Interior design, DIY, and real life—because every
house should feel like home
Nail it: Gallery Walls
Made Simple
Hello, you beautiful bitches!
There’s just something about a girl in a ponytail, yoga pants, and a tee tackling a DIY project that feels right, doesn’t it? I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Jen, and today I’m sharing my designer-approved tips and tricks for hanging a gallery wall - without the stress, the crooked frames, or the “I swear that nail was in the right spot” meltdown.
Every year, I wrangle my crew together for Christmas photos. While everyone is somewhat coordinated and looking their best, I always sneak in a few extra family shots. Over time, those sweet moments have added up, and so has my photo collection of these little cuties.
But let’s be honest: hanging frames is harder than it looks. We’ve all tried to line up three frames in a perfect row, only to realize the hardware doesn’t match the nail, the spacing is off, and somehow everything ends up slightly crooked. You measure. You level. You double-check. And still… it’s just a little off.
After years of installing gallery walls in my own home and overseeing them in clients’ homes, I’ve gathered my very best tips to make the process simple and foolproof. My gallery wall sits just off our main entry and truly sets the tone for our home. Sometimes it’s a sweet display of family memories. Sometimes it’s a subtle warning that I live with two boys, a grown man, and a couple of pups — so perfection is not the vibe. And sometimes I switch it out seasonally (Halloween is my favorite!).
Gallery Walls 101:
5 Simple Steps
Gallery walls make a statement. They fill awkward space, tell your family’s story, and instantly elevate a room. And yes — they can feel overwhelming. Take a breath. We’re keeping this simple.
Welcome to Crutcher House
I’m Jen—interior designer, DIYer, and mom of two feral boys, sharing design tips, real-life projects, and “Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget” finds—because I believe every house should feel like home.
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Step 1: Define your Vibe
Every house should feel like home.
Before you grab a hammer, decide on the mood.
Are you bright + beachy? Dark + moody? English cottage? Boho?
Let your frames support that story.
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Beachy: Natural wood + white mats
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Moody: Thin black frames, black & white or rich-toned photos
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English cottage: Gold frames, pastels, nature prints
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Boho: Warm neutrals, layered textures, playful color
Keep your edits consistent (similar tones or filters). Trust me — cohesion is what makes it look designer, not chaotic. You’re curating, not cramming.
DO (Clap Emoji) NOT (Clap Emoji) BUY (Clap Emoji) YOUR(Clap Emoji) FRAMES AT HOBBY LOBBY! I know its fun to wander the aisles, but lets face it the quality just isn’t great! I have had frames start to fail after a year and you will want something more resilient if you plan to update these seasonally! TRUST ME!!
Step 2: Plan it on Paper
Pre-planning is everything.
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Measure your wall.
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Leave about 12" breathing room around the outer edges.
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Decide on spacing (1–3" between frames — pick one and commit).
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Sketch your layout.
Grid? Organic mix? Landscape + portrait combo? It all works — when it’s planned.
This step saves you from unnecessary nail holes. Future you will be grateful.
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Step 3: Prep Like a Pro
Gather your tools:
Frames, prints, tape, hammer, nails, pencil, measuring tape, level (laser if you have one), step stool, museum wax, a beer —Cheers! Hot tip - ladders and straight lines are hard so maybe measure first, then pop a beer.
A few quick wins:
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Tape photos to the mat so they don’t slide.
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Matte photo finish > glossy (less glare).
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Buy extra frames now if you think you’ll expand later.
You’re not overthinking — you’re being strategic.
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Step 4: Start in the Center
Confidence time.
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Mark your center point on the wall.
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If you have an odd number of columns, start with one frame centered.
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Even number? Hang one just to either side of center.
Designer tip: Skip the hanging hooks. Use two nails and rest the frame directly on them. Game changer! This will help them from teetering as your kids stampede through the halls and save your sanity trying to get them all straight!
Hang your first frame. Step back. Adjust. Breathe - Sip…Then measure your spacing and build outward, one frame at a time.
You do not need to rush this. Slow = straight.
Step 5: Lock it In & Let It Shine
Once everything is level:
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Add museum wax to keep frames from shifting (yes… especially if the frames hang within arms reach of small things…Trust me mama)
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Erase pencil marks.
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Step back and admire your work!!! You did it girl!
And remember — once it’s up, you can swap photos seasonally, update prints, or refresh the vibe anytime. The hard part is done.
See? Not scary. Just methodical.
Your gallery wall is about to become the focal point of your home — and you absolutely can do this.
xoxo
Jen Crutcher