How to Create a Gallery Wall with Art Prints: A Complete Guide

Gallery walls have become a popular way to showcase art and express your personal style. Whether you're decorating a new space or refreshing a room's vibe, a well-designed gallery wall adds character, depth, and a bit of flair to any interior. So, how can you create a gallery wall with art prints that truly wows? Stick around because we're about to break it all down!

Why a Gallery Wall?

Let's be real—gallery walls are everywhere these days, and for good reason! They’re a brilliant way to:

• Showcase multiple pieces of art without overwhelming your space.
• Mix and match different styles, colors, and frames to reflect your personality.
• Easily update or rearrange your wall art without starting from scratch.

Now that we've hyped up the benefits, let's get into how you can make your own gallery wall look like a pro put it together.

Step 1: Choose Your Art Prints

First thing’s first: picking your art prints. This is the foundation of your gallery wall, so choose wisely! You can stick to a theme, such as:

• Botanical prints for a fresh, natural feel.
• Abstract art for a modern, edgy look.
• Photography prints for a more personal, reflective touch.

Alternatively, you can mix and match different types of art to give your wall some extra personality. Don’t be afraid to mix genres—just aim for balance. For example, pairing a bold abstract piece with a soft watercolor print can create a dynamic yet cohesive look.

Pro Tip: Start with a focal point—your largest or most striking piece—and build around it. This will serve as the anchor for your entire wall.

Step 2: Decide on a Layout

Now that you’ve selected your prints, it’s time to figure out how you’ll arrange them on the wall. The key here is planning before you start hammering!

Here are a few classic layouts to consider:

• The Grid: Symmetry lovers, this one’s for you! Arrange your prints in a neat, orderly grid for a clean, polished look. All the frames should be the same size and evenly spaced.

• The Salon Style: This approach is all about an eclectic mix. Use different-sized prints and frames, and arrange them organically, almost like puzzle pieces fitting together. This style works great if you have a lot of prints in varying sizes.

• The Linear Layout: Align your art prints in one or more horizontal or vertical lines. This simple arrangement brings order to any space while still allowing you to display multiple pieces.

Pro Tip: Before putting any nails in the wall, lay your frames on the floor to get a sense of the layout. Play around with spacing until you’re happy with the arrangement.

Step 3: Frame Your Art Prints

Choosing the right frames is crucial to pulling off a polished gallery wall. The right frame can enhance your art prints and make your whole display look more cohesive.

Here’s what to consider when framing:

• Consistency: For a minimalist look, keep all the frames the same color and material. Black, white, or natural wood frames are timeless and versatile.

• Variety: If you’re going for a more eclectic style, don’t be afraid to mix frame colors, styles, and finishes. Just be sure to create balance—if one frame is particularly bold, make sure it doesn’t overpower the others.

• Matting: Adding a mat around your print can give the artwork a more professional look and draw more attention to the art itself.

Step 4: Measure and Hang

Now that you've got your prints and frames ready, it’s time to get them on the wall. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Measure the Wall Space: Before hanging anything, measure your wall space to ensure your gallery wall fits well within the area. Aim for the middle of the gallery to be at eye level—about 57 to 60 inches from the floor.

2. Start with the Focal Piece: Remember that focal point we talked about? Hang that first. It’s your anchor piece, so place it centrally or in the spot that makes the most sense based on your layout.

3. Work Outward: Once the focal piece is up, start adding your other prints around it. For salon-style gallery walls, vary the spacing between frames, but generally aim for 2 to 4 inches apart. This spacing keeps things visually appealing without making the wall feel overcrowded.

4. Use Painter’s Tape: If you’re worried about getting the spacing or alignment just right, use painter’s tape to mark where the frames will go before you start hanging. It’s an easy, removable guide that can save you time (and unnecessary holes).

Pro Tip: If you’re hanging a gallery wall above furniture, leave some breathing room. A gap of about 8 to 10 inches between the bottom of the frames and the top of the furniture looks just right.

Step 5: Adjust and Admire

Once all your prints are up, take a step back and assess your work. Is everything aligned? Is there a good balance between colors and styles? If something feels off, don’t be afraid to adjust.

Now, all that’s left is to admire your stunning new gallery wall!

Final Thoughts: Your Gallery Wall Is a Personal Masterpiece

The beauty of a gallery wall is that it’s a reflection of you—your style, your tastes, and your creativity. It’s ever-evolving, so feel free to switch things up whenever you feel like it. Add new prints, change the frames, or rearrange the layout as your collection grows.

Building a gallery wall is more than just decorating; it’s curating a personal gallery that speaks to who you are. So, go ahead and get creative—your walls are ready for it!