Gallery Wall Ideas (Tips and Tricks)

Creating a gallery wall can be a fun and creative way to display artwork, photographs, and other decorative items in your home…and annoy your family

Plan Your Layout:

Before hanging anything, plan the layout of your gallery wall. You can do this by arranging your pieces on the floor to see how they look together.

Consider the spacing between each item and the overall balance of the arrangement.

I laid out these frames 4 or 5 times until I had an idea what I wanted.

And sometimes I just wing it and start hanging pictures on the wall and think we’ll see how this turns out.

It just depends on the day.

Choose a Theme or Color Scheme:

To ensure cohesiveness, consider choosing a theme or color scheme for your gallery wall. This could be based on a specific style, color palette, or subject matter that ties all the pieces together.

Do you want a more modern look or a more eclectic look? Do you want neutral prints or colorful prints?

There is no right or wrong way, it just depends on what you like

Mix and Match:

Don’t be afraid to mix different types of artwork and decor, such as framed prints, photographs, paintings, and decorative objects.

Mixing textures and styles adds visual interest to your gallery wall, especially if you want more of a eclectic look.

 

Use Consistent Frames:

While mixing and matching is encouraged, using consistent frames can help tie the look of your gallery wall together.

Choose frames in similar colors or styles to create a cohesive appearance (and sometimes this approach can be easier if you are new to creating gallery walls.)

Create a Focal Point:

Consider placing one larger or more eye-catching piece in the center of your gallery wall to serve as a focal point. Arrange other items around it to complement and enhance its presence.

 

Consider Symmetry and Balance:

Aim for symmetry and balance in your gallery wall layout. This doesn’t mean everything has to be perfectly symmetrical, but rather that the arrangement feels visually balanced overall.

I originally had too many larger prints all on one side of my gallery wall and I knew that was going to throw off my symmetry so I changed the layout.

Measure Twice, Hang Once:

Before hanging anything on the wall, measure and mark where each piece will go. Use a level to ensure your gallery wall is straight and properly aligned.

I really should listen to what I preach because 95% of the time I do not do this.

And now I have 4567 tiny little holes in my wall.

Experiment with Arrangement:

Something else I do not do but something that can also prevent the 4567 tiny holes in your walls is to experiment with different arrangements before committing to one.

You can use painter’s tape to mark the outlines of your pieces on the wall and rearrange them as needed.

Leave Space Around Each Piece:

Leave some space around each piece to allow it to stand out and to prevent the gallery wall from feeling cluttered.

Accessorize:

Consider adding some accessories, such as wall sconces, shelves, or decorative accents, to complement your gallery wall and add extra visual interest.

Personalize It:

Make your gallery wall personal by including items that have sentimental value or reflect your personality and interests.

I have a few pictures that my kids drew framed in my entry way gallery wall.

Update Regularly:

Keep your gallery wall fresh by updating it regularly with new artwork or swapping out pieces to reflect changing tastes or seasons.

 

Don’t be afraid:

I know gallery walls can be taunting but sometimes you just need to start putting holes in your walls

I had some left over frames and art laying around so I created another quick gallery wall in my front living room.

I just winged this one and sometimes it’s that easy. I didn’t measure or lay anything out.

I just started hammering in nails. And it worked.

Where To Find Affordable Frames For Your Gallery Wall

If you know me at all, the you know what my answer to this question is.

I find most of my frames at Amazon or Target. Occasionally I do find frames at the thrift store.

But let’s be honest, getting the backs off some of those old frames to switch out the print is never easy or worth the price savings of getting your frame at the thrift store.

I LOVE all of the Craig Frames from Amazon. They are not cheap but the quality is great and for the quality you get, the price ends up seeming more reasonable.

Make sense?

I also love this frame from Amazon that I threw this print in

And yes, I took out the glass to that frame because I can’t stand the glare. This print was made for this frame and it looks like so much more expensive than what I paid.

Target has great frames too and they are a bit more affordable. I do like that I can find poster frames at a great price at Target.

Where To Find Affordable Art For Your Gallery Wall

 I am not going to reinvent the wheel with this question because I wrote a whole blog post about this.

It’s an older post that I do try to update but here is the Cliff Note version:

Etsy is a great place for prints. You can go down a deep hole if you really wanted to looking for art on Etsy

I purchased this print from there for my most recent gallery wall.

Amazon has been my go to lately. They have a ton of framed art and just prints if you want to use your own frame.

I LOVE this swan art from Amazon that I used in my recent gallery wall. And I recently purchased this framed art from Amazon

You really cannot beat the price of these from Amazon.

Amazon has made things really easy for you and has gallery wall prints all ready for you. All you have to do is frame them and hang them.

I also love the Studio McGee art from Target. I usually grab one or two new pieces from their new releases because, why not?