How to

Create a Gallery Wall

Creating a gallery wall is simpler than you think! Put on some good music, get in a creative mindset, and we’ll take you through the process step-by-step.

You’ve probably seen amazing images of gallery walls online and wished that you could get the look in your home. Good news: you don’t need to be a pro interior designer to create a breathtaking gallery wall. Follow our step-by-step guide full of gallery wall ideas to get an insta-worthy look in your home.





STEP 1: CHOOSE ART PRINTS YOU LOVE


There’s only one golden rule for creating a gallery wall: you’ve got to love the art you choose! Whether that means choosing art prints in a wide range of bright colors, or going for a more neutral and low-key look, that’s all down to you. Go for a high-end, curated look, or add a few personal photographs to make your gallery wall unique.


Tip: consider art styles

Try balancing different types of art prints: maybe you want to mix your favorite quotation prints with some photography, adding botanical prints, classic art, or graphical art prints too, depending on your tastes.


Tip: consider the color scheme

As a rule of thumb, aim for two key colors as a theme for your gallery wall. When choosing these colors, it’s good to consider the color scheme of the room first. Select shades that harmonize with your wall color, furniture, and accessories.





STEP 2: FRAME YOUR ART


The type of frame you use can make a huge difference to the overall look of your gallery wall. A light frame will make the artwork pop, while a black frame creates contrast. Black frames are a classic choice for black & white photography prints.



Tip: keep frames the same

Usually, it’s best to frame all of the prints on your gallery wall in the same style. But it’s all your choice: if you’re going for an eclectic look, you can do this by mixing frame styles.





STEP 3: PLAN THE LAYOUT


While your framed art is still on the floor, take a few minutes and experiment with the placing. Focus on balancing the colors and art styles so that all the prints feel evenly mixed. If you have a print that will be the centerpiece of the gallery wall, start with this print and add prints around it.



Tip: use the paper in the frame to plan!

Ok, listen up, because this trick is guaranteed to solve all of your gallery wall dramas! Take the sheets of paper that come inside of your frames, and use these as a template for planning your layout. Arrange them on your wall using washi tape so that you can easily make adjustments and perfect the look.


Tip: consider the height of your gallery wall

A good rule is to place the center of your gallery wall around 145cm (4ft 9inches) above the floor. If you’re hanging above a bed or sofa, frames should hang at least 15cm (6 inches) above the furniture.


Tip: get the spacing right

Usually, we would recommend spacing the frame 5-10cm (2-4 inches) apart. Start with a 5cm (2 inch) spacing between frames and go from there to find the right feel for your room. You could also try hanging them closer together if your space is smaller - we’d recommend no closer than 3cm (around 1.5 inches).





STEP 4: FIX YOUR ART IN PLACE


When you’ve perfected the composition of your artwork, it’s time to get down to business. Use a measuring tape to find the center of each sheet of paper on the wall and mark it with a pencil. Measure the distance between the top of the frame and where your picture hook needs to be fixed, and make another small mark. Fix the picture hook using a hammer and nail.


Tip: straighten it out

Don’t sabotage the final look of your art by hanging frames unevenly! Once you’ve fixed the frame to the wall, use a spirit level to make sure that the frame is perfectly straight.


Tip: no nails? No problem!

If you’re living in rental accommodation, putting nails in the walls could land you in trouble. But that shouldn’t stop you from creating your dream gallery wall! Instead, use framing stickers that easily peel away when you’re done with them. You can discreetly add these to the side of the frame before mounting, instead of using picture hooks or hanging wire.





STEP 5: TAKE A STEP BACK


You’ve done it - take a step back and admire your creation! Share your look on social media (and use #Desenio for the chance to get featured on our socials) or invite friends over to show off the result! Beware though - everyone you know will be asking for help to create their own gallery wall look!