Gallery Walls - How To Do

How to create a stunning Gallery Wall?

A gallery wall can be the showstopper of your home — a collection of art, photos, and prints that tells your story. But without a little planning, it can also look messy or overwhelming. Here’s how to create a gallery wall that feels stylish, balanced, and personal. If you are not sure pictureUP will help to make it look great.

Step 1: Collect Your Artwork

• Gather a mix of photos, prints, paintings, or even objects (like mirrors or small shelves).

• Choose a theme if you want (black-and-white photos, travel memories, abstract art) or keep it eclectic.

Step 2: Choose the Wall

• Large empty walls work best — living rooms, staircases, and hallways are popular.

• Make sure the space isn’t already cluttered with furniture or decor.

Step 3: Plan the Layout

• Lay your frames on the floor to test different arrangements.

• Or cut out paper templates the same size as your frames and tape them to the wall with painter’s tape.

• Aim for a balanced overall shape (rectangle, square, or oval).

Step 4: Pick a Counterpoint

• Start with one main piece (the largest or boldest artwork).

• Build outwards with medium and smaller pieces so the wall feels grounded.

• Combine large and small pieces, portraits and landscapes. Don’t be afraid of mixing frame colours — variety adds personality.

• Gallery walls often look best when they form an overall shape: a rectangle, square, or loose oval. This keeps the arrangement tidy.

Step 5: Keep Spacing Consistent

• Leave 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) between frames.

• Use a ruler or a cardboard spacer for accuracy.

Step 6: Hang at the Right Height

• Treat the whole gallery wall as one big artwork.

• Center the arrangement so the middle is 145–150 cm (57–60 inches) from the floor.

Step 7: Hang the Frames

• Start with the central piece or your anchor artwork.

• Use a spirit level to keep everything straight.

• Add the surrounding frames, checking balance as you go.

Step 8: Step Back and Adjust

• After hanging a few pieces, step back and view the wall from different angles.

• Shuffle things if it feels heavy on one side or too crowded in one area.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Hanging Too High – A common mistake! Keep the center at eye level.
🚫 Crowding the Frames – Tiny gaps make the wall feel cramped. Leave breathing space.
🚫 Too Matchy-Matchy – Identical frames can look stiff. Mix it up for interest.
🚫 Ignoring Balance – Don’t cluster all the large pieces on one side. Spread weight evenly.
🚫 Overfilling the Wall – Sometimes less is more. Leave room for your art to “breathe.”

💡 Quick Tip: Always step back after hanging a few pieces. Seeing the wall from across the room helps you spot balance issues right away.

✨ A Gallery Wall is more than decoration — it’s a reflection of your style, memories, and creativity. Get it right, and it turns any blank wall into a masterpiece. ✨

🎨 More Tips for Hanging and Styling Art