Creating a gallery wall is all about careful planning. It can be a slow process and requires patience as it involves collecting pieces over time, selecting frames that work together, and arranging the works in a way that suits the space and looks cohesive.
I would even argue that it's better to sit with a blank wall than to rush and make purchases you don't love and don't truly resonate with you.
I can attest that the effort is worth it; a curated gallery wall can be a beautiful focal point in a room and a lovely expression of your personal narrative where each piece you've collected tells a story. The best part about a gallery wall is that you can blend an eclectic mix of pieces, from graphic prints to beautifully framed family photos or original artworks; they can all work together beautifully on a gallery wall. The art you hang on a gallery wall can grow and change with you over the years, and it's easy to swap pieces out or even expand.
Here are my tips for how to create a beautiful and cohesive gallery wall:
Image Source: Helm Cockle Bay designed by Five Foot One Design and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
1. COLLECT PIECES THAT YOU LOVE
Begin your journey by slowly collecting pieces that resonate with you.
Browsing through markets, vintage stores, and thrift shops can yield some hidden treasures that might be perfect for your collection. Additionally, visiting local galleries can expose you to a range of styles and artists that you may not have encountered otherwise. Following artists and illustrators you admire on Instagram can also be a fantastic way to stay updated on their latest work and find inspiration for your collection.
Remember, there's no need to rush the process of choosing and purchasing art! If you allow your collection to form organically over time, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how beautifully everything comes together. Platforms like Pinterest serve as excellent resources for finding inspiration and visualising how different pieces might interact with one another on your wall. I
2. CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION
Consider where you’ll enjoy the collection most. Above a sofa, along a hallway or beside a dining table are good starting points. A small apartment can suit a gallery wall just as well as a large home; you’re adding interest without taking up floor space.
Measure the available width and height, allowing for furniture, doorways, switches and lamps. Above furniture, treat the arrangement as one group and centre it over the piece below. Leave enough space above a sofa or bedhead so the frames don’t feel squeezed in.
Choose a position away from direct sunlight, damp conditions and heat sources, particularly for photographs and works on paper. Then note the dimensions of your chosen area before buying more pieces or ordering frames.
Image Source: Dahlia, located inside L.A Proper Hotel designed by Kelly Wearstler.
3. MIX YOUR SIZES & ORIENTATION
A mix of sizes helps a gallery wall feel collected over time. Start with a larger piece, then bring in medium and smaller works so the arrangement has variety. A cluster of two or three smaller frames can balance one larger work on the opposite side.
Combine portrait and landscape orientations rather than lining up every frame in the same direction. Try a horizontal piece beside a tall, narrow one, then use smaller works to connect them. I like mixing paintings, photographs and illustrations too; the differences give you more options when you start arranging.
You don’t need every possible size. A few changes in scale and orientation are enough to make the group interesting. If you prefer a formal grid, similar frame dimensions may suit that layout better.
4. CHOOSE YOUR FRAMES CAREFULLY
When selecting frames for your artwork, it's best to err on the side of simplicity. You want the focus to remain on the artwork rather than an elaborate or distracting frame. Consider visiting your local framer for expert advice on colour choices and mounting options; they have a wealth of knowledge that can help guide you in making the right decision.
A cohesive look can be achieved by selecting frames in the same colour or style, which helps tie your gallery wall together visually. This consistent approach enhances the overall aesthetic and allows the individual pieces to shine in their own right.
Taking the time to choose frames thoughtfully will significantly elevate the impact of your gallery wall, ensuring that it becomes a stunning focal point in your home.
Image Source: Dahlia, located inside L.A Proper Hotel designed by Kelly Wearstler.
5. PLAN YOUR ARRANGEMENT
Before you start, you have to have a plan! Mark your measured wall area on the floor with painter’s tape, then arrange the framed pieces inside it. For a grid, line up rows and columns with equal gaps. For a relaxed, salon-style arrangement, start with a larger piece and build around it.
That starting piece doesn’t have to sit in the exact centre. Move it slightly to one side if that helps the group feel balanced. I often use a shared horizontal line or align a few frame edges to give a mixed arrangement some structure.
Start with roughly 5cm between frame edges to avoid overcrowding, then adjust to suit the scale of the collection. Consistent gaps help connect the pieces, especially when their sizes differ.
Take photographs of two or three layouts. Seeing the group on your phone can make an awkward gap surprisingly obvious. If the arrangement still feels busy, try removing a piece before adding another.
6. CONSIDER COLOUR FLOW
With your arrangement on the floor, look at how colour moves across the group. If several pieces have strong colours or dark backgrounds, spread them out rather than placing them all on one side. A larger, darker work might be balanced by two smaller colourful pieces elsewhere.
Look for colours you can repeat in different places: a little red in a photograph might connect with a red detail in a painting. The shades don’t have to match exactly. Black-and-white photographs, pencil drawings or works with pale backgrounds can give the eye a pause between more colourful pieces.
Step back and check where your eye goes first. If one corner draws all the attention, swap a piece across the arrangement and compare. I aim for balance rather than perfect symmetry, keeping some variation so the collection still feels personal.
