Hanging a gallery wall is a thoughtful way to make a statement. Filling a blank living room wall or curating a home office can add warmth, dimension, and sophistication to any space. Intentionally arranging your favorite art pieces or displaying family photos is the perfect way to make a space feel like home and communicate your personal style. Here’s a comprehensive review of everything to consider when designing and hanging a gallery wall.
Start with a Plan
Before hanging any frames, take time to plan your layout and collect your gallery wall frames and art pieces. The best gallery walls are thoughtfully curated beforehand.
Secondly, decide what you want your display to communicate. Will it be lively and eclectic or clean and modern? How will it work with your current room decor and lighting? Is there a specific color palette or design style you want to adhere to? Thinking through these questions before hanging will help you design a gallery wall that perfectly fits your space.
Consider Your Space
The environment around your gallery wall plays a large role in how it’s perceived. In an open, airy room, you can experiment with larger frames and wider spacing. In smaller areas like stairwells or hallways, opt for smaller-scale pieces that draw the eye upward. Natural light is also important–make sure to avoid direct sunlight on delicate artwork or photographs to prevent fading and discoloration. It’s also wise to measure your wall space before buying display pieces to make sure everything fits comfortably and looks balanced.
Selecting Frames & Artwork
Once you’ve established a plan for your composition, it’s time to select the pieces you’d like to display. When purchasing frames, it’s important to select ones that don’t detract from your artwork but instead complement the photos they display. The wood finish should blend well with other woods in your space. Would a sleek black wood moulding, a warm-colored oak, or a sophisticated mahogany finish look best? If your artwork is bold or colorful, neutral frames will balance it nicely. At customframes.com, we offer customizable frames and attractive moulding options, perfect for your gallery wall.
Also consider the thickness of your wood moulding. Thin mouldings offer modern profiles, keeping things clean and contemporary. Thicker mouldings can create a sense of luxury and depth, and are great for displaying diplomas or certificates.
Will your frames have mats? Mats are an elegant way to give your artwork breathing room, providing structure and drawing attention to the art itself. A white or ivory mat works best for a traditional gallery wall display. Black or colored mats can create a striking contrast for light artwork. After you collect your artwork, photographs, and frames, it’s time to arrange your installation.
Make Sure Your Display is Cohesive
Making a cohesive gallery wall doesn’t mean everything has to match. Create balance and flow by choosing a consistent theme or accent color to tie your composition together. Consider visual elements like tone, color, texture, and subject matter to create a unified presentation. Examples of cohesive displays include the same mat color across frames, monochrome artwork, or consistent wood moulding colors for each frame.
Popular Gallery Wall Layout Ideas
Grid
Grid layouts are structured, clean, and sophisticated. Frames are identical in size and evenly spaced, creating symmetry and giving the appearance of order. Grid gallery walls are ideal for modernized interiors like offices or dining rooms. To pull off a grid layout, you’ll need to measure all elements of your display carefully and map them out beforehand. Precise hanging makes your installation appear refined instead of hurried and mismatched.
Organic
An organic gallery wall layout feels relaxed and collected. These are typically designed around a central anchor piece, like a large canvas or favorite photograph, and surrounded by smaller works. Organic layouts often mix different sizes, orientations, and even frame finishes to achieve a layered and eclectic look. They’re typically displayed in living rooms or creative spaces, where personality and warmth are central to the ambiance.
Linear
A linear layout is a straight row or column, typically showcased on a long stretch of wall. When arranging a linear layout for a hallway, staircase, or office space, begin from the center and build outward to maintain balance. Equal spacing is key to keeping these wall compositions looking clean and professional.
Tips for Hanging Your Gallery Wall
Here are some tips to help ensure you have a seamless hanging process:
Lay it out first
Arrange your frames on the floor or a large table to visualize your spacing. Space your frames consistently, typically two to three inches apart. Take a photo once you’re happy with the layout to remember what it looks like when you start mounting.
Use painter’s tape to map it out
Tape the outlines of your frames on the wall to test placement and proportions before committing to the hanging process.
Research different hanging styles
Consider whether you’ll use hooks, nails, or anchors. Lighter frames require traditional nails, whereas heavier pieces require anchors. If you’re renting, it’s safest to use adhesive strips that pull away without damage.
Use proper hanging hardware
Choose hooks, nails, or anchors that coincide with your frame’s weight. For heavier or oversized pieces, use wall anchors. For a simple and seamless hanging experience, choose a Level-Lock® Hanging System. Level-Lock® systems include everything you’ll need, like brackets, markers, an A level, foam tape, nails, and screws. These kits guarantee a professional display with no tedious measuring, unnecessary holes, or crooked results.
Start from the center
Hang your focal piece first, then work outward to help prioritize balance across your gallery wall.
Measure twice, hang once
Use a measuring tape and a level to make sure your spacing is even and your lines are straight.
Remember the eye line
Keep the center of your gallery wall around 57-60 inches from the floor. This puts your frames at optimal viewing height and often creates balance with surrounding furniture.
Protect your wall and art
Protect your walls and frames by adding felt bumpers to the back of your frames to prevent dings and scuffing.
Choose Custom Frames Built to Last
Every gallery wall should have frames that look impressive while also protecting the valuable artwork inside. At customframes.com, our frames are designed to elevate every photograph, achievement, or piece of art. Each frame is built by our team of skilled professionals using premium materials.
With thoughtful planning, a quality frame display, and careful installation, you can turn your blank wall into an impressive focal point that elevates your space. The last thing to do is step back, pat yourself on the back, and take in your completed gallery wall!
RELATED BLOGS:
By Brynn Van Beek
