Walls Phase|Step 8 of 23
Plan Gallery Wall or Art
Blank walls feel incomplete. A thoughtfully arranged gallery wall adds color, personality, and a sense that someone actually lives here.
Time Required
1-3 hours
Cost
$50-$300
Difficulty
Moderate
Gallery Wall Layouts
Grid Layout
Same-size frames in a perfect grid. Clean, modern, easiest to hang. Best for minimalists.
Organic/Salon Style
Mixed sizes, casual arrangement. More collected, eclectic feel. Harder to get right.
Symmetrical
Mirror image on both sides of center point. Formal, balanced. Works over sofa.
Single Statement Piece
One large artwork. Simple, impactful. Let the art speak for itself.
Spacing & Hanging Rules
- Frame spacing: 2-3 inches between frames for gallery. 3-6 for grid.
- Height: Center of arrangement at 57-60 inches (eye level).
- Over furniture: Bottom of art 6-8 inches above furniture.
- Width: Gallery should be 2/3 to 3/4 width of furniture below.
- Start with largest: Hang biggest piece first, build around it.
Art Sources on a Budget
- Print your own: Digital downloads from Etsy, print at Costco or Staples.
- Thrift stores: Ignore art, focus on frames. Re-use nice frames.
- Calendars: Old calendar prints are often beautiful. Cut and frame.
- Personal photos: Black and white prints of meaningful places.
- Kids' art: Frame their best work in matching frames. Charming.
- Book pages: Vintage illustrations, maps, sheet music.
Pro Tips
- •Lay out on floor first: Arrange on the ground until you like it. Photograph it.
- •Use paper templates: Trace frames on kraft paper. Tape to wall. Move until perfect.
- •Unify with frames: Mixed art works if frames match. Pick black, white, or wood.
- •Mix it up: Photos + art + 3D objects like a small mirror or sculpture.