There’s no denying that gallery wall layouts are having a moment. Gallery wall ideas have taken over Pinterest and Instagram, and for good reason — they’re an easy way to add character, interest, and personality to any space.
Whether you’re looking to create a focal point in your living room or simply want to add a bit of art to your bedroom, there’s a gallery wall idea for everyone. And the best part? There are no rules when it comes to gallery wall layout ideas. You can mix and match frame styles, sizes, and colors to create a look that’s entirely your own.
Featured gallery wall layout via @tantefrida
Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up 32 gallery wall ideas to help you get inspired. Trust us, once you see these creative gallery wall layouts, you’ll be ready to hang up your own artwork in no time.
Achieving a Stylish Gallery Wall Layout
Although there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to creating a gallery wall layout, there are a few general gallery wall ideas to ensure your arrangement looks stylish and cohesive.
1. Choose the type of artwork you want to use or theme.
This could be anything from a color scheme to a certain style of artwork. For example, perhaps you’d like to feature a mix of famous black-and-white images or instead a colorful display of family photos. Having a theme will help you narrow down your search when choosing pieces for your gallery wall layout.
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2. Choose a focal point.
The focal point is the largest or most eye-catching piece in your arrangement. It can be hung in the center of your gallery wall or off to one side. The rest of the artwork should be arranged around the focal point.
3. Pick frames that complement each other.
Your frames don’t have to match perfectly, but they should share a common design elements such as color, material, or shape. This will help your gallery wall look polished and put together.
4. Pre-plan your gallery wall layout.
Before you start nailing anything to the wall, it’s important to plan out your gallery wall layout first. This means measuring the space, sketching out a design, and choosing the right hanging hardware. Trust us, your walls will thank you.
5. Experiment with different arrangements until you find one you love.
When hanging your artwork, pay attention to the flow and movement of your gallery wall. You don’t want it to feel too chaotic or busy (unless you like a little chaos). Instead, try to create a sense of balance by evenly spacing out the pieces and varying their heights.
6. Hang your artwork at eye level.
This will help ensure that your gallery wall is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. No one wants to have to crane their neck to see the artwork!
7. Step back and enjoy your handiwork!
Once you’ve hung your gallery wall, step back and take a look at it from afar. If something doesn’t look quite right, don’t be afraid to rearrange a few pieces until you’re happy with the final product.
Gallery Wall Ideas We Love!
With the aformentioned general gallery wall tips in mind, let’s take a look at some specific gallery wall ideas and gallery wall layouts to get you started.
Incorporate Floating Shelves
Another great way to display artwork is by incorporating floating shelves into your gallery wall. This is a great option if you want to change up your artwork frequently or if you have limited wall space.
Get Creative with the Frames
The frames you choose for your gallery wall can make a big difference in the overall look. To add some visual interest, opt for frames of different sizes and colors. You can also hang the frames at different depths to create an interesting effect.
Use Wallpaper as a Backdrop
A fantastic gallery wall idea to consider if you really want your wall to stand out, is to use wallpaper. Wallpaper is a great way to add color, pattern, and texture to your space. Plus, it’s easy to apply and remove, so you can change it up whenever you want.
Use Words or Quotes
Incorporating words or quotes into your gallery wall is a great way to add meaning and depth. You can find artwork with inspirational quotes or use words to spell out a special message. Just make sure the words are large enough to be legible from afar.
Incorporate Sculptures
Incorporating sculptures into your gallery wall layout is a great way to add dimension and interest. Sculptures come in all different shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your space. Just make sure the rest of the artwork is properly spaced around the sculpture.
Play with Scale
One way to make your gallery wall stand out is to play with scale. Try hanging a large piece of artwork in the center and surround it with smaller pieces. Or, go for an asymmetrical look by mixing different sizes and shapes of frames.
Use Negative Space
Negative space is the area around and between the objects in a composition. When used correctly, it can add balance and visual interest to your gallery wall. To create negative space, simply leave some empty wall space between the frames.
Use a Grid Design
A grid design is one of the most popular gallery wall layouts. To create this look, simply hang the artwork in evenly spaced rows or columns. You can also get creative with the spacing and placement of the frames to add visual interest.
Mix and Match Frame Styles
One of the great things about gallery walls is that there are no rules. So if you want to mix and match frame styles, go for it! Just be sure to choose frames that complement each other in terms of color or material.
Create a Theme
One of the best gallery wall ideas to make your gallery wall look cohesive is to choose a theme. This can be anything from a specific color palette to a certain style of artwork. Once you have a theme in mind, it will be much easier to select pieces that go together.
Go for a Bold Look
Not afraid of a little color? Then a bold gallery wall idea might be right up your alley. To achieve this look, choose brightly colored frames and artwork. Just be sure not to go overboard or your space will end up looking too busy.
Keep it Simple
When it comes to gallery wall layout ideas, sometimes less is more. If you want to keep your gallery wall looking clean and simple, stick to a few basic colors and frame styles. This look is perfect for those who prefer a minimal aesthetic.
Add in Some greenery
If you want to add a touch of nature to your gallery wall, consider adding in some greenery. This can be anything from a few small succulents to a large potted plant. Just make sure the plants are placed in strategic spots so they don’t block any of the artwork.
Stick to a Symmetrical Design
If you’re looking for a classic gallery wall look, stick to a symmetrical design. This means hanging the artwork in evenly spaced rows or columns. You can also create a more organic look by grouping the artwork together in odd numbers.
Incorporate Texture
Adding texture to your gallery wall is a great way to add interest and depth. To do this, simply choose artwork with interesting textures or patterns. You can also use three-dimensional frames or add some embellishments to the frames themselves.
Go for Asymmetry
An asymmetrical arrangement is a great way to add interest and visual appeal to your gallery wall. To create this look, simply hang the artwork in an uneven pattern. You can also play with the spacing between the frames to create an interesting effect.
Let the Artwork Tell a Story
One of the best things about gallery walls is that they can tell a story. To do this, simply choose a theme and hang artwork that relates to it. For example, you could create a gallery wall about your travels or your family heritage.
Use Varied Decor Items and Trinkets
In addition to artwork, you can also use decor items to fill up your gallery wall. This is a great way to add some personalization to your space. Simply choose items that reflect your style and interests.
Create Movement
One way to add visual interest to your gallery wall is to create movement. This can be done by hanging the artwork in a diagonal or zig-zag pattern. You can also choose artwork with interesting shapes or patterns to add some movement to your wall.
Get Creative with the Frames
The frames you choose for your gallery wall can make a big difference in the overall look. To add some visual interest, opt for frames of different sizes and colors. You can also hang the frames at different depths to create an interesting effect.
Create a Monochromatic Gallery Wall
A monochromatic gallery wall is perfect for those who want to create a sophisticated and stylish look. To achieve this aesthetic, choose artwork and frames that are all in the same color family.
Gallery Wall Ideas — Takeaway
Gallery walls are a great way to add character to your space. To create an interesting gallery wall layout, there are many different gallery wall layout ideas that you can implement to make your wall stand out.
Choose a theme, color scheme, or style that reflects your personality and interests. And don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles of artwork and frames. With a little bit of creativity, you can create a gallery wall that is truly one-of-a-kind.
