Skip to main content

4 huge mistakes the experts say you’re making with your gallery wall

If you have a large wall and you want more from it than just a space to hang a single framed piece of art or mirror, gallery walls are the way to go. If you’re not familiar with the concept, a gallery wall is a combination of pictures, frames, decor, or prints hung in one central space. They pack a ton of punch when it comes to character and texture on your walls, and they can be an ideal place to showcase your favorite photos and more.

If you’re considering a gallery wall and don’t know where to start, we have experts that are here to help. While it may seem fairly easy because you’re hanging a collection of items, there are some general rules to keep in mind to make sure it looks polished and put together.

gallery wall above bed with black and white frames and small mirror
Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Don’t begin hanging decor up until you know what you’ve got

One common mistake is to start a gallery wall without a solid plan for how large you want it to be or how many items you’ll be using. This can lead to too many or too few items being hung, which can throw off the look of the wall. Saloni Ingle, an interior design architect at Nitido Design, says first things first when hanging either a set of prints to go into a gallery or various items you bring together on your own.

Recommended Videos

“Begin amassing a collection of your favorite items, such as original paintings, handcrafted prints, and photographs,” she advises. “Consider the size of your potential collection as well as the layout you desire as you begin collecting.”

If you don’t have a good idea of the scope, it’s hard to measure it out correctly. Ingle said a good place to start if you’re unsure is to “measure the length of your wall and spread out your collection on the floor. Take a step back and take a look at them all at once” to make sure the arrangement looks even.

gallery wall with lamp and dresser
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Don’t be afraid to let your personality show

Another common mistake is hanging too few pieces on the wall. A gallery wall is meant to be bold and daring and full of things that are meaningful to you.

“A gallery wall’s charm is that it can readily adjust to fill a large wall and make a statement,” Ingle explains. As such, it should be filled with pieces that are near and dear to you.

“Showcase artwork that has meaning for you or is a collection of your favorite pieces,” Ingle says. This can include framed photos from a family vacation, a piece of art you picked up on your travels, or a print passed down through generations.

Pay attention to height

Another common mistake to avoid is hanging your pictures and frames too high. “The first thing before hanging paintings and posters on the wall is to identify a location at eye level,” explains Natasha Frolova, an interior designer at Planner 5D. “It is the most appropriate option, as pictures hung too high are hard to make out, while hung too low, paintings and posters are difficult to percept.”

Ingle agrees and recommends hanging artwork “five to eight inches above a focal point such as a sofa, console, or sideboard.”

bed with gallery wall

Consider symmetry in your design

Besides height, symmetry is also important. If you’re hanging paintings of the same size, “Symmetry is the key factor to consider,” said Frovola. “Paintings must be placed symmetrically” with “the same distance between each other.” She adds that “it is important to consider the size and shape of furniture to make all objects stay connected.”

If you’re hanging pictures of different sizes, Frovola says, you need to have the core element. That central piece “is in charge of the entire composition” and the smaller ones “obey” to fill out the rest of the wall.

A gallery wall is a stunning way to show pieces that are meaningful to you in an interesting and fun way. While you can hang matching pictures and frames, we love the idea of changing things up and adding frames in mixed metals and wood. This combination of different textures and colors makes the wall look and feel less formal (if that’s appealing to you). If you go this route, it’s best to hang an odd number of frames. If you’re looking for something more formal and uniform, try an even number of pieces in similar-colored frames.

The great thing about gallery walls is they speak to your individual personality and aesthetic. They are a great way to take up space and create a focal point in a living room or bedroom. They can be as colorful or neutral as you prefer; the goal is to feel good when you look at your wall.

Julie Scagell
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
How to do modern farmhouse decor right
Warm neutrals, reclaimed woods, vintage touches, and a minimalist aesthetic
Rustic glam farmhouse-styled dining room

Modern farmhouse design exudes a rugged yet refined look that many homeowners adore. As one of the staple design styles in domestic interiors, modern farmhouse takes a fresh spin on the rustic, cozy look of typical farmhouse designs. Warm neutrals, reclaimed woods, vintage touches, and a minimalist aesthetic aid this design and make it appealing to many. So, how do you achieve the perfect look with modern farmhouse decor? Here are our tips.
What is modern farmhouse style?

Modern farmhouse style is one of the most popular design aesthetics today. It features a blend of rustic, classic farm home touches with fresh, light, modern decor. The modern farmhouse style is known for its neutral color palettes, metallic accents, and natural textures. Raw and reclaimed wood, exposed beams, barn doors, wrought iron, and airy tones are common in this interior design.
Is modern farmhouse still in style?

Read more
Should you get bamboo flooring? The pros and cons to know
What is bamboo flooring? How is bamboo different from hardwood? This is what you need to know
Oak wood flooring in living room

Bamboo flooring offers your home a fresh and natural aesthetic. Many homeowners adore the light color, which feels airy and welcoming in any space. Others favor how sustainable bamboo flooring is over alternative flooring solutions. But what is bamboo flooring? How is it different from hardwood flooring?

We share the bamboo flooring pros and cons you need to know to decide if this is the best solution for your home.
What kinds of bamboo flooring are there?

Read more
The biggest do’s and don’ts for a monochromatic color scheme in your home
Follow these tips and tricks if you want a monochrome color palette
Dark green monochrome color palette for living room design

Monochromatic color schemes create a sense of elegance and sophistication in many homes. For homeowners looking to take a minimal approach to home design and to express their unique style in a luxurious yet straightforward way, monochrome is the way to go.

If you're interested in this color palette or want to achieve a monochromatic aesthetic, then there are a few do's and don'ts that you need to be aware of. So, today we're covering all the tips and tricks for pulling off a successful monochromatic color scheme to help you make your design a success.
Do pick a base color

Read more