Gallery walls are a favorite for homeowners who want to bring personality and flair into their space. They instantly transform blank walls into focal points filled with art, memories, and meaningful details. But let’s be honest—starting can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve had framed prints stacked in a corner for ages, waiting for the right moment to hang them. You’re not alone, and the good news is, creating a polished gallery wall doesn’t have to be complicated.
Interior designer Jessica Davis suggests beginning with one anchor piece—something larger that grounds the wall. Lay your arrangement on the floor first to experiment with spacing before committing to the hammer and nails. From there, smaller pieces fall into place naturally, giving you flexibility to adjust as you go.
Whether you’re building a collection that reflects your style or simply filling that empty wall with character, these strategies will guide you through every step of crafting a stylish gallery wall that feels personal and pulled together.
01. Make an Eclectic Arrangement
A gallery wall doesn’t need to follow strict rules—in fact, a little mix-and-match creates visual interest. Combining different mediums like photography, textiles, sketches, and even sculptural pieces adds variety and depth. Jessica Davis recommends blending frame materials such as wood, brass, or acrylic while experimenting with scale. From oversized artwork to pocket-sized prints, an assortment of dimensions gives your wall a more engaging rhythm.
Tips
- Introduce curved accents or three-dimensional objects to break up flat surfaces.
- Thrift stores often hide well-made frames—if a piece was worth framing once, it’s worth a second look.
- Have a favorite snapshot? Online services can print and frame your photos, making it easier to integrate personal touches.
02. Stock a Staircase
Staircase walls often go unnoticed, yet they’re an ideal spot to add personality. An assortment of oversized posters mixed with petite prints can instantly transform this passageway into something expressive. Arrange frames so they rise alongside the steps, using the railing as a natural guide for the lower edge. The result feels connected to the architecture while giving a once-blank space new life.
Tips
- The “more is better” approach works well in other contained areas too, such as a hallway nook or powder room.
- Stairways are high-traffic zones, so frames may shift. Keep them straight by securing the corners with removable adhesive strips.
03. Layer with a Shelf
A narrow shelf can work wonders for a gallery wall, offering flexibility without committing to permanent placement. Frames rest neatly against the wall, and you can shift or swap them as your collection evolves. This approach makes it simple to refresh the display whenever inspiration strikes, while also giving the arrangement a casual, lived-in feel.
Tips
- Choose a consistent color palette to bring harmony to different frame styles and artwork.
- Avoid overcrowding—limit the display to two layers for a clean look.
- Keep the focal line close to eye level so the display feels balanced.
04. Go Big with a Full-Height Gallery
Paint isn’t the only way to craft a striking wall. Extending artwork from floor to ceiling instantly transforms a room, turning an empty surface into a dramatic backdrop. In one dining space, designers filled the wall with a mix of the homeowner’s existing collection, adding complementary prints and sketches to create a cohesive palette. The effect is bold, layered, and full of character.
Tips
- Begin at eye level, then build upward and downward so the most-loved pieces land in the center.
- Artwork you’re less attached to can sit closer to the floor—this area attracts the least attention.
- Lay out the arrangement on the ground first. Think of it as a puzzle you can solve before picking up a hammer.
05. Create Order with a Photo Grid
If you prefer clean lines and a sense of structure, a grid layout offers a polished way to display family photographs. This arrangement works beautifully with images that share a similar tone or finish, giving sentimental snapshots a prominent place on your wall. A tight grouping of smaller frames can feel personal while still looking refined, inviting guests to step closer and appreciate the details.
Tips
- Convert images to black and white and use identical frames to bring cohesion.
- A grid fills wall space effectively without appearing cluttered.
- If arranging above furniture—such as a sofa or console—keep the layout about two-thirds the width, with the lowest frame at least four inches higher.
06. Pick a Theme
A gallery wall can feel more intentional when pieces share a common thread. Daniel Mathis, known as @notaminimalist, filled his living room with portraits—all thrifted from the same artist—to create a bold, character-filled backdrop. But the theme doesn’t have to be that specific. Portraits in different styles, landscapes, botanical sketches, or abstract works can all tie a collection together, giving your display a sense of unity without feeling repetitive.
