Gallery Wall Layout: How to Create a Stunning Gallery Wall for Your Home

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You know that big, empty wall in your house? The one that practically screams, “Hey, I’m boring!” every time you walk by?

Well, it’s time to tell that wall to zip it and give it a glow-up with a gallery wall that’s as fabulous as you are.

Whether you’re a fan of family photos, artsy prints, or that one hilarious meme that always makes you laugh, a gallery wall is your chance to showcase your personality in a way that makes guests say, “Wow, they’ve got taste.” Or at least, “Wow, they really like pictures.”

Step 1: Decide on Your Gallery Wall’s Purpose

I’m still planning my gallery wall, but don’t be like me—jump on in there! I have this huge blank wall staring back at me, and I keep thinking, “Where do I even start?”

First things first—you need a plan. A gallery wall can just be a random jumble of stuff if you like that eclectic look. That’s cool for some spaces. Here’s an eclectic mish-mash that works:

I also like how the art goes almost from floor to ceiling.

But if you want a more organized or cohesive look, think it through a bit more. Here’s what I mean:

Start by asking yourself: What do I want this wall to say? Is it a walk down memory lane with family photos? A showcase of art prints I’ve collected over the years? Or maybe a mix of everything I love?

For me, it’ s about creating a space that feels personal and warm—and keeping my people around me at all times.

Step 2: Gather Your Gallery Wall Pieces

Now that I’ve got the big picture in mind, it’s time to collect the pieces that will bring it to life. This is the part where I start scavenging through drawers, old photo albums, and even the boxes in the closet I swore I’d organize someday.

It’s amazing how much you can unearth when you’re on a mission!

The key here is to curate. I’m not saying you have to turn into a museum director, but think about the vibe you want. For me, I’m pulling together a mix of personal photos, art prints I’ve picked up over the years, and even a quirky little thrift store find or two.

Here’s an example, using an entryway as a gallery wall:

One of my favorite pieces is an abstract painting my son painted when he was 12. It might not be priceless to anyone but me, but I love it.

If you’re building your collection from scratch, don’t stress. Etsy has some fantastic printable art like this (budget-friendly, too). And printable art is perfect for those of us who are constantly changing up our decor.

Thrift stores are also goldmines for unique frames and artwork.

Just don’t overdo it—you want a cohesive look, not a wall that looks like a yard sale exploded…unless that’s what you’re going for. You do you!

Tip: If you like vintage art or photos, you can print pieces out for free from public domain sites like National Gallery of Art. These are just a few from this site:

There’s a little bit of everything from photos to artwork. Just make sure the image has the download icon at the bottom. That means it’s legal to reproduce.

Step 3: Lay It All Out on the Floor

I’ve learned the hard way that you don’t just start hammering nails into the wall willy-nilly. Trust me, the “trial and error” approach leads to a lot of holes—and maybe a little regret.

So here’s what I do instead: I lay everything out on the floor first. It’s like a giant puzzle, and the goal is to make it all fit together in a way that feels balanced.

I start with the biggest piece, usually something I want to be the focal point, and then I build around it. For example, if I’m using a large framed photo in the center, I’ll balance it with smaller prints and maybe a fun 3D piece like a decorative plate or a mini mirror.

If you’re struggling with the aesthetics of it, here’s a really cool blog post where she gives you some examples with templates.

The key is to keep playing around with the arrangement until it feels right. There’s no rush—it’s all part of the process.

And here’s a tip: snap a picture once you’ve got an arrangement you like. That way, you have a reference when you start hanging things. Because let me tell you, nothing’s more frustrating than realizing you forgot the perfect setup you just spent an hour creating.

Step 4: Test the Layout on the Wall

This is where the magic starts to happen—or at least where I stop second-guessing myself. I trace each frame onto craft paper, cut it out, and tape the templates to the wall.

Or I just use the actual pieces if I haven’t framed them yet. It’s a good idea to use a cheap tape that comes off easily or double-sided tape on the back for this process. Don’t damage your photos!

