Creating Gallery Wall with Art Prints

A gallery wall is one of the most expressive ways to decorate a home. It lets you gather artworks you love, mix formats and moods, and turn a simple wall into a focal point full of personality. With a thoughtful approach, you can create a display that feels curated, balanced, and beautifully intentional—just like in a gallery.

Choosing the Right Space

The first step is deciding where your gallery wall will live. Some of the most successful displays are placed in areas where the eye naturally lands: above a sofa, in an entryway, along a staircase or behind a bed. Choose a wall that isn’t overcrowded with other elements and allows the artworks to breathe. A gallery wall works best when it becomes the visual anchor of the room.

Finding Your Style and Palette

Before selecting your art prints, take a moment to define the mood you want to create. Some people prefer monochrome compositions for a minimalist, Scandinavian atmosphere; others are drawn to warm, earthy tones such as the palette found in pieces like Terra. If you want something more energetic, you can embrace vibrant colours or abstract forms. Mixing styles is absolutely fine as long as there is a unifying thread. This could be a colour family, a theme, or even the framing style you choose.

Selecting the Art Prints

A gallery wall feels more interesting when it combines different sizes and orientations. Most compositions work best with one or two larger prints that act as the “anchors,” surrounded by smaller pieces that add rhythm and variation. Try to bring together artworks that complement one another without looking too uniform. A mix of detailed illustrations, minimal lines, soft textures or photography creates a beautiful dialogue on the wall.

If you prefer an elegant, cohesive look, choose the same frame material for all pieces—oak, black, white or metal. If you want something more eclectic and bohemian, mixing different frames can work very well as long as the overall harmony remains.

Planning the Layout

Before drilling any holes, take the time to play with the arrangement. Many designers start by placing all the framed artworks on the floor, experimenting with spacing and relationships between pieces. Another effective method is creating paper templates: trace each frame on a sheet of paper, cut them out and tape them to the wall. This allows you to adjust, step back, and refine the composition until it feels perfectly balanced.

Try keeping a consistent rhythm. Spacing of three to six centimetres often looks refined, and aligning the overall composition around eye level—roughly 145 to 155 centimetres from the floor—creates a natural flow. If the gallery sits above a piece of furniture such as a sofa or console, leave a comfortable gap between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the lowest frame so the arrangement feels anchored rather than floating.

Choosing the Right Hanging Height

It’s surprisingly common to hang art too high. A gallery wall should feel connected to the room, not isolated near the ceiling. Let the central artwork sit at eye level and build the rest of the composition around it. The goal is to make the wall feel cohesive and easy for the eye to travel across.

Combining Different Frame Sizes

The largest frame often serves as the starting point, acting as the visual centre of gravity for the whole wall. Smaller formats can then be positioned around it to create balance. Try not to group small prints all together in a corner; instead, spread them to create movement and avoid visual heaviness on one side. A mixture of portrait and landscape orientations adds energy to the composition and keeps the eye engaged.

Preparing and Framing the Art Prints

Since you are working with art prints—especially giclée prints printed on cotton paper—the framing stage is crucial. Begin by cleaning the glass or plexiglass thoroughly. A perfectly clean surface makes an enormous difference in the final result. Remove dust from the print using a soft brush, and avoid touching the printed surface directly.

Place an acid-free protective sheet between the print and the backing board to prevent marks, humidity transfer or future discoloration. Once the print is centered and framed, seal the back with a gummed kraft tape, moistened lightly with a sponge. This creates a neat, professional finish and protects the artwork from dust and insects over time.

Installing the Prints

When it’s time to hang the artworks, take your time. A small adjustment can make a big difference in the final effect. Use a level to keep your lines clean and make sure the composition stays harmonious. Heavy frames should go first, acting as structure for the rest of the wall, and lighter pieces can be added around them.

Adding Depth and Personality

Once your gallery wall is in place, you can enrich it with small decorative touches if you wish. A narrow shelf with a leaning print, a small mirror, a ceramic piece or a picture light above the arrangement can add dimension and give the whole display a warm, lived-in character.

Letting Your Gallery Evolve

A gallery wall doesn’t have to be static. You can add new prints over time, rotate artworks seasonally, or refresh the arrangement when your taste evolves. The most beautiful gallery walls are living compositions that grow and transform with their owner.

Final Thoughts

Creating a gallery wall is one of the most rewarding ways to bring art into your living space. With a thoughtful selection of prints, careful framing and a balanced layout, your wall becomes more than decoration—it becomes a story, a rhythm, a reflection of your aesthetic and personality. Whether your style is minimalist, warm, eclectic or refined, the magic lies in curating artworks that resonate with you and arranging them with intention.