HOW TO MAKE A DESIGNER GALLERY WALL

I'm sharing my best tips and tricks for hanging a designer-approved gallery wall. After hanging them myself and watching them installed at clients' homes over the years, I have gathered my best tips and tricks for you.

GALLERY WALLS 101

Gallery walls can significantly impact a home, fill space on a wall, and are a gorgeous way to display family photos, art, and so much more. As an interior designer, I've used a gallery wall in almost every client's home. They are a statement in any family room, bedroom, playroom, and office. Although they seem daunting, I'm here to share all my expert design tips and tricks, sources, and a full video tutorial to help you tackle a gallery wall in your home.

SUPPLY LIST:

• Frames

• Prints

• Tape

• Hammer

• Nails

• Pencil

• Tape Measure

• Laser Level or Level

• Ladder or Step Stool

• Museum Wax

HOW TO HANG YOUR GALLERY WALL

Pre-planning is Key: The real work begins before you even pick up a hammer. I recommend getting a scratch piece of paper to help you map this out.

• Frame Choice Matters: Choose frames that complement your space. Natural wood with a thick white mat can soften a high-contrast area, while black frames can add drama. See my favorite frames.

• Consider Mat Options: Mats can add a custom feel to your gallery wall. Explore different colors and sizes for a more personalized look. I love a black mat with black and white photos for a big statement.

• What to Display: Decide on the mood you want—playful and candid or more editorial with professional photos.

• Editing Tips: You want your filters and color scheme to be similar and consistent. You can edit your photos using apps like Lightroom and consider black-and-white or sepia filters for a timeless look.

• Where to Print: High-quality prints make a difference! If you can pre-plan, I love to use mpix.com. They print excellent quality, and they ship fast. I always have great results with Walgreens when I need prints fast. (Make sure you never pay full price! There's ALWAYS a discount code.)

• Pro Tip: Make sure you tape the back of your photos to the matt so they don't slide around once you hang the frame.

• Finish Options: A matte finish on your photos is great for gallery walls.

• Identify the Right Wall: Look for expansive wall space that is easily seen. Measure your wall's dimensions and decide on your gallery's overall footprint.

• Allow for Breathing Room: Leave about a foot of space on all sides to keep the display focused and impactful.

• Figure out Rows & Columns: Use your measurements to determine how many rows and columns will fit your grid pattern. Be mindful of spacing—typically 1-3(max) inches between frames.

Let's Break Out the Tools: Once you have a general grid map for your gallery wall, it's time to hang your frames! The best plan of attack is usually to hang one frame and build around that.

• Prepare to Hang: Revisit your measurements and prepare your wall. Mark the center point and use a level to ensure straight lines. If you have an even number of columns, use the center point as a guide and hang a frame on each side of that line. If you have an odd number of frames, hang one in the center and work out from there.

• Don't use the Hooks: My best tip when hanging a gallery wall is to avoid using the hooks on the back of the frame; use two nails and rest the edge of the frame on that. (See more in the video below.)

• Set up your laser level: Using a laser level will help make this a breeze.

• Hang your first frame. Determine whether you need to hang it centered on the line or to the right and left of that center line. Once you know where your first frame will be, put nails up.

• Build from there: Once you have your first frame up, measure 1-3 inches from the edge of that frame and mark where your next frame should start and end. Then, put two nails up and hang your next frame. Continue this process until you finish the row.  

• Measure the lip: Measure the thickness of the lip of your frame to determine where the nail will sit. (If your lip is 3/4 inch, and your spacing is 1 inch between frames, your nails for the next row will need to be 1 3/4 inch away from the row above.)

• Secure the Frames: Use Museum Wax to keep frames from shifting over time.

• Pro Tips: Mark the wall with a pencil—it's easy to erase mistakes.

• Future-Proof Your Gallery: If you plan to expand your gallery wall, buy extra frames now to ensure consistency.

  
  

Your Gallery Wall Awaits: With careful planning and attention to detail, your gallery wall will become a cherished focal point in your home. Follow these guidelines to create a display that's both beautiful and uniquely yours.