How to Nail your Gallery Wall

March 21, 2024

Have you ever left frames propped up against the wall for months on end, waiting for the perfect formation to magically come to you? If so, I promise you, you are not alone. It’s a commitment, and one that you most definitely should spend time thinking about. I have put together this short guide to help you on your way, and stop those frames from gathering dust on the floor.

Source: Heidi Woodman Interiors

For starters, don’t actually use nails

Nails are out, command strips are in. These sticky, but surprisingly sturdy, strips really do change the game when it comes to wall décor. Their picture hanging line is suitable for a variety of different frame sizes and weights, so perfect for your gallery wall. They also ensure they stay perfectly straight, providing you use a spirit level when positioning. Their ‘Damage-Free Hanging Solution’ really does take the pressure off, but you still want to get it right first time around.

Live with your layout

Using command strips doesn’t mean you should through caution to the wind. Before I make any ‘frame commitments’ I use painter’s tape and craft paper to frame out a formation that I like, and live with it for about a week before taking the metaphorical hammer to the wall.

Some tips to get you started:

• Keep larger pieces together, and work out from there

• If you want to split up your larger pieces, that’s ok, but make sure there is still balance (1 big frame = 3 small frames)

• Use a mix of portrait and landscape frames - keep this in mind when you’re selecting your prints

• For a larger gallery wall, you can add in pairs and smaller sets

• Keep the spacing between your frames a consistent width where you can: 2 to 3 inches between frames is ideal.

Source: @jultompa on Instagram

Consider your surroundings

If your gallery wall is sitting behind a piece/pieces of furniture – make sure you consider this when planning your gallery positioning – you don’t want your pièce de résistance to be blocked out by your lamp. Equally, you can deliberately incorporate existing furniture to add depth and interest, like Julia @jultompa has achieved here simply by starting the frames low.

Look beyond IKEA

Don’t get me wrong, I like a RIBBA as much as the next person - they are affordable and readily available. BUT. They are readily available, so we see them a lot!

I think they are a great starting point – but to add some variety and create a more curated look, I suggest browsing your local vintage store to find some unique pieces. Thrift stores are also great place to find frames of different colours, shapes, and sizes. If you prefer to browse from the comfort of your sofa, there are some great options online. I love these Wood Gallery Frames from West Elm, and these Stowe Modern Metal Frames from Pottery Barn have a great selection of different finishes and sizes, which will mix things up without the legwork.

Source: The Lifestyled Co

Think outside of the box

There is no need to confine yourself to just frames for your gallery wall. You can add wall ornaments, mirrors, decorative plates, hats, hanging plants, and even something like this cute little brass shelf from CB2. Be warned though, a shelf opens up a whole new world of possibilities for things you can display. And, of course, Command have a range of products designed for decorative pieces.

What to frame

Although this is last on this list, you really should figure out what’s going into your frames before you start playing around with formations. I usually like to include personal items, like photos, maps of sentimental places, or art.

Print Sunset at Sea by Collection Prints

Print Meditation by Juniper Print Shop

Print Botanical I by Juniper Print Shop

Finding prints online can be overwhelming, I like to start with one of my go-to’s Paper Collective, and for a vintage find, Maple and Oak Vintage, a small Etsy Shop based here in Vancouver.

For a larger selection, there is Juniper Print Shop and Collection Prints, as well as The Met – the museum made all images public domain, and there are over 400,000 available to choose from. Luckily, you can filter by geographic location, era, and department to save on search times. When selecting pieces, references of the same colour are a good way to keep a cohesive look without limiting you too much.

Once you have matched your piece to your frame, you can start playing around with layouts. Of course, what is in the frame now needs to be taken into consideration, too. For example, if you have a couple of prints with dark backgrounds, you should split these up; the same goes for patterns and solids.

I hope these tips are enough to help you on your way with your gallery wall, but if you have any questions or would like any help with your interior styling, you can reach out to me here.

Happy hanging!