There are seemingly endless ways to design a gallery wall, so the layout and the contents of the frames come down to preferences, lifestyle and complementing the rest of the surrounding decor. Gallery walls can be hung in a precise grid or a more organic grouping of frames. They can also be limited to photographs or include a collection of art, prints and interesting objects. Whichever your preference, there is no wrong way to hang your frames. Read on for designer-inspired gallery wall ideas.

Consider it a fluid display

Like in life, nothing is set in stone, and the best stories evolve over time. If you consider your gallery wall a fluid project, there is less stress to getting it just right. For example, if you prefer a clean, measured grid of photographs, you can update the matting size and colors over time to help it feel fresh. You can also edit the pictures as you take new photos over time or if you discover older gems. Or, if you like a looser, more organic gallery wall, you can treat it as a puzzle by adjusting the placement of the frames and objects as you add to the wall.

Create an organized grid

If you crave order and structure, you may lean towards frames hung in a clean grid. There are countless ways to make the gallery wall feel unique.

Oversized frames with thicker matting will result in a more editorial look and feel.
Acrylic frames can help to showcase the photos and help them stand out.
Burlwood frames will add warmth, while an antique silver or gold frame selection will result in a timeless appearance.

Select a color palette

Selecting a color palette for the gallery wall can help it feel cohesive. Whether it’s neutrals or colors, choosing a unified color palette can help the gallery wall feel intentional, even if you have a wide selection of frame finishes, sizes and shapes.

Here are ways to unify the color palette:

Selecting the same color matting for every frame
Choosing color photographs of the same color palette
Opting to hang all black and white photos
Selecting frames in the same finish

Or, break the rules

In design, some of the most memorable spaces break the rules. If you’re drawn to eclectic gallery walls, you may forego the rules of selecting a color palette. However, it's best to choose a general theme that is either neutral or colors. Whether it’s a neutral theme or you incorporate a rainbow of colors, choose a path and stick to it.

Slowly curate the selection

A thoughtfully curated gallery wall feels more authentic than buying all the pieces at once and hanging them up. For example, if your gallery wall consists solely of photographs, select a collection from over the decades that tell your family’s story instead of displaying all the photos from a single professional photo shoot. Similarly, if you're incorporating art in your gallery wall, ensure you’re showing pieces you've collected over time instead of your most recent retail shopping haul.

Vary the scale

Staggering frames and objects of different heights, dimensions and textures will add considerable interest and prevent the gallery wall from feeling flat. In addition, several larger anchor pieces are essential to help to prevent the wall from feeling cluttered.

Hanging guidelines

Hang the middle frame 58” from the ground to the middle of the frame
Space each frame 2-3 inches apart
Trace the frames on kraft paper then cut out the templates, so you can perfect the layout on the wall before you begin hammering

Gallery walls are an excellent way to add interest, texture, depth and color to a room. Keeping a few designer tips in mind as you plan your layout will help elevate the entire space.

If you’re looking to hang the perfect gallery wall but don’t know where to start, let’s work together. Learn more about different home design packages here.

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How-To Guide: Hanging a Gallery Wall