Gallery walls are a great way to add personality to a room, whether it’s a mix of your favourite art pieces or a collection of family photos. They can bring a space to life and create a focal point that reflects your style and memories. That being said, it can feel overwhelming to figure out how to create your gallery wall—choosing the right frame sizes, selecting the type of frames, and deciding which artwork looks best when grouped together. We’ve helped many customers create personalised gallery walls within their design schemes, so we wanted to share our top tips for creating your own.

1. Decide on the style of gallery wall you want to create

2. Where to hang a gallery wall

3. Choose a colour palette for your gallery wall

4. The frames are just as important as the artwork

5. Oversized mounts for gallery wall frames

6. Experiment with layouts before hanging

7. Light up your gallery wall

Decide on the style of gallery wall you want to create

There are many different types of gallery walls. You could go for a minimal, symmetrical design using black-and-white family photos for a simple yet stylish look, an eclectic style with a mix of frames and artwork, or a coordinated gallery wall using matching frames in various sizes and prints. Before purchasing artwork for your gallery wall, take a moment to consider the overall look you want to achieve. You may already have a collection of prints that spark memories from holidays or special moments.

Where to hang a gallery wall

A gallery wall can make a great focal point, especially in rooms that don’t naturally have one, such as a living room without a fireplace. It can work well as the first thing you see when you walk into a room, or as a feature hung above your sofa or a piece of furniture, like a sideboard, to create balance and draw the eye upward.

Hallways are another fabulous spot for a gallery wall. Since the hallway is the first impression of your home, it’s a wonderful place to showcase your style and personality through artwork.

We also particularly love gallery walls in children’s rooms, where you can have so much fun. Personalised prints with their names, nursery rhymes, or character prints are a great way to bring their little personalities into the space.

And don’t forget the downstairs loo! You could completely cover the walls in artwork to create an unexpected and fun element to the room.

Choose a colour palette for your gallery wall

When selecting artwork for your gallery wall, try to choose a cohesive colour palette so that all the pieces work well together and create a well-designed look. Of course, this depends on the style you’re going for—if you love bold colours and want to play with a mix of shades to reflect your personality, go ahead! Otherwise, we recommend sticking to a defined colour palette for a more harmonious effect.

The frames are just as important as the artwork

Once you have your artwork, it’s time to look for frames, which are just as important! You could mix different styles, such as painted frames, simple black or wood frames, ornate designs, or frames with oversized mounts. There are lots of options, but having chosen the style of your gallery wall beforehand will help you decide which type of frames to use. And remember, frames don’t all need to be rectangular—a round or oval frame can add an unexpected twist and make the arrangement more visually interesting.

Oversized mounts for gallery wall frames

If you’re struggling to find a frame that fits your artwork, or need a larger piece for your gallery wall, oversized mount frames are a fantastic solution. We love them because they instantly elevate your artwork—an affordable print can look much more high-end with a well-chosen oversized mount. You can even add a pop of colour by selecting a mount that contrasts with the frame, creating visual interest and a stylish, unexpected touch.

Experiment with layouts before hanging

Once all your framed artwork is ready, experiment with different gallery wall layouts to find the best placement. A simple method is to place all your art on the floor and try out different arrangements. You can also use wrapping paper, lining paper, or even newspaper as a template—cut out the sizes of your frames and pin them to the wall with blue tack. This allows you to test different layouts without leaving lots of holes in your walls or wasting command strips!

When arranging your gallery wall, it’s often helpful to start with the largest pieces first. These can act as anchors, making it easier to position the smaller prints around them for a balanced look.

Light up your gallery wall

Picture lights have become an increasingly popular design feature. They not only add another layer of lighting to a room but can also elevate a gallery wall, creating a more sophisticated look. And don’t worry about needing an electrician. You can get battery operated or rechargeable picture lights, which are perfect because they can be placed anywhere. We recommend using picture lights when you’re aiming for a uniform gallery wall to complement the overall look.

Creating the perfect gallery wall is all about combining style, colour, and personality. By carefully selecting frames, experimenting with layouts, and adding thoughtful finishing touches like lighting. Take your time, have fun, and don’t be afraid to get creative—your gallery wall should reflect you and make your space truly feel like home.

If you’re looking to make changes to your home, take a look at our online interior design packages for all the help you need. Whether you’re planning a full redesign, need guidance on a tricky layout, want help choosing a colour palette, or are facing other design dilemmas, we can take the stress away and give you the confidence to move forward. Our online interior design packages are a flat fee and we can work to any budget large or small, saving you money along the way and ensuring you get the results you want and expect!

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