8 tips to Hang a Gallery Wall
(Without Measuring Sh*t)
I’ve heard some people say gallery walls are going out of style, but I personally love them, and therefore that opinion is wrong (with love). Regardless, many people are challenged by gallery walls, and I believe a lot of that is due to thinking that a gallery wall has to be perfect. While there is some practical information out there, most of it is either in the camp of “measure and strategically plan everything” or “I don’t know how I did it, I just did.” Having ADHD, I definitely lean towards the latter, but have cracked the code through hefty trial and error. I know that no one wants to read a monologue, so let's get to the 8 juicy tips for hanging a gallery wall!
1. It’s About Balance
Making the perfect gallery wall is all about how the eye perceives the balance of objects you hang. This can include size, shape, color, sheen, subject matter, and more. At its core, it's about mixing and matching, and avoiding complete uniformity.
2. Mix and match your frames
This is not your mom’s family gallery wall hung on the staircase from the 90s. You can do better. Mix your frames, so that no two are the same. Pay attention to color and texture. When to break this rule: incorporating a pre-existing matched set of pieces into a gallery wall (ex: a set of floral prints) keep the set in a group, the uniformity of both frames and subject matter allow it to take on the effect of one large piece.
TIP: You can create a more refined look by having frames that are all different, but painting them all one color.
3. Incorporate more than 2d art
Gallery walls can contain more than framed images. I love adding in wall plant hangers, mirrors, unframed posters, baskets, and anything else you can think of. This adds interest to the wall and these items are typically conversation starters
4. Size Matters
If you take one thing from this article, let it be this! SIZE MATTERS! This took me a lot of trial and error to figure out.
For a more polished look: Use less variation in adjacent frame size and opt for more precise spacing. Start with your largest pieces in the middle of your wall, and work your way out with progressively smaller frames.
For a more eclectic look: add more variation adjacent in frame sizes and be less precise about spacing.
5. Pick a color scheme or theme
This is the easiest way to start when collecting pieces for your wall. Pick a color pallet or theme to guide the pieces you gather for your gallery wall. The concept is essentially the same in the sense that it will create harmonious touch points for the eye, bringing the subject matter into a cohesive collection.
6. Source your pieces from various places
The thrift store is ALWAYS my first stop for gallery wall art and frames. Everything there is already mismatched, and there is always so much variation in frame sizes. The point of a gallery wall is to create visual contrast and cohesion simultaneously. When you purchase everything from one source, it looks flat.
7. Make it Personal
Add pieces that mean something to you. I love collecting postcards and art pieces when I travel, and incorporating them into the gallery wall in my living room. Its a fun way to gather unique pieces and tell a story. Who needs a tshirt, when you can buy local art?
8. Think more about the overall vibe, and less about each individual piece
Gallery walls are a collection of works that create an overall vibe, and that vibe is the goal. It’s easy to get caught up in every individual piece, but zoom out and think of the bigger picture. Ask yourself:
Does it fit the colors I want?
Is the size generally correct?
Is the subject matter on theme?
Does this fit the vibe?
Extra Tips
You don’t have to have all the pieces for your gallery wall to start hanging it
Play with color, and paint or wallpaper the wall your hanging your gallery wall on
Don’t be afraid of non-rectangle/square shapes. Play with round frames or other shapes
Use your whole space, make fill your wall from crown moulding to baseboard
I hope these 8 gallery wall tips help you create your own stunning decor feature! If you have any tips I didn’t mention, shoot me a message, I would love to learn more. If you create a gallery wall after reading this, I would love to see it! You can shoot me an email with photos or tag me on Instagram or TikTok <3.
Happy Decorating,
XOXO Claire
