Inspiration / How To / How to Design a Gallery Wall

How to Design a Gallery Wall

By Elizabeth Yunmi Published On
Gallery wall above bed with framed print reading ‘BE NICE TO PEOPLE’, black wall sconce, patterned pillows, and bedside table with flip clock

There’s something about a new year that makes us crave change. And when it comes to interiors, the opportunities are endless. From updating lighting, opens in a new tab to swapping out hardware, opens in a new tab, we love experimenting with our space to find the perfect piece that makes a house truly feel like home. One such avenue we’ve been exploring lately is art. Elegant and easy to install, gallery walls add warmth and personality with little effort.

Sofa and armchair in a bright living room with a colorful gallery wall above an upright piano, large houseplants, and a chrome floor lamp

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The best part is you don’t need a large collection to put up a gallery. The truth is, accumulating art takes time, and we’re surrounded by various forms of it in our day-to-day. Everything from a beautiful linen to a simple floral arrangement often functions as art – adding character to spaces in unexpected ways. As you read through below, we encourage you to focus less on perfection and more on curating a collection that inspires joy. Without further ado—here are our "ABC's" for arranging art effortlessly.

painting on a wall, opens in a new tab

Organic Layout

One of the best parts of collecting art is that you’ll likely never be finished. Working with an organic layout allows you to create a grouping that will grow and change over time. First, select 1-2 larger works to ground the gallery. Hang the largest pieces towards the center of the grouping, then set smaller frames around it. The trick here is to determine a focal point and let the rest flow organically, selecting pieces with varying dimensions, textures, and colors to tell a story.

Gallery wall with whale print, round Schoolhouse clock, brass sconce, framed prints and a shelf on teal wall

When it comes to spacing, don't feel like it needs to stay the same across the arrangement. Simply, set a range and try to work within it. We typically like to leave 2”-4” of spacing between works to keep the gallery feeling dynamic yet unified.

clock and a chair in a room with artwork, opens in a new tab

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Side by Side

Hanging two pieces side by side is a simple and sure way to add personality to a space with minimal effort. Select frames that are similar in size to keep the grouping feeling cohesive. Sticking to a coordinating color palette, art style, or theme will also help tell a visual story.

two twin beds with yellow bedspreads in a room with a round table in between them, opens in a new tab

Place two prints above the bed, living room couch, or dining nook for a timeless look that’s easy to switch up. When hanging above furniture, we generally recommend at least 4”-6” of space.

Clawfoot tub by a large grid window with two framed botanical prints, white subway tile, and black-and-white patterned floor

table with chairs and a couple of candles on it, opens in a new tab

Via @blackard_modernfarmhouse, opens in a new tab, @kristinecoffman, opens in a new tab

Tip: Give the gallery room to breathe. Arguably, one of the keys to good design is balance. In this case, it means making room for the eye to rest.

Two black-and-white abstract prints hung side by side above a staircase with a black painted railing

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Single Statement

An art option equally suited for the minimalist and maximizer, hanging a single art piece can be quiet or loud depending on the context. When working with larger works, select a light and airy frame to keep the interior from feeling cramped or cluttered.

yellow poster hanging on a wall, opens in a new tab

Just as impactful, smaller standalone pieces are perfect for bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms – lending a quiet calm and elevating often overlooked places.

white wall with a light fixture above staircase, opens in a new tab

Tip: As a general rule of thumb, we recommend hanging so that the center of the piece is at eye level, which is typically 57”-60” from the floor.

desk with a sconce and a picture on the wall next to the window

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Layered Look

The perfect grouping for a mantel, wall shelf, or bare bedroom floor, the layered look is an ideal option for those who like to switch up decor regularly. All you need is 2-3 larger rectangular pieces and a surface to arrange them on. Prop the largest piece against the wall and layer other works around it, letting it overlap by a few inches.

living room with a fireplace and a green couch, opens in a new tab

Layer art with a lamp, plants, and other styling pieces to create a display that feels cozy and considered. A tried and true trick, use a small amount of sticky tack and set it at the top or bottom of the piece to help keep frames from slipping off the surface.

wooden cabinet with a lamp and a painting on it

Via @bradytolbert, opens in a new tab

Tip: Stacking books in front of the arrangement adds a creative element and also helps keep everything in place.

cat standing on a wood floor in front of a shelf with dishes

Home office nook with floating wood desk, framed yellow abstract art, potted monstera, blue dome lamp, and navy velvet chair with brass frame on patterned wall

Via @francois_et_moi, opens in a new tab, @dabito, opens in a new tab

When all is said and done, selecting and arranging art is a deeply personal exercise. If anything, we hope this guide serves as a starting point to experiment with your space as you continue to build a collection that inspires joy.

Teal velvet sofa beneath a gallery wall of framed art, beside a brass floor lamp, hanging pothos, and leather poufVia @hellosaratrampinteriors, opens in a new tab

White brick fireplace mantel styled with framed prints, a ceramic vase and amber wall sconces, potted plant on a stool and a vintage portrait leaning in the hearthVia @kaitiemoyer, opens in a new tab

bathroom with a tub sink and toilet, opens in a new tab

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