Gallery walls are an easy way to display a variety of photos or artwork. They can be a cost-effective way to fill a large wall instead of expensive artwork, and lend a cozy feel to a space.
I love gallery walls that are filled with a bit of a theme - whether its the subject of your photos (ie, family photos) or a color palette, I love pieces that look like they ‘live’ next to each other. You can easily incorporate 3D elements too if you’d like!
Here’s an easy guide of how to build a gallery wall.
MATERIALS LIST:
Framed photos/artwork
Ruler
Camera phone
Level
Pencil
Hammer and nails OR picture frame hooks
Optional: painters tape
I committed a cardinal sin and changed some frames after snapping a photo!
First, you want to gather the pieces you’ll be using for your gallery wall. You can use a variety of different size frames. I would suggest at least 4-5, or as many as 12-15 for a larger gallery wall.
The rule of thumb is frames should be 2-4 inches apart. The other (more general) rule of thumb is frames should be mounted at eye level, around 5ft from the ground. With a gallery wall, you can space your frames out about a foot above or below 5ft (unless you’re building a floor to ceiling gallery wall or have a specific piece of furniture below the space).
Put your wall together like puzzle pieces on the ground. I like to take a photo of the potential layout and imagine it on the wall. Once you find your final layout, make sure you snap a photo!!
This could be your final step before mounting - or, you can double check placement by using painter’s tape to tape out your frames. If you’re concerned about getting the height or spacing right, this can be a great way to give you more confidence. Painter’s tape is very affordable and peels right off!
Once you feel good about your layout, you can mount one of two ways. You can either use a hammer and nails, or you can use picture frame hooks. The hooks are very convenient and only leave very small holes, no hammer usually required (unless you find a stud!). But I’ve noticed that they don’t leave the frames perfectly flush against the wall, so that’s something to consider.
Start at the center of your gallery wall and work your way out as you’re mounting. Keep in mind the 2-4 inches rule and use a level to make sure your frames are straight! Reference your photo.
You can use painter’s tape ahead of time to see how the spacing looks on the wall.
Picture frame hooks
These are from Amazon.
Wood Frames
Loved these wooden frames from Amazon.
And - if you mess up, don’t panic. You can either - A. most likely disguise the hole with a frame, or B. spackle, sand, and touch-up paint.
Good luck with your wall!!