Tips
- Start with what you already own—your personal tastes will guide the theme naturally.
- Popular options include travel photography, line drawings, floral studies, or graphic prints.
- A theme creates rhythm, but leave room for variation so the wall still feels dynamic.
07. Keep It Contained
Walls with architectural borders, like picture molding, give you a ready-made canvas for hanging artwork. The trick? Keep every piece within the edges of the frame—it creates structure while still allowing for negative space. Don’t be afraid to leave some areas open; the breathing room can make your display feel more intentional.
Tips
- Choose slim frames. Thick, heavy frames can overpower the detail of the molding and take away from its charm.
- No molding? No problem. You can add your own border with lightweight resin or plastic trim, easily applied with a little DIY effort.
Professional Advice on Gathering a Collection
Buying:
Artwork should work in harmony with your room rather than fight for attention. For instance, if your rug carries a busy pattern, choose a single large piece instead of layering multiple smaller frames on the wall. This approach creates balance and prevents visual overload.
Adding sentimental elements gives your collection character. Blend in personal mementos like a child’s sketch, handwritten notes, or ticket stubs. A practical rule: let one out of every five items reflect something personal. This small ratio brings an authentic rhythm without overwhelming the display. Coffee table books can also spark ideas, offering fresh imagery and creative direction.
If you appreciate the presence of paintings but your budget is limited, search terms such as “giclée” or “artist enhanced.” These options imitate brushwork and texture, delivering depth without the cost of original art. The best collections balance affordability, personality, and harmony within your space.
Shopping Sources
If you’re ready to broaden your collection beyond family snapshots and children’s artwork, these sources offer a wide range of possibilities:
etsy.com – A reliable spot for pieces at many price levels and aesthetics. Many sellers also accept custom requests, giving you a chance to commission something personal.
20×200.com – Limited-edition prints at affordable prices mean you’ll bring home something that isn’t widely repeated, helping your collection feel distinct.
juniperprintshop.com & bffprintshop.com – These platforms send digital art files you can print at home in the exact size you need. Their carefully chosen selections also make it easier if too many options feel overwhelming.
minted.com – With thousands of fine-art prints starting at $31, you can choose from different sizes, frame finishes, glass types, and matting to personalize your pick.
artfullywalls.com – Offers a compact but well-thought-out set of prints. A highlight here is their ready-made gallery wall mockups, which help spark display ideas.
artstar.com – Specializes in exclusive prints, paintings, and photography. If you want something with presence, this site can be a strong choice.
Thrift stores & flea markets – Secondhand shopping carries its own charm: you may stumble upon a piece that feels entirely yours while also giving pre-loved art a new home.
Framing
Frames might feel like an extra cost, but they’re worth considering as part of the artwork itself. Higher-quality framing not only protects pieces longer than bargain options, but also lifts the overall look of a space.
Beyond local shops, professionals often point to Framebridge, Michaels, and Simply Framed as reliable sources for custom work at varying price points. These services give flexibility whether you’re working with prints, textiles, or original paintings.
Placement matters too. If you plan to hang something opposite a window, glare can quickly diminish the effect. To handle this, choose matte paper without glass, opt for a canvas print, or go with museum glass, which minimizes reflections while keeping the art visible and crisp.
Hanging
Even professionals run into challenges while arranging art, especially when trying to align frames evenly. A clever workaround is to place painter’s tape across the back of the frame, mark the hook spot, then move the tape onto the wall. This gives you exact placement on the first attempt. For added precision, a laser level can be a game changer.
Architecture in a room can guide placement as well. For instance, if you have a fireplace, center a single large piece above it. On the wall across from it, balance the space with a gallery-style grouping of smaller works. This contrast between one strong focal point and a curated mix elsewhere keeps the room feeling organized yet dynamic.