Gallery Walls and ADHD: A Fun Guide to Personalized Art Displays That Work
Introduction: Why Gallery Walls Are Perfect (or Not) for ADHD Spaces
Some say gallery walls are too busy for a space designed with ADHD in mind, but I’m here to challenge that belief—with love, of course. The key is striking the right balance. When curated thoughtfully, a gallery wall can be a focal point that inspires and energizes without overwhelming. So, how do you go from “chaotic mess” to “artful inspiration”? Let’s dive into some juicy tips to make it happen.
1. It’s All About Balance
Think of a gallery wall as a playlist for your eyes. You need a mix of shapes, colors, and sizes to create a rhythm. Uniform frames or themes can dull the impact, while too much randomness can be overstimulating. Strike the perfect chord by balancing bold and neutral, big and small.
Quick Tip: If you have all of your pieces before hanging, lay your pieces out on the floor and shuffle them around like a giant game of Tetris. Visualize the wall as a whole and ask yourself: Does anything feel too dominant or too invisible?
2. Choose Your Theme (Without Overthinking It)
Themes provide cohesion, but remember, this isn’t a school project—it’s your wall, your vibe. Whether it’s nature photography, abstract art, or personal sketches, choose something that sparks joy and curiosity. And don’t worry if your “theme” is loosely connected; a gallery wall thrives on variety.
Pro Tip: If you’re someone who loves the idea of a theme but freezes at commitment, try a broad category like “family and fun” or “city and nature.” This keeps things loose but connected.
the theme for my living room gallery wall is “memories” and it is compiled of pieces that are meaningful to my husband and myself.
3. Create Space
Here’s the thing about ADHD: clutter equals chaos. Your gallery wall should feel lively but not busy. To avoid overwhelm, create breathing space between pieces and avoid hanging frames too close together.
Spacing Hack: Use your hand or a simple ruler as a rough guide for spacing between items. Don’t obsess over measurements; we’re here for the vibe, not precision
4. Mix Up the Mediums
Sticking to one type of frame or print is like playing the same song on repeat—boring and headache-inducing. Instead, introduce texture with different mediums: canvas prints, framed photos, 3D art, and even small decorative shelves.
Try This: Add a small hanging plant or a sculptural piece to break up the 2D monotony. Nature elements have a grounding effect and can be visually soothing.
Adding varying 3D and textual elements in my favorite way to make a gallery wall pop!
5. Use Color to Your Advantage
Color is a powerful tool, especially for those with ADHD. Bright colors can energize, while soft pastels or neutral shades help maintain calm. Choose a palette that complements your space and your emotional needs.
Palette Play: Pick one or two accent colors from your room and make sure at least a few pieces in your gallery wall reflect these. It helps tie the whole space together and prevents visual chaos.
While the gallery wall in my living room is bold and energetic, the one in my office is soft and grounding, using neutral colors and nature themes.
Similarly, this gallery wall I did for a client has an English countryside theme with soft florals, and British art.
6. Start with a Centerpiece
Anchor your gallery wall with a standout piece that’s larger or more eye-catching than the rest. This acts as a focal point and gives your eyes a place to rest before exploring the smaller, surrounding elements.
Centerpiece Idea: Use an oversized print or an inspirational quote in bold typography. Bonus points if it’s something that makes you smile on tough days.
You can have more than one central anchor for your gallery wall, but they should carry the theme together.
My anchor pieces are the “Radiate Compassion” poster and “Pink Lady” painting.
7. Involve Your Personality
A gallery wall should feel like you. Incorporate personal mementos or artwork that reflects your interests—concert tickets, small souvenirs, or even a DIY piece you made. These pieces add authenticity and a touch of whimsy that ADHD brains appreciate.
The painting of the woman was a birthday present from my parents when I was 6.
The heart card was a business card from getting my nose pierced- which happened to be an all around joyful day.
The blue painting was done by my aunt and depicts one of my favorite places in the world.
The Brandi Carlile poster is from when I worked in music
The 3D rose is from a local art market my husband and I attended on our anniversary
8. Hang Without Measuring (It’s Okay!)
Perfection is overrated. Here’s how to skip the frustration of measurements:
Start with your centerpiece and build outward.
Use painter’s tape to create an outline of each frame on the wall. This way, you can visualize before committing.
No Ruler, No Problem: Channel your inner rebel; eyeball it. Adjust until it feels right.
Realistically, if your gallery wall is expansive, you won’t have all the pieces when you start. Don’t wait to have all the pieces, you have to start somewhere. With that, you can’t plan for things you don’t know you will get, so embrace the imperfection- it makes it more fun.
Conclusion: Embrace the Gallery Wall Vibe
Don’t let the fear of getting it “wrong” keep you from creating a gallery wall that adds charm and personal energy to your space. The trick is to blend intention with spontaneity—much like living with ADHD. Trust your instincts, and don’t overthink. Your space should reflect who you are, quirks and all.
Now, go grab those frames, lay them out on your floor, and get ready to turn that blank wall into a source of joy and inspiration!