Hands arranging a mood board with various photos on an indoor wall.

Does it look silly? Yes. Does it save me from a million nail holes? Also yes.

When you try this for the first time, you’ll probably get a few surprises. Like, the piece you thought would look amazing at eye level feels too overpowering once it’s up there.

It’s amazing how different things can feel when they’re actually on the wall. The templates give you the chance to shift things around without the commitment of a hammer.

Another way to do this is to actually tape a huge piece of craft paper to the wall and draw out your placement there. Then, you can see where the nails should go, hammer them in through the paper, then rip the paper off. Make sense? This explains it better than I can:

For spacing, I aim for about 2–3 inches between each piece. It’s enough to give everything room to breathe without looking too spread out.

If something feels off, I tweak it. And if everything feels off, I grab a snack and try again later. Sometimes you just need a break to see things clearly.

Step 5: Start Hanging (Carefully!)

Once I’ve stared at my taped-up wall long enough to feel confident (or at least semi-confident), it’s time to get to work. Hanging the actual pieces is both exciting and nerve-wracking—like cutting bangs at home. You’re pumped about the results but slightly terrified of messing it up.

I start with the anchor piece, usually the biggest or most eye-catching item, and make sure it’s at eye level. And let me tell you, this is not the time to “eyeball it.” I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.

I grab a level and make sure everything is as straight as my morning coffee (okay, Coke) allows. (Maybe a little straighter than that.)

From there, I work outward, using the paper templates as a guide. If you don’t already have a small toolbox handy, this might be a good time to invest in one.

I use picture-hanging hooks for lighter frames and wall anchors for heavier ones. Okay, who am I kidding? If it’s not heavy, I just hang it on a little nail straight into the wall and hope for the best.

These are the ones my cousin likes to use because they leave a smaller hole but still anchor your art in place:

And if something’s really tricky to hang—like those frames that come with two hooks on the back—well, let’s just say patience is a virtue. Or at least that’s what I tell myself when I’m muttering under my breath about crooked nails.

Here’s another tip: don’t hammer every nail in all the way at first. Give yourself some wiggle room to adjust as you go. Because no matter how carefully you plan, something will always need a little tweak.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Once everything is up, I step back and take it all in. This is the moment where the wall finally comes to life—and I finally feel like I’ve got my act together, even if it’s just this one corner of the house.

Sometimes, I notice small adjustments I want to make. Maybe one frame needs to scoot over a bit, or the spacing feels just a little too tight.

This is normal—don’t beat yourself up over it. I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit fidgeting with frames, but honestly, it’s part of the fun.

And here’s the best part: a gallery wall is never really done. Over time, I’ll add new pieces, swap things out, or even redo the entire layout if the mood strikes. It’s like a living, breathing piece of art that evolves with you.

Because, I mean, how cool is this one that goes all the way to the celing? You could just keep going!

Plus, it’s a great excuse to keep picking up those little treasures you can’t resist at thrift stores or craft fairs.

Step 7: Make It Yours

The best part about a gallery wall is how personal it is. No one else is going to have the exact same mix of art, photos, and quirky little items that you do.

For me, my gallery wall is like a mini scrapbook of my life—filled with memories, moments, and pieces that just make me happy.

And don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Honestly, I think a little imperfection adds charm. Your gallery wall should feel like you, not like something straight out of a catalog. So if one frame is slightly off-center or the spacing isn’t 100% even, who cares? The point is that it brings you joy every time you look at it.

Why I Love A Gallery Wall (and Why You’ll Love Yours Too)

Here’s the thing about gallery walls: they’re more than just decoration. For me, creating one is a way to make my home feel more personal—like it really reflects who I am.

Every piece on the wall has a story, whether it’s a family photo, a piece of art that caught my eye, or even a quirky thrift store find. It’s like a snapshot of my personality, right there for everyone to see.

And you don’t have to be an artist or an interior designer to make it work. That’s the beauty of a gallery wall—it’s yours. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to feel like you.

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