I have always loved gallery walls. A gallery wall is simply a curated collage of art, photos and objects arranged on a wall to create interest and personality. They can be relaxed and eclectic or precise and symmetrical. They can feel modern and fresh or classic and traditional. There really isn’t one correct way to do a gallery wall; use matching frames for a cohesive look or mix frame styles, sizes and even three‑dimensional objects to create visual texture.
Frames can be uniform in size for a structured effect, or varied for a more dynamic, collected-over-time appearance.
A black-and-white gallery wall feels crisp and timeless, while a palette of colored frames creates a cheerful, contemporary display.
Take the charming orange gallery wall, for example: it’s fresh and vibrant, and it demonstrates how framed objects — not just photos — can make a strong visual statement.
Whether you choose a monochrome scheme or a mix of colorful frames, the options are endless. Gallery walls are a great way to showcase taste and creativity.
Sawdust & Paper Scraps
There’s no hard rule about how many pieces are required. A designer I follow suggests seven as a comfortable minimum, but smaller groupings can be equally effective. In general, the more elements you include, the more gallery-like the arrangement will appear.
Gallery walls can be playful, formal, quirky or elegant. The best part is that they let your personality shine through.
You can hang frames directly on the wall, rest them on a picture ledge, or suspend them from string. Try mixing scales — large pieces with small accents — or experiment with slightly off-kilter placement for a relaxed feel.
You can combine framed and unframed work, include mirrors, decorative objects, typographic prints or mementos. The variety adds depth and interest.
There are countless ways to compose a gallery wall — don’t feel limited by examples you see online. Use them as a starting point, then make the arrangement your own.
One favorite example is a gallery shared by Young House Love, which included a helpful tutorial on planning and hanging. If you prefer, skip the rules and start placing pieces until it feels right — sometimes the most appealing collections are assembled intuitively.
Want to create your own gallery wall?
If you’re looking for inspiration or want to share your own gallery wall, consider joining a gallery wall showcase or link-up. These community events are a fun way to exchange ideas and celebrate different styles — from minimalist to maximalist. You can prepare a new post about your wall or share a previous post that shows your arrangement.
Gather images, experiment with composition on the floor before you hang anything, and remember that you can always rearrange. The goal is to create a display that reflects your taste and livens the room.
Be there!
Whether you prefer precise grids or charmingly mismatched arrangements, a gallery wall is a versatile way to personalize your space. Start collecting pieces, sketch a layout or lay items out on the floor, and enjoy the process of creating a wall that’s uniquely yours.