DIY Gallery Wall: A Complete Guide

A gallery wall is one of the most impactful ways to personalize your home. It transforms a blank wall into a curated display of your favorite art, photos, and memories. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to refresh an existing display, this complete guide will help you create a stunning gallery wall.

Step 1: Choose Your Wall

The best walls for a gallery display are ones you see often — above a sofa, along a staircase, in a hallway, or as a focal point in a living or dining room. Make sure the wall has enough space for the layout you envision. A gallery wall typically needs at least 4-6 feet of horizontal space to look intentional.

Step 2: Select a Theme

The most cohesive gallery walls have a unifying element. This could be:

• Color theme — All black-and-white photos, or a consistent color palette in the artwork.
• Frame style — Matching frames create a clean, modern look. Try our metal frames in a single finish for a sleek gallery feel.
• Subject matter — Family photos, travel memories, botanical prints, or abstract art.
• Mixed eclectic — Different frame styles and art types for a collected, bohemian vibe. Combine wood and metal frames for visual interest.

Step 3: Plan Your Layout

Before putting any nails in the wall, plan your arrangement. Here are the most popular layouts:

• Grid — Equal-sized frames in a perfect grid pattern. Clean and modern. Works best with matching custom picture frames in identical sizes.
• Salon style — Mixed sizes arranged organically around a central point. The classic gallery look.
• Horizontal line — Frames aligned along a center horizontal axis. Great above furniture.
• Symmetrical — Mirror-image arrangement on both sides of a center point. Formal and balanced.

Pro tip: Lay your frames out on the floor first or trace them onto kraft paper and tape the paper to the wall. This lets you experiment without making unnecessary holes.

Step 4: Frame Spacing

Consistent spacing is the secret to a professional-looking gallery wall. We recommend:

• 2-3 inches between frames for most layouts
• 1.5-2 inches for tighter, more modern grids
• 4-5 inches for a more open, airy feel

Step 5: Choose Your Frames

With your layout planned, it's time to order frames. Custom picture frames are ideal for gallery walls because you can order the exact sizes you need. For a uniform look, choose a single frame profile in one color. For an eclectic display, mix 2-3 complementary frame styles.

Don't forget custom mat boards — consistent matting across different-sized frames helps tie the collection together visually.

Step 6: Hang with Confidence

Start with the center piece and work outward. Use a level for straight lines and measure twice before drilling. Our frames come with all necessary hanging hardware included. For detailed instructions, visit our assembly instructions page.

Step 7: Print Your Photos

Need to print photos for your gallery wall? Our online printing service produces museum-quality prints in any size. Or save time with our Print and Frame service — upload your photos, choose your frames, and receive ready-to-hang framed prints.

Ready to create your dream gallery wall? Start shopping custom frames today and bring your vision to life!