
Not everyone has the option to use nails and screws when hanging a gallery wall, whether due to rental restrictions, fragile walls, or the risk of hitting hidden electrical wiring beneath the surface. In these cases, you can try out one of these two solutions
Use self-adhesive command strips or hooks
They're a quick, no-fuss way to hang artwork securely—no tools, no drilling, just a simple fix that actually holds. Ideal for renters or indecisive decorators, they let you put up frames without worrying about holes in the wall. Plus, most peel off cleanly without damaging the paint, so you can rearrange, swap, or refresh your space whenever you fancy.
Feature frames on your current wall shelving
Leaning artwork against the wall gives your space a layered, relaxed feel while keeping things flexible. It’s a great way to switch things up without drilling holes or committing to a set arrangement. Plus, mixing different sizes and frames adds depth and character, making the display feel effortless yet intentional.
Your wall, Your story
A gallery wall is all about making your space feel like home—whether you go for a neat, balanced look or something a bit more laid-back and creative. There are no strict rules, just a chance to play around, mix things up, and let your style shine through.
