A Beginner’s Guide to Designing a Gallery Wall
A gallery wall can transform a blank space into a story. Whether it is family photos, travel memories, or artwork you have collected, arranging frames together creates a focal point that feels both personal and curated. But building a gallery wall can also feel intimidating. How many frames do you need? What sizes? How should they be arranged?
This guide will walk you through the basics of gallery walls: why they work, common layouts, and tips for choosing frames that make your wall look cohesive
Why Gallery Walls Work
Gallery walls appeal to us for a few reasons:
Visual Balance: Multiple frames arranged together anchor a wall in a way a single piece sometimes cannot.
Storytelling: They allow you to show a collection of moments or themes rather than just one.
Flexibility: You can use photos, prints, or even dimensional items like textiles or maps.
Scalability: A gallery wall works in nearly any space, from a narrow stairwell to a large living room wall.
Common Gallery Wall Layouts
The Classic Row – Three identical frames in a straight line. Simple and symmetrical. Great above a sofa or bed.
The Statement Centerpiece – One large frame surrounded by smaller ones. Creates a natural focal point.
The Grid – Frames arranged in a structured grid such as 2 by 3 or 3 by 3. Clean, modern, and easy to scale.
The Eclectic Mix – Frames of different sizes arranged organically. Feels collected over time and works well with art prints.
The Story Wall – Larger collections such as 7 to 12 frames that fill a full wall or stairwell. Ideal for family photos or milestones. While there is no single right way to design a gallery wall, a few tried and true layouts work well in most homes:Choosing Frame Sizes
One of the most common mistakes in gallery walls is scale. Too many small frames on a large wall can feel cluttered. A good rule of thumb:
For small walls, 3 to 4 frames of moderate size such as 11 by 14 or 16 by 20 work well.
For medium walls, 5 to 7 frames or a grid layout creates balance.
For large walls, 9 or more frames or a wide panoramic row prevents the space from feeling empty.
Mixing sizes can also add interest. For example, two larger frames can act as anchors while smaller frames fill in around them.
Frame Material and Finish
Consistency is key. Using frames made from the same material and finish gives your wall cohesion, even if the artwork inside varies. Solid hardwood frames are especially timeless. They add weight, texture, and longevity that mass produced frames cannot match.
Tips for Hanging a Gallery Wall
Plan First: Lay frames on the floor in the arrangement you like, or cut paper templates to tape to the wall.
Spacing Matters: Leave 2 to 4 inches between frames for a balanced look.
Eye Level Rule: The center of your arrangement should sit around 57 to 60 inches from the floor.
Match the Mood: Black and white photography creates a clean, timeless feel, while colorful prints bring energy.
Putting It Into Practice
If designing from scratch feels overwhelming, start with a pre sized set. Pre made arrangements take the guesswork out of proportions and spacing while still letting you fill the frames with personal artwork or photos. Once you have a foundation, you can always expand or adapt as your collection grows.
Explore examples of different gallery wall sets here.