A gallery wall is one of the easiest ways to turn a plain wall into something personal. Whether you want to display family photographs, wedding memories, holiday pictures or favourite artwork, a carefully planned collection of frames can make a room feel warmer and more individual.

The good news is that you don’t need to be an interior designer to create one. With the right combination of photographs, frame sizes, colours and spacing, you can create a gallery wall that looks balanced without feeling too formal.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a gallery wall from start to finish, including how to choose your frames, arrange your pictures and avoid some of the most common mistakes.

What Is a Gallery Wall?

A gallery wall is a collection of framed photographs, prints, artwork or other decorative pieces arranged together on one wall.

There isn’t a single correct layout. Some gallery walls are perfectly symmetrical, while others use different frame sizes and orientations to create a more relaxed look.

You can use a gallery wall to:

  • Display family photographs
  • Showcase wedding memories
  • Create a feature wall in your living room
  • Display holiday photographs
  • Decorate a hallway or staircase
  • Add personality to a bedroom
  • Create a focal point above a sofa or sideboard
  • Display a mixture of photographs and artwork

The key is to make the arrangement feel intentional rather than simply putting several pictures on the wall.

1. Choose the Right Wall

Start by deciding where your gallery wall will go.

A large blank wall above a sofa is a popular choice, but gallery walls can work almost anywhere. Hallways, staircases, bedrooms, dining rooms and home offices can all provide excellent spaces.

Look at the furniture around the wall before choosing your frames.

For example, a gallery wall above a sofa should generally relate visually to the width of the furniture below it. Similarly, a display above a console table should leave enough room between the furniture and the bottom frames.

Don’t forget to consider doors, windows, light switches, and other features that could affect your layout.

2. Decide What You Want to Display

Before buying frames, decide what will actually go inside them.

You might choose:

  • Family photographs
  • Wedding photographs
  • Children’s photographs
  • Holiday memories
  • Black-and-white photography
  • Artwork
  • Prints
  • Inspirational quotes
  • A mixture of photographs and artwork

A gallery wall doesn’t have to follow one theme, but having some connection between the pieces will make the finished display feel more cohesive.

For a family gallery wall, for example, you could combine photographs from different years while keeping the frames in complementary colours.

3. Choose Your Frame Sizes

This is where you can make your gallery wall really interesting.

Instead of using identical frames throughout, consider combining different sizes.

For example:

  • 60 × 60 cm
  • 50 × 50 cm
  • 40 × 50 cm
  • 30 × 40 cm
  • Smaller portrait or landscape frames

A larger square frame can act as the centrepiece, while smaller frames can surround it.

PhotoFramed offers a range of frame sizes, including large 60 × 60 cm and 60 × 80 cm formats as well as smaller frames, giving you flexibility when creating a mixed-size arrangement.

If you’re unsure where to start, our picture frame size guide explains how to choose the correct frame dimensions for your photographs.

4. Decide Whether to Match or Mix Frame Colours

You have two main approaches.

Matching frames

Using the same frame colour throughout creates a clean, coordinated appearance.

Black frames are particularly effective when you want a strong contrast against a light wall. White frames can create a softer, brighter appearance.

Matching frames work especially well for:

  • Modern interiors
  • Minimalist rooms
  • Black-and-white photographs
  • Symmetrical layouts
  • Professional-looking displays

Mixed frames

Mixing colours and finishes can make your gallery wall feel more relaxed and personal.

For example, black, white, oak and rustic finishes can be combined if the overall arrangement has enough visual consistency.

The trick is not to mix everything randomly. Try keeping either the frame style, photograph style or colour palette consistent.

PhotoFramed’s range includes black, white, oak and rustic finishes, making it possible to create either a coordinated collection or a deliberately mixed display.

5. Pick a Gallery Wall Layout

There are many ways to arrange a gallery wall, but you don’t have to follow a complicated formula.

Here are five popular layouts.

The Grid

A grid uses evenly sized frames arranged in rows and columns.

It creates a neat, symmetrical appearance and works particularly well when your photographs have similar dimensions.

For example, six or nine matching square frames can create a simple and organised display.

The Centrepiece

Choose one larger frame and arrange smaller frames around it.

This works particularly well if you have one photograph that deserves extra attention.

A 60 × 60 cm frame can make a strong central piece, with smaller photographs arranged around it.

The Organic Layout

Use different frame sizes and orientations to create a more relaxed arrangement.

This style works particularly well for family photographs because you don’t need every image to have the same proportions.

The Horizontal Row

Arrange several frames in a straight horizontal line.

