How to Hang a Gallery Wall: Expert Tips for an Aesthetically Balanced and Contemporary Display.
A well designed gallery wall also known as a picture wall or salon hang can transform a plain expanse into a powerful visual statement. Whether you're showcasing art, photographs, or sentimental items, a gallery wall adds personality and sophistication to any space. But to achieve that polished, cohesive look, it takes more than simply hammering a few nails into the wall and hoping for the best.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to hang a gallery wall the right way, from planning and layout to spacing and style, so you can create an eye catching feature in your home or workplace with confidence.
Gallery walls can really elevate a space, creating a dynamic and playful way to display your artworks.
Why Choose a Gallery Wall?
Gallery walls allow you to:
Showcase a personal collection of art, prints, or photos
Mix different frame styles, colours, and artwork types
Add dimension to living rooms, staircases, bedrooms, or hallways
Incorporate non traditional elements like textiles, mirrors, ceramics and sculptures
Whether your style is modern minimalism or more arty and creative, a gallery wall can be tailored to suit your aesthetic.
How to Hang a Gallery Wall
1. Start with a Plan
Before reaching for a hammer, start by planning the layout. This step is crucial to avoid mistakes and create a layout that flows naturally.
Tips for planning:
Lay all your pieces on the floor and test different arrangements, marking out the height and width of the wall on the floor.
Create paper cutouts of your frames to stick on the wall with masking tape.
Consider your wall’s size, adjacent furniture, and height.
Think about balance, this doesn't necessarily mean symmetry. Instead, aim for a visual flow that allows the eye to travel smoothly across the wall.
2. Choose Your Artwork
Your gallery wall can be uniform (same size, colour scheme, and frames) or eclectic (a mix of styles, textures, and dimensions). Both styles can work well, depending on your space.
Popular combinations include:
Family photos in matching black frames
A mix of contemporary prints, vintage finds, and souvenirs
Framed textiles, plates, or 3D elements like small sculptures
Use a unifying theme, such as frame colour, art subject, or tone, to keep things visually cohesive.
3. Create a Focal Point
Choose one piece to act as the anchor of your gallery wall. This is usually the largest or boldest piece, and it should ideally sit at eye level, around 1.6 metres from the floor.
Placing the focal piece slightly off centre can add visual interest and avoid making your arrangement feel too rigid.
4. Consider Orientation and Shape
To add energy and movement, mix horizontal and vertical frames. Integrate round, oval, or even irregularly shaped items to soften harsh lines and create visual intrigue.
Consider the furniture, light fittings and door frames in your space, so that the art works in harmony with everything.
5. Nail the Layout
There are multiple layout options:
Grid layout: Perfect for uniform pieces and a clean, formal look.
Salon style: Eclectic, playful, and full of personality, ideal for mixing frame types and artwork sizes.
Linear arrangements: Great for above a sofa, bed, or along a hallway.
Spacing matters:
Keep 4–10cm between pieces.
Larger frames = wider spacing.
Stay consistent with gaps to maintain harmony.
Leave adequate space between the wall edges, ceiling, and furniture.
6. Time to Hang
Now that you're confident in your arrangement, it’s time to hang.
Options:
DIY: Use wall-safe hooks or picture rail systems if you're comfortable.
Professional installation: Hiring a picture hanging service ensures your gallery wall is securely mounted, properly spaced, and leaves your walls damage free especially for staircases, high walls, or heavy pieces.
The experts get it right first time and every time. Measure twice, drill once is the motto.
Gallery Wall Hanging Tips from the Experts
Mix big and small: Don’t be afraid to combine bold, chunky frames with more delicate ones.
Mark furniture height: Know where sofas, sideboards or beds sit to place your art at the right height.
Step back and assess: View your layout from multiple angles and distances before committing.
Use shelves or ledges: For unframeable or 3D objects, consider a slim shelf among your frames.
Don't overcrowd: Leave breathing room between frames for a clean, curated look.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Nailing into the wall before finalising the layout:
✅ Use paper templates to visualise your design first
Overloading your space with too many gallery walls:
✅ Limit to one gallery wall per room to maintain impact
Ignoring visual weight:
✅ Balance darker, heavier pieces with lighter ones across the layout
Can You Have More Than One Gallery Wall in a Room?
Generally, it’s best to limit to one gallery wall per room. Multiple busy walls can overwhelm the space and diminish the effect of your artwork. If you have too many pieces, consider a rotating display or seasonal updates to your gallery wall instead.
Need Help Hanging Your Gallery Wall in London?
Feeling inspired but unsure where to start? Gilbert Art Services offers expert picture hanging solutions throughout London and surrounding areas. From design consultations to secure installations on any wall type, our professional team ensures your gallery wall is safe, stylish, and perfectly balanced.
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