How to design a gallery wall

White wall with nine framed photographs. The photographs are close together in a three by three grid. They are bright yellow.

Gallery walls are a popular way to add interest and personality to any room in your home. Whether you have a collection of family photos, art prints, or a mix of both, creating a gallery wall can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Here's how to design a gallery wall:

1. Choose a theme or color scheme: A gallery wall is a great opportunity to showcase your personal style and interests. Before you start collecting pieces for your wall, decide on a theme or color scheme. This could be based on a specific subject matter, such as travel or nature, or it could be a cohesive color palette. Choosing a theme or color scheme beforehand will help you curate a cohesive collection of pieces.

Green wall with large painting of a woman, and various woven wall hangings and shelves. Large plants in baskets.

2. Gather your pieces: Once you have a theme or color scheme in mind, start collecting pieces for your gallery wall. This could include art prints, photographs, posters, or other decorative items. You can purchase pieces from art galleries or online retailers, or you can create your own pieces using materials like watercolors or mixed media.

Gallery wall with many paintings and photographs. Shelves with more photographs and plants.

3. Plan the layout: Before you start hanging your pieces, it's important to plan out the layout of your gallery wall. This will help you visualize the final product and ensure that everything fits together seamlessly. There are a few different ways you can plan your layout:

  • Grid layout: This is the most common layout for a gallery wall and involves hanging your pieces in a grid pattern. This can be as simple as hanging everything in a straight line or creating a more complex grid with various sizes and shapes.

Dark green wall with brown leather couch in front. A 3x2 gallery wall of photographs and graphics is on the wall. On either side are white deer busts with brown antlers.

  • Diagonal layout: If you want to add some visual interest to your gallery wall, consider hanging your pieces in a diagonal pattern. This creates a more dynamic and asymmetrical look.

White wall with diagonally placed photographs. A white couch with brown pillow sits in front of the wall. A black table and chair are in front of the sofa.

  • Staircase layout: For a more organic and flowing look, you can hang your pieces in a staircase pattern, with each piece slightly overlapping the one below it.

Staircase with drawings of animals in a diagonal pattern up the wall of the staircase.

4. Measure and mark: Once you have a layout in mind, it's time to start hanging your pieces. Measure and mark the wall where each piece will go using painters tape or a pencil. This will help you ensure that everything is evenly spaced and aligned.

  • Hang your pieces: Using nails or picture hangers, hang your pieces on the wall according to your layout. Start with the larger pieces first, and then fill in with smaller pieces. It's a good idea to have a second person help you hang your pieces to ensure that everything is level and straight.

  • Step back and adjust: Once all of your pieces are hung, step back and take a look at the overall composition. Are there any gaps or areas that look unbalanced? Adjust the placement of your pieces until you're happy with the final result.

A bright green wall with an orange couch. On the wall are colored paintings.

Creating a gallery wall can be a fun and rewarding project, and it's a great way to add personality and interest to any room in your home. By choosing a theme or color scheme, gathering your pieces, planning the layout, measuring and marking the wall, and hanging your pieces, you can design a gallery wall that reflects your unique style and interests.