How to Hang a Gallery Wall in 5 Easy Steps

How to Hang a Gallery Wall

Follow our step-by-step instructions for choosing, arranging, and installing your gallery wall.

1. Gather Art

   Start by gathering an assortment of wall art. For a mismatched effect, choose items that go together but aren't matching. For example, build a photo wall with a bunch of family pictures or opt for frames without photos to create a wall frame collage—it's up to you. For displaying small images or art pieces, look for wall collage frames that hold multiple pieces in one unit. A wall photo collage means hanging fewer frames, and it also does some of the art arranging for you.
   

2. Trace and Test

   The hardest part of hanging a gallery wall is establishing where to hang pictures. Before nailing any holes, set your gallery wall layout. Start by tracing each piece of art on kraft paper, then cut them out. On each piece of paper, mark the picture's hanger placement. This will come in handy for hanging your art at the correct height. Next, use painters tape to hang each cutout on your wall and get a feel for the layout.

   Start by hanging the largest item at eye level when designing your gallery wall layout. You'll want artwork to hang 57" from the ground at its center. However, the height at which you hang art will also depend on the height of your ceilings and furniture. If you have soaring ceilings, opt for large-scale art that will fill more of your wall. If you're hanging a gallery wall above a sofa or tall furniture piece, you'll need to adjust the height accordingly. Floor-to-ceiling gallery walls can also make an impressive statement. Once you've decided where and what height to hang your art, rearrange the cutouts of your pictures until you find a layout you love.
   

3. Keep It Even

   Make sure to keep art at an equal distance from the other pieces. Use a ruler to guide your placement. Aim for 3–6 inches between each piece of wall art and around all sides of the frames. Arrange larger art with more space between frames, and group smaller artwork closer together. Also, leave plenty of space between the frames, trim, and molding, so the gallery has room to breathe. Use a level as you work to make sure everything's straight.
   

   If you're using irregularly shaped items within your gallery wall, you can skip this step and simply eye the layout based on your preference.

4. Maintain Balance

   Your gallery wall doesn't have to be symmetrical, but there should be visual balance. Pair large wall art with a few smaller pieces, or even out intricate wall paintings with empty frames. If you have a combination of designs, colors, and finishes in your gallery, try to disperse the art styles to create harmony.
   

5. Consider Shape

   Including several shapes and textures can create an even more dynamic art wall arrangement. If most of your pieces are square or rectangular, mix in a few oval or round pieces to break up the monotony. The visual change can actually draw they eye and create more impact.

   Once you've planned and organized your layout, install your gallery wall using adhesive strips or nails. For heavier pieces, make sure to drive into studs or use drywall anchors.