Create a Gallery Wall with Various Frame Sizes
One of the most effective ways to make any room yours, give it personality, style and visual interest with a gallery wall. You can use a variety of frame sizes, photos, artwork, and prints to design a display that is stylish yet won’t overpower a wall.
A cohesive gallery wall can be a design element that helps the room come alive, no matter it is in your living room, hallway, bedroom or home office.
What Is a Gallery Wall?
A gallery wall is a group of framed photographs, artwork, prints or decorations that are grouped together on a wall.
A gallery wall is not like a large artwork, where you can only have one single memory, image or design displayed; it can be several memories, images and designs all displayed at once in a coordinated manner.
Start by Choosing a Theme
When choosing frames, have an idea of what you want your gallery wall to look like.
Popular options include:
- Family photographs
- Travel memories
- Photography was done in black and white
- Artwork and illustrations
- Inspirational quotes
- Mixed media displays
A theme helps to give the look of a more unified and structured appearance.
Combine Different-Sized Frames
If you use various frame sizes, you’ll create a gallery wall that is both interesting and deep.
A balance can be achieved with:
Small Frames
- 4×6 inch
- 5×7 inch
- 6×8 inch
Ideal for individual photographs and smaller prints.
Medium Frames
- 8×10 inch
- 12×8 inch
- 12×12 inch
- 16×12 inch
Great for a central theme of the composition.
Large Frames
- 20×16 inch
- 24×18 inch
- 24×24 inch
- 30×20 inch
These larger pieces make focal points in the display in many cases.
Select the Appropriate Layout
While there is no right or wrong style to creating a gallery wall, some styles are especially popular.
Symmetrical Layout
Frames are evenly spaced and of the same size.
Best for:
- Formal interiors
- Offices
- Modern homes
Asymmetrical Layout
There is more freedom of frames that are kept in balance.
Best for:
- Contemporary interiors
- Creative spaces
- Family photo displays
Grid Layout
Frames are arranged in rows and columns.
Best for:
- Square frames
- Minimalist interiors
- Modern décor
Before Hanging the Different Parts of the Layout, Design Your Layout
Place frames on the floor before nailing to wall.
This allows you to:
- Test different layouts
- Adjust spacing
- Determine the optimum ratio
- Reduce and avoid unnecessary wall damage
There are many people who prefer to use paper templates taped to the wall before installing the frames.
Keep Spacing Consistent
The spacing is important for a gallery wall to look organised and professional.
To add a rule of thumb, leave about:
- The distance between frames is between 5cm and 10cm
This forms an uncluttered, connected display without creating a “crowded look”.
Remember to Use a Combination of the Frame Shapes Carefully
You can use a combination of different shapes to make for a more interesting arrangement.
Popular combinations include:
Rectangle Frames
Ideal for:
- Portrait photographs
- Certificates
- Artwork
Square Frames
Ideal for:
- Social media photography
- Modern gallery walls
- Contemporary artwork
Panoramic Frames
Ideal for:
- Landscape photography
- Travel photographs
- City skyline prints
Combining shapes can provide some variation and keep the visual balance.
Select Colours That Complement Each Other
Colours of the frames should be harmonized and coordinated with the interior of the room.
Popular choices include:
- Black Frames
- White Frames
- Oak Frames
- Walnut Frames
- Silver Frames
Many homeowners opt for a single frame colour, for a unified look. Others opt for two complementary finishes for a more contemporary look.
Create a Focal Point
A focal point is an essential element of any gallery wall.
This is often:
- The largest frame
- A favourite photograph
- A work of art in the statement style
Create an arrangement that builds on this centerpiece.
Consider the Room Size
The size of the gallery wall should reflect the size of the wall chosen.
For larger walls:
- Use larger frames
- Increase spacing slightly
- Include more pieces
For smaller walls:
- Use fewer frames
- Choose smaller sizes
- Make the arrangement compact in order to
Final Thoughts
Creating a gallery wall is a great way to display your favorite memories, artwork and photos and make a home more interesting. Using a variety of frame sizes, keeping the same spacing, and selecting a comfortable layout will help you make a display look personal and well designed.
Do not rush to make the arrangement; try different arrangements; think of what you want the arrangement to convey, consider how to make the display your own.