This can work beautifully above:

  • Sofas
  • Sideboards
  • Beds
  • Dining furniture
  • Console tables

Keep the spacing relatively consistent to maintain a clean appearance.

The Staircase Layout

A staircase wall is an excellent place for a gallery wall.

Rather than creating one large rectangle, follow the angle of the stairs with your frames.

Start with the overall shape of the staircase and work outwards, rather than trying to make every frame line up perfectly.

6. Lay Everything Out Before Drilling

This is one of the most useful gallery wall tips.

Don’t start putting holes in the wall immediately.

Instead, lay your frames on the floor and experiment with different arrangements.

Start with the largest frame and position the smaller frames around it.

Once you’re happy, measure the gaps between the frames and note the position of each frame.

You can also cut pieces of paper or cardboard to the same size as your frames and attach them to the wall with removable tape.

This allows you to see the complete arrangement before making any permanent changes.

7. Keep the Spacing Consistent

The space between your frames can have a big effect on the finished appearance.

If the gaps are too large, the arrangement may feel disconnected.

If they’re too small, the wall can look crowded.

As a starting point, try leaving around 5–8 cm between frames, then adjust depending on the size of your display.

Larger frames may need slightly more breathing room, while smaller frames can often be positioned closer together.

The most important thing is consistency.

8. Think About the Overall Shape

Before hanging your frames, look at the gallery wall as one large shape.

It could be:

  • A rectangle
  • A square
  • A vertical arrangement
  • A horizontal arrangement
  • An organic shape
  • A series frames

Try to keep the outer edges reasonably balanced.

For example, if one side extends much further than the other, the entire arrangement can look uneven even if the individual frames are perfectly straight.

This is why laying everything out first is so useful.

9. Consider the Height

One of the biggest mistakes people make is hanging a gallery wall too high.

If the display is above a sofa or other furniture, the bottom of the arrangement should have enough breathing room without appearing disconnected from the furniture.

For a standalone wall, the centre of the overall arrangement is usually more important than the position of an individual frame.

Rather than deciding the height based on one picture, think of the entire gallery wall as one large piece of artwork.

10. Choose Photographs That Work Together

Your frames don’t have to contain identical types of images.

You could combine:

  • Family portraits
  • Holiday photographs
  • Wedding pictures
  • Children’s drawings
  • Black-and-white photographs
  • Colour photography
  • Artwork

However, too many unrelated images can make the wall feel chaotic.

One way to create consistency is to use a common colour palette.

For example, if most of your photographs contain warm tones, oak or rustic frames may complement them nicely.

If you’re using mostly black-and-white photographs, black or white frames can create a particularly clean appearance.

11. Don’t Forget Orientation

Mixing portrait and landscape photographs can make a gallery wall more dynamic.

For example, you might place a large landscape photograph in the centre and surround it with portrait photographs.

Square frames can help bridge the difference between portrait and landscape formats.

When planning your arrangement, place photographs with similar orientations beside one another only when it helps create the shape you’re looking for.

12. Create a Gallery Wall Around One Special Photograph

If you have one photograph that means particularly much to you, use it as the starting point.

This could be:

  • A wedding photograph
  • A family portrait
  • A favourite holiday picture
  • A photograph of your children
  • A meaningful black-and-white image

Choose a larger frame for that photograph and use smaller frames to build the display around it.

This gives your gallery wall a natural focal point.

For a large square photograph, a 70cm×50cm picture frame can work especially well as a centrepiece.

Explore PhotoFramed’s 50×70 frame 

13. Choose Frames That Suit Your Interior

Your gallery wall should feel connected to the rest of the room.

Modern interiors

Black or white frames can create a crisp, contemporary look.

Natural interiors

Oak frames can work beautifully alongside wood, plants and natural textures.

Traditional interiors

Rustic or warmer finishes can complement classic furniture and décor.

Minimalist interiors

A smaller number of carefully selected frames can have more impact than filling an entire wall.

There is no requirement to use one frame colour throughout. Choose the combination that works with your room and the photographs you’re displaying.

14. Don’t Make Every Frame the Same Size

One of the easiest ways to create a more interesting gallery wall is to vary the dimensions.

A mixture of large and small frames creates visual movement.

For example, you might use:

1. 60 × 60 cm

2. 40 × 50 cm

3. 30 × 40 cm

Several smaller frames

The exact combination isn’t important. What matters is creating a balanced overall shape.

If you have a large number of photographs to display, start with a few key images rather than trying to fit everything onto the wall.

You can always expand the gallery wall later.

15. Make It Personal

The best gallery walls don’t look like they came straight from a showroom.

They tell a story.

