Choose a layout
- The grid. Identical frames in rows and columns, with identical gaps. The tidiest look, and the easiest to get right. Works above a sofa or a bed.
- The row. Three to five frames in a line, with their centres (or their top edges) level. Perfect for hallways and above a sideboard.
- The salon. Mixed sizes in a loose cluster, built out from one large frame in the middle. The most personal, and the one that needs the most planning.
- The stairs. Frames that climb with the staircase, each one centred the same height above its step.
Spacing: 5 to 8cm
Keep the gaps between frames the same all the way through, somewhere between 5 and 8cm (2 to 3 inches). Tighter in a narrow hallway, more generous on a big wall. Even gaps are what make a mix of photos look like one piece.
Height: treat it as one picture
Put the centre of the whole arrangement at 145cm (57in) from the floor, the same height you'd hang a single picture. Above furniture, start the bottom row 15 to 25cm (6 to 10in) above the top of the sofa or sideboard. More in How high to hang a picture.
Plan it on paper first
- Lay the frames out on the floor in front of the wall and move them around until you like it. Take a photo from above.
- Cut paper templates the size of each frame. Old wrapping paper or brown parcel paper works.
- Mark where the hook goes on each template (measure the D-rings or cord on the real frame).
- Tape the templates to the wall with masking tape. Live with it for a day.
- Drill through the marks on the paper, then tear the paper away.
Pick a thread
A gallery wall needs one thing that ties it together. Choose one:
- The same frame colour throughout. The simplest way. Black for contrast, white for a light room, walnut for warmth.
- The same mount. White mounts on every frame calm down even the busiest mix of photos.
- The same kind of photo. All black and white, all holidays, all one person growing up.
Mistakes to avoid
- Hanging it too high. The commonest mistake by far.
- Uneven gaps.
- Too many tiny frames. Anchor the wall with at least one larger piece.
- Building it hook by hook without a plan.
Or skip the planning
Our Gallery Wall Sets are frames already chosen and measured to hang together, for a hallway, a stairwell, a bedroom, an alcove or a living room wall. You add your photos, we print and frame every one, and you save 5% on the set.
