There’s something undeniably special about a gallery wall. When done well, it feels layered, personal, and just a little bit unexpected. It’s a great way to tackle a large blank wall that feels intimidating at first glance.
A gallery wall instantly creates a focal point in a room while adding personality, texture, and dimension. Whether it’s a hallway moment, the wall above a sofa, or even in a home bar, a thoughtful arrangement of artwork can transform an otherwise empty surface into something truly memorable.
If you’ve ever tried to create one yourself, you know the process can feel a little daunting. The key is to approach with a plan, while still leaving some room for spontaneity. Here’s how we do it:
1. Lay it out before you hang
Before committing to nails in the wall, we always recommend laying everything out on the floor first. This allows you to experiment with placement and spacing until everything feels just right. A real Goldilocks moment, if you will.
Use painter’s tape or paper templates on the wall to map out your arrangement before hanging anything. It’s a simple step that can save a lot of unnecessary holes.
2. Start with your anchor piece
Begin with your largest or most visually prominent piece. This will act as the anchor for the entire arrangement and give the rest of the wall a clear starting point. Depending on the wall, this might be centered above a sofa, aligned with a console table, or placed slightly off-center for a more organic look.
3. Work outward from the center
From your anchor piece, start working outward by adding medium and smaller frames around it. Each piece should feel connected to others, while still leaving a bit of breathing room. We often aim to keep the spacing between frames relatively consistent (usually around 2-3 inches), which helps the wall feel cohesive even when the artwork itself varies in size or style.
4. Mix sizes, frames, and mediums
The most compelling gallery walls feel collected rather than overly matched. Mixing frame styles, finishes, and art types (photography, paintings, prints, even small objects) adds depth and character.
That said, some level of cohesion is important. A shared color palette, theme, or similar matting can help tie everything together.
5. Step back (a lot)
One of the most important parts of creating a gallery wall is stepping back, and stepping back often. What looks balanced up close can feel completely different from across the room.
Take a few moments between each addition to view the wall from multiple angles. Adjust as needed until the arrangement feels visually balanced, with weight distributed evenly across the design.
The best gallery walls rarely feel finished. They grow as you collect new artwork, frame a favorite photo, or bring home a little something from a trip that deserves a spot on the wall.
At the end of the day, a gallery wall should tell a story. It doesn’t need to be perfectly symmetrical or overly planned. What matters most is that the pieces feel meaningful and bring a little extra life to the room. And if you’re still staring at a blank wall, wondering where to start — don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for.
Admiring all the gallery walls,
From the Corner Chaise