You could create a timeline of your family, display photographs from important holidays, combine wedding photographs with older family pictures or create a collection of moments from your children’s childhood.

Don’t worry if the photographs aren’t all professionally taken.

A slightly imperfect family photograph can have much more emotional value than a technically perfect image.

That’s what makes a gallery wall personal.

Common Gallery Wall Mistakes to Avoid

Hanging everything too high

Consider the entire arrangement rather than one individual picture.

Using too many frame styles

Mixing styles can work, but too much variation can make the display feel chaotic.

Making all the gaps different

Inconsistent spacing is one of the quickest ways to make a gallery wall look unfinished.

Not planning beforehand

Always test your arrangement before drilling into the wall.

Using frames that are too small

A collection of tiny frames can disappear on a large wall.

Consider including one or two larger pieces to anchor the arrangement.

Forgetting the furniture

Your gallery wall should work with the furniture underneath it rather than looking like a completely separate element.

How Many Frames Do You Need for a Gallery Wall?

There is no fixed number.

A small gallery wall might contain three or four frames, while a large staircase or living-room wall could accommodate ten, fifteen or more.

Start with the available wall space rather than a target number.

For a smaller area, three to six carefully selected frames may be enough.

For a larger feature wall, you can gradually add more frames until the composition feels balanced.

Can You Mix Black and White Picture Frames?

Yes.

Black and white frames can work particularly well together because they provide contrast without introducing too many competing colours.

For example, black frames can be used for stronger visual anchors, while white frames can soften the overall arrangement.

You can also introduce oak or rustic frames if you want to bring warmth into the display.

For more ideas, see our guide to black vs white picture frames.

How to Create a Gallery Wall Without Making Holes

If you’re renting or don’t want to drill into the wall, there are alternatives to traditional picture hooks.

Depending on the weight of your frames and the type of wall, removable hanging strips or other appropriate hanging solutions may be suitable.

Always check the manufacturer’s weight limit and make sure the fixing method is appropriate for both the frame and the wall surface.

For heavier frames, use a suitable permanent fixing rather than relying on a lightweight adhesive solution.

Gallery Wall Checklist

Before you start, make sure you have:

  • Your photographs or artwork
  • Frames in the appropriate sizes
  • A tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Spirit level
  • Measuring tape
  • Removable tape or paper templates
  • Appropriate wall fixings
  • A rough layout plan

Then:

  1. Choose your wall.
  2. Decide what you want to display.
  3. Measure the available space.
  4. Choose your largest frame.
  5. Select complementary smaller frames.
  6. Decide whether to match or mix colours.
  7. Arrange everything on the floor.
  8. Test the arrangement on the wall.
  9. Measure the spacing.
  10. Hang the frames.
  11. Step back and check the overall balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best layout for a gallery wall?

There isn’t one best layout. A grid works well for a neat, symmetrical appearance, while mixed-size or organic layouts create a more relaxed look. Choose the layout that suits your wall, furniture and photographs.

How far apart should picture frames be on a gallery wall?

Around 5–8 cm is a useful starting point. The ideal distance depends on your frame sizes and the overall arrangement. The most important thing is to keep the spacing reasonably consistent.

Should gallery wall frames match?

They don’t have to. Matching frames create a coordinated appearance, while mixed finishes can make the display feel more relaxed and personal. If you mix frame colours, keep another element consistent to create cohesion.

How many pictures should be on a gallery wall?

Anything from three or four frames to a much larger collection can work. Let the size of your wall determine the number rather than trying to reach a particular figure.

What size frames work best for a gallery wall?

Mixing sizes often produces the most interesting result. A larger frame such as 50 × 50 cm or 60 × 60 cm can provide a focal point, while smaller frames can be arranged around it.

Can I mix portrait and landscape frames?

Yes. Combining portrait, landscape and square photographs can make your gallery wall more dynamic. Plan the arrangement so the different orientations create a balanced overall shape.

What colour frames are best for a gallery wall?

It depends on your room and photographs. Black creates contrast, white feels clean and light, oak adds warmth, and rustic finishes can create a more traditional appearance.

Create Your Own Gallery Wall With PhotoFramed

A gallery wall should be more than a collection of pictures on a wall. It should reflect the people, places, and memories that matter to you.

Start with one photograph you love, choose a frame that gives it the attention it deserves, and build the rest of your display around it. Mix sizes where appropriate, keep your spacing consistent, and don’t be afraid to experiment before you start hanging.

Whether you’re looking for a large square centrepiece, smaller frames for family photographs or several different sizes for a complete feature wall, explore PhotoFramed’s picture frame collection to find frames in a range of sizes and finishes.

Your gallery wall doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.