Skip to main content
Updated 6/10/22
Gallery walls have been very popular over the last several years, and it’s no wonder. We will briefly explain the reason behind gallery walls’ popularity and break down the most popular layouts.
For a deeper dive and practical guide to planning your own gallery wall including step-by-step instructions, check out our complete Gallery Wall Guide.
Gallery Walls are Versatile
Gallery walls are versatile enough to fill in that awkward wall space at the base of your staircase or they can make a huge statement over the couch as the focal point in the living room. Small spaces, large spaces and everything in between, gallery walls can be configured in many different ways to fit your space. You can hang as few as 3-5 framed prints up to as many as your heart desires!
If you are looking for staircase gallery wall planning, check out our popular blog Staircase Gallery Wall Tips.
Shop the look: California Minimal Gallery Wall
Shop the look: Signature World Collection
Gallery Walls Offer Personalization
Gallery walls allow your personal creativity to shine and can offer a way to express your interests, preserve memories, and display what makes you unique! We have seen fun pairings of mixed media- graphic art, black and white photography prints, paintings, abstract art prints, personal photos, vintage postcards, even movie ticket stubs and airline tickets. The beauty of gallery walls is that you can keep adding to it over the years as you collect more memories and more art.
Gallery Walls Work with Various Decor Styles
Those with eclectic taste are probably most naturally drawn to the mix and match motif of gallery walls, but that does not mean that other decor styles cannot be represented with well planned out gallery walls.
For a modern or mid-century modern decor styles, try narrow black or natural wood frames with a mix of photography prints and abstract art. For contemporary and minimalist, clean white frames and mats work well. A theme of barnwood frames instantly creates a rustic feel. Gold and champagne frames of various styles can be chic and contemporary. Whatever the interior design style you are going for, gallery walls can be complementary with the right frames, mats and prints.
Shop the look: fine art prints by Maryanne McGuire
What are some gallery wall layouts?
For some inspiration, we have included staged rooms representing some of the more popular gallery wall layouts.
First, decide if you prefer symmetrical or organic layouts (otherwise known as salon wall). Let's take a look at some examples of each.
SYMMETRICAL
Think clean and modern, organized and linear. Symmetrical gallery walls often contain large matts and small or midsize prints. We will go over 4 different types of symmetrical layouts. Diagrams of each type are included in our free downloadable Gallery Wall Planning Guide.
- GRIDS of 6, 9 or 12 are clean and cover some serious surface area.
Shop the look: California Minimal Gallery Wall
2. REFLECTIONS have a “horizon” between the top and bottom row. They can either mirror top to bottom perfectly, or be somewhat asymmetrical.
Shop the look: Wanderlust Gallery Wall Collection
3. TAPERED gallery walls have a larger focal piece in the center and taper down on each side.
Shop the look: fine art matted prints by Roy Kerckhoffs
4. PICTURE LEDGES can be symmetrical (or not), layering larger pieces in the back and smaller in front.
Shop the look: Maryanne McGuire Matted Prints
ORGANIC
Here are 4 types of organic gallery walls. Diagrams of each type are included in the free Gallery Wall Planning Guide.
- THEMED PRINTS + MATCHING FRAMES. A themed collection of prints with the same style and color frames.
Shop the look: Serenity Gallery Wall Collection
2. THEMED PRINTS + MIXED FRAMES. A themed collection of prints with a mix of frame styles and colors or frameless.
Shop the look: San Diego Vibes Gallery Wall Collection
3. MIXED PRINTS, MATCHING FRAMES. An eclectic print collection with the same color and style frames to add unity.
Shop the look: Fine art prints by John Scanlan
4. MIXED PRINTS, MIXED FRAMES. An eclectic collection of prints paired with mixed frames. Done well, this collection of mixed media, mixed frames, mixed colors and themes, somehow creates an end result that has a certain unexplainable je ne sais quoi quality.
Shop the look: fine art prints La Vie est Belle, Cafe Arcade, Two Towers
Ready to hang your own gallery wall? Before you take a hammer and nail to your walls, check out the Gallery Wall Guide to help you plan and map out your gallery wall. It contains more layout diagrams, inspiration pictures, and handy hanging, framing and lighting tips and guidelines.
Explore our most popular collections below:
See something you like but not sure how it will look on your wall at home? Learn about our free Try Before You Buy offer.
Subscribe to our Newsletter and join our community of photo art lovers and home decorators!