How to Hang a Gallery Wall (Without Losing Your Mind)

If you follow me on Instagram (sorry for the plug), you may know that I lurrrrv a gallery wall. They make any space feel more cozy and collected, which is the exact vibe I’m looking for. However, gallery walls are, to me, one of the most intimidating undertakings in the decorative world.

They require planning and math, which, like… no thank you. (To quote a meme I saw recently: ‘Please don’t ever talk to me about math. I’ve moved on.’) They require time. Effort. Patience. Read: things of which I am boasting a deficit.

Still, though— once they’re finished, they truly are a sight to behold.

This list is not exhaustive, and gallery walls are deeply personal, but here are my top 10 tips to consider when embarking on the daunting task:

Note: if you are more of a visual learner, I have a reel that covers these same tips (in less depth) here.

1.) You’ll need a lot of art.

This seems like a given, yes? But it’s true: you’re going to need more art than you think that you do. Hanging a gallery wall is a bit like doing a puzzle without the picture on the top of the box. Something that you think will look great inevitably won’t. A piece that you were kind of lukewarm about may end up being exactly what you need for an awkward spot. In this instance, more is more.

Unless I have a specific spot for a piece, I tend to collect art for a year or two before taking on a gallery wall. I want to have plenty of variety and options when I start putting nails in the wall.

As for sourcing, I find things everywhere: Goodwill, thrift stores, estate sales, friends/family — I don’t discriminate. Sometimes I’ll buy a piece just for the frame; other times, I’ll buy a horribly-framed something that I love.

2.) Make sure you have the right tools.

Hammer and a nail, right? Well, yes. Among other things. I’ve linked my favorite tools here, but to simplify, you’ll need: a hammer, anchors and nails of varying sizes, pencils, a measuring tape, and a level.

If you’re hanging plates, I only recommend this kind. Sure, those little sticky disks seem cool and easy — but that’s only until they loose their suction and everything comes crashing down. Ask me how I know. Actually, don’t. I’m still a little sore.

I also highly recommend purchasing some putty if you don’t already have it. Simply add a dot to the back of your frame and it will keep it in place so that it doesn’t shift or become crooked. Pro tip: these also work to keep breakable objects from being pushed off of tables by small children. Or, perhaps, a rogue football. Again… Ask me how I know.

3.) Pick a primary frame finish (but don’t be too strict about it)

For a collected look, I recommend choosing a primary frame finish and adding 1-2 more complimentary finishes.

For a cleaner look, stick with the same frame finish.

On my stairways, I knew that I wanted a collected look. I chose gold as my primary finish, with some black/darker frames peppered throughout. Some of the frames are solid gold, while others have gold accents. Some are chunky without mats, while others are petite with large mats. I don’t stress about the varying frame types, so long as they all “talk to” each other.

In our dining room, I opted for the same frame type: black with white mats. I’m a huge fan of the IKEA Ribba Frames - very affordable and they look high-end!

4.) Start with an anchor piece (and plenty of energy)

You’ve got to start somewhere. If you’re working with a blank wall, hang your “anchor piece” first. If you’re working on a stairwell, I like to start at the bottom and work my way up.

As for energy: gallery walls are not something I’d suggest starting when you’re low on steam. Depending on the size/scale of your project, gallery walls can be a multi-hour or even all-day event. Pour yourself some coffee, play some music, and get to work.

5) It’s perfectly okay to eyeball

I know that templates are all the rage, but if you’re anything like me, that sounds awfully exhausting.

Sometimes, I’ll lay a few things out on the ground to see how they work together - but this doesn’t always translate on the wall. When this happens, I’ll hold up what I think may work next and give it a gander.

These methods also give you the freedom to change things up as you go - whereas with a template, you’re married to the design.

6.) Establish a “starting distance” between pieces and adjust as-needed.

As a rule of thumb, I usually start with 4.25inches between pieces and adjust from there. If it’s a pair, I may bring them closer together. If it’s an awkward space, I may increase that size to 7 inches. Again, this is another benefit of eyeballing.

Your starting distance doesn’t have to be the same as mine, but I highly recommend choosing a spacing that you like and letting that be your guide.

7.) When it comes time hang, it’s worth doing the math.

As I previously mentioned, I am not math girlie. I don’t care for numbers at all, really. But, alas… they’re necessary to put a minimum number of holes in the wall.

Luckily for me, my husband is very involved in our home improvement projects and loves things like measuring tapes, but even if you don’t— winging it is not the way to go. Pull the frame’s wire as taut as you can and measure the distance between the top of the wire and the top of the frame and mark it with a pencil on the wall to ensure proper placement. Trust me, it’s worth the extra time and effort.

(As you can tell, he is thrilled!)

8.) Mix it up

Unless they’re a pair, I like to vary pieces by size, frame type, and medium. For instance, I’m hanging a dark oil painting from grandma’s house right next to a colorful print from a millennial artist. I’m putting a large portrait right next to a stack of three small bird etchings. Next to an ornate gold frame will hang a sleeker, black frame.

This approach provides a collected look while still feeling cohesive. We love.

9.) Don’t be afraid to hang non-art

One of my very favorite pieces in our gallery wall is my dad’s old fireman helmet (you can see it in the photo above.) It fills an otherwise awkward spot perfectly, adds interest, and, frankly - it looks awesome. In other parts of our home, we have horns, plates, platters, and longhorns on the walls. Funky? Yes. Awesome? Also yes. Don’t be afraid to branch out — the possibilities are endless!

10.) Just get started.

Perhaps the hardest part of hanging a gallery wall is finding the courage (and energy, and time) to get started. I know how daunting it can be, but really — set a date on your calendar and knock it out. You can always move things around or patch a hole.

Have any tips or tricks I forgot? Let me know!