A gallery wall is one of the most stylish and personal ways to showcase your taste in art—and make a big visual impact. Whether it’s above your sofa, behind your desk, or climbing a staircase, a well-curated gallery wall adds texture, personality, and interest to any space.
But while the result looks effortlessly cool, getting it right takes a little planning. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build a gallery wall from start to finish—and offer print ideas to bring it to life.
Step 1: Choose the Right Wall
First, decide where you want your gallery wall. Popular spots include:
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The space above a sofa or headboard
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A hallway or stairwell
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A blank wall in your office
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Around a TV or fireplace
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Behind a dining area bench or table
Look for a wall with good visibility and enough space to let your arrangement breathe.
Step 2: Pick a Layout Style
There are several layout types for gallery walls, and your choice sets the tone:
Grid
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Symmetrical, clean, and ideal for a modern or minimalist look
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All frames the same size and spaced evenly
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Great for series or themed prints (e.g., black-and-white photography or architectural sketches)
Salon Style (Organic/Freeform)
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More casual and eclectic
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Mixes different sizes, orientations, and frame styles
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Ideal for an artsy, personal vibe—like in stairways or creative offices
Linear Row or Column
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Simple and structured
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Works well in narrow spaces or hallways
Pro Tip: Before hanging, use painter’s tape to map your layout directly on the wall—or lay everything out on the floor to visualise it.
Step 3: Choose a Theme (Or Not)
Gallery walls can be cohesive or purposefully eclectic. Here are some common approaches:
Cohesive Theme Ideas:
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Black-and-white photography
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Botanical prints
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Travel destinations
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Modern line art or minimalist abstracts
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Inspirational quotes for workspaces
Eclectic but Unified:
If you want to mix things up, tie it all together with:
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A consistent frame colour (e.g. all black or all oak)
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A shared colour palette across all prints
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Repeating visual motifs (e.g. curves, typography, warm tones)
Step 4: Select Your Art Prints
Now the fun part—choosing your artwork! Depending on your theme, here are some ideas:
For Living Rooms:
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Abstract colour fields
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Minimalist faces or line drawings
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Vintage film or concert posters
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Large-scale typographic statements
For Home Offices:
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Motivational quotes in bold typography
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Black-and-white city photography
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Architectural illustrations
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Mid-century inspired graphics
For Bedrooms:
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Soft watercolours or botanical sketches
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Moody landscapes
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Personal travel prints or meaningful photos
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Classic art reproductions (e.g., Matisse, Monet)
You can mix fine art prints, photography, and personal images for added warmth.
Step 5: Select Frames That Enhance (Not Distract)
The frame can elevate a print—or ruin it. Choose styles that match your interior vibe:
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Black frames: Sleek and modern
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Natural wood frames: Warm and casual
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Gold/brass frames: Classic and elegant
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White frames: Clean and airy
For an elevated look, use consistent spacing and consider mats for breathing room.
Step 6: Hang with Precision
To avoid damaging your wall (or your art), follow these tips:
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Use a spirit level and measuring tape for accuracy
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Start with the center piece and work outward
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Stick to 2–3 inches between frames
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Lay everything out on the floor beforehand—or cut paper templates of each piece and tape them to the wall to visualise the layout
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Use adhesive hooks or hanging kits (like Takker) to avoid drills or nails
Bonus Tips:
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Lighting matters: Consider picture lights or nearby lamps to highlight your wall.
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Add dimension: Include 3D elements like mirrors, shelves, or wall sculptures if you want more texture.
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Keep evolving: Your gallery wall doesn’t need to be static—swap prints out over time to refresh your space.
