4 min readOne of the best ways to add interest to your home is with a gallery wall. Though they’ve never gone out of style, they’re having a significant moment in the spotlight right now due to their seemingly effortless ability to show off a homeowner’s personality. However, they can definitely be tricky to get right with all the possibilities out there, which is why we reached out to a few experts to get tips on how to style a gallery wall without it feeling too busy or out of place.
One of the first things to know about these features is that you don’t need to solely feature picture frames. "It's more interesting to mix objects of different sizes and mediums in unexpected ways that reflect a family history, curated art, or a lifetime of travel," says interior designer Lauren Conner. Consider this your permission to let your creativity run wild.
For all the designer tips on how to style gallery walls, keep reading and learn how to design this head-turning feature.
Additional copy by Meghan Shouse.
Keep Family Photos in Their Own Area
One of the most common reasons to install a gallery wall is to show off your favorite memories with loved ones. Showcasing vacation photos, birthdays, and even school pictures tells the story of the people who make the house a home. But rather than scatter these pictures throughout the house, Katie Skoloff, principal designer at In Site Designs, prefers to give them a dedicated space. This creates a more cohesive moment and keeps the rest of the home feeling curated.
"I prefer placing them in semi-private transitional areas like hallways or stairwells that lead to the home’s more private quarters," says Skoloff. "This allows the family to enjoy the lineage and stories behind the images in a space that feels personal."
To keep the photos from looking too cluttered or jumbled, Emily Spanos, principal designer at Emily June Designs, keeps the color temperature of the photos consistent throughout. Focus on all warm or cool-toned images.
Choose Similar Frames
Keeping all of your frames in the same style can easily modernize a gallery wall. You can't go wrong with classic wood frames, though Nana Quagraine, founder of home decor brand 54kibo, says not to be afraid to swap for more contemporary options. Quagraine suggests using sleek metal, acrylic, and even frameless canvas prints to modernize a gallery wall. Pair it with some oversized matting for striking contrast.
One of the easiest ways to create cohesion in your gallery wall is to stick to one color palette. Keep it monochromatic. "I usually suggest matching all of the frames or using similar finishes—like all gilded gold frames in different styles—for cohesion," Spanos says.
Make no mistake: consistent does not mean mass-produced. Though frame sets can be budget-friendly, they often don't have the same unique feel. "I’d steer away from pre-curated sets or mass-market grids that feel too uniform," interior designer Jen Baxter says. "That can flatten the personality of the space. The strongest gallery walls are the ones that feel collected over time, not bought in one click."
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
"Less is more" is the key to a sleek gallery wall. Focusing on a small selection of impactful pieces can reduce visual clutter. Philip Vanderford, founder of Studio Thomas James, focuses on a "quietly powerful salon wall" look.
"The aesthetic has become somewhat expected—bordering on visual clutter when not executed with extreme discipline," Vanderford says. "In high-end interiors, every piece must earn its place. Gallery walls, when overdone, dilute that intention." Take a page out of Marie Kondo's book when you select work for your gallery. Ask yourself how much each individual piece means to you. Don't be afraid to take your time finding the right items, rather than putting some nondescript art up just to cover a blank wall.
Strategically Use Negative Space
A gallery wall is an affordable way to fill a blank space in your home, but you don't need to take up every square inch for it to be effective.
"The trick is to hang the art with consistent negative space between the pieces to create the sense of an orderly collection that doesn't appear random and junky," says Conner. Building off of the "less is more" strategy, remember that a bit of blank space is your friend! Use it and keep the spacing even in your composition.
For a spacing rule of thumb, Spanos suggests aiming for two to six inches between pieces, depending on the scale of the artwork.
Use Unexpected Materials
Variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for your gallery wall. Mixing in unexpected items and artwork can make it feel more carefully put together. Among the photographs and prints, add 3D pieces for dimension. Kathy Kuo, founder of Kathy Kuo Home, loves using fiber art, sculptures, wall clocks, and shadow boxes to break up a monotonous gallery wall. A few well-placed decorative mirrors can even make the room feel a bit larger.
Switch It Out Seasonally
Don't fall into the trap that you have to build the perfect gallery wall on the first try. Your design tastes will evolve, and the wall can change over time. Feel free to change out your selected pieces whenever they no longer feel right for the space. You can even swap items out seasonally, changing what's on display for different holidays.
"I’m especially drawn to ledge-style layouts, which allow for easy rotation and an ever-evolving display," interior designer Tye Davis says. "Pottery Barn’s Holman ledges are a favorite." Floating shelves, magnetic mounts, and even Command strips all contribute to the flexibility of your gallery wall, keeping it fresh.
Consider Bringing in a Professional
Gallery walls can be tricky to get right, and nothing's more disheartening than finishing just to find everything is crooked. There's no shame in asking for help from the pros! A professional art installer can ensure precise measuring, proper hanging techniques, and a totally balanced composition.