Image Source: By The Bay Residence designed and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
7. HANG EACH PIECE
Before fixing hooks, measure where each frame’s hanging point sits relative to its top edge. For a wire-hung frame, measure with the wire pulled taut. Transfer that position to the paper template; marking the top of the frame alone won’t tell you where the hook belongs.
Choose hardware rated for the frame’s weight and suitable for your wall. Hang your starting piece first, check it with a spirit level, then work outwards. Recheck the gaps as you go.
If you rent, check what fixings are permitted before hanging. Removable products can suit some lightweight frames, but follow their surface and weight instructions; they aren’t suitable for every wall or piece. An existing picture rail can offer another option.
8. ADD LIGHTING IF YOU CAN
Good lighting brings out the detail in your artwork and helps the gallery wall stand out, especially in the evening. Picture lights, wall sconces or a well-placed lamp can highlight the collection while adding warmth to the room.
Choose the lighting style to suit both the arrangement and the room. A picture light suits a main piece you want to draw attention to, while wall sconces can frame the group and spread light across the wall. For a flexible option, try an adjustable floor or table lamp nearby.
I like to repeat a finish already in the room, such as brass or black, to connect the fitting with the furniture and frames. A simple shape suits a busy gallery wall; a more decorative fitting can work when the arrangement is pared back. Adjustable or dimmable lighting lets you change the direction and intensity after dark. Check for glare on glazed frames before settling on the position.
Image Source: By The Bay Residence designed and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
9. STEP BACK AND ADJUST
Once everything is up, take a few steps back and look at the wall as a whole. Check for awkward gaps or areas where the colour and frames feel too heavy. A small change in spacing or swapping two pieces may be all it needs.
There’s no need to get every detail right on the first attempt, or to fill every gap straight away. I’d rather leave room for a future find than buy something simply to finish the wall.
You can swap pieces, add a photograph or expand the arrangement as your collection grows. That’s part of the pleasure: the gallery wall can change with you, bringing together things you’ve discovered and memories you want to keep close.
10. ENJOY THE PROCESS
Creating a gallery wall is a rewarding exercise that requires thoughtful planning and a patient approach. While it may take time to curate the perfect collection, the result - a beautiful, cohesive display that reflects your personal story- is well worth the effort. Taking the time to collect pieces you genuinely love ensures that each artwork holds meaning and significance, transforming your wall into a narrative of your life and interests.
The flexibility of a gallery wall allows for an eclectic mix of styles, from bold prints to cherished family photos, all harmonising in a unique arrangement. Remember, there's no rush; embrace the journey of collecting and arranging and enjoy the process of creating a space that evolves with you. By following these tips - starting slowly, choosing frames wisely, and planning your arrangement - you'll create a stunning gallery wall that enhances your home and serves as a vibrant expression of who you are.
READY TO CREATE YOUR OWN?
Start with the pieces you love, give yourself time to test the arrangement and let the collection grow. Some of my favourite combinations are the ones I wouldn’t have thought to put together until I saw them side by side.
Ready to add to your wall? Explore my collection of original artworks and wall sculptures at Kerrie-Ann Jones Gallery.
If you’d like help choosing pieces, working out scale or planning your layout, book a personalised 1:1 styling and design consultation. We can work through your collection together, online via Zoom or in person in Sydney, so you can move ahead with a clear plan. 
Image Source: Social House designed by H&E Architects and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
FAQ: CREATING A GALLERY WALL
How many pictures do I need for a gallery wall?
There’s no fixed number. Three to five pieces can be a manageable starting point for a small wall, while a larger area may suit more. Scale matters more than quantity: test the outside dimensions of the whole group before deciding you need another frame.
Can I mix original art, prints and family photographs?
Yes. A mix often makes the collection feel more personal. Look for a shared colour, frame finish or subject to connect the pieces. A family photograph doesn’t need to match a painting exactly to sit happily beside it.
Do gallery wall frames need to match?
No. Matching frames create order, particularly in a grid, while mixed frames suit a layered collection built over time. Repeat a few finishes across the arrangement so each frame feels connected to the others. Choose the frame for the work first, then review the group.
How far apart should gallery wall frames be?
About 5cm between frame edges is a useful starting point. Smaller pieces may suit closer gaps, while larger works may need more room. Keep the spacing consistent enough that the collection reads as one group; use paper templates to check before hanging.
How do I choose art for a gallery wall?
Start with pieces you enjoy, then consider the available space, your budget and how they look together. Mix sizes or mediums if you like, and look for one or two connections across the collection. Avoid buying a piece simply because it fills a gap. You can find my guide to choosing art for your home here.
Can I create a gallery wall in a rental?
Yes, provided you use a hanging method permitted for your home. Check the requirements for each fixing and frame weight. If wall fixings aren’t an option, try a collection on an existing picture ledge or shelf. You can find more creative display ideas here.
What can I try instead of a gallery wall?
Hang one larger piece, lean a framed work on a sturdy console or layer smaller pieces on a shelf. A wall sculpture is another option if you prefer a single focal point. My stylist-approved ways to use in your home offers more ideas beyond a gallery wall. I've also shared some creative ideas for display art here.
