7 Must-Know Tips Before Hanging a Gallery Wall in Your Home

Thinking about adding a gallery wall to your space? Great choice! Gallery walls are a stylish way to showcase your personality, add visual interest, and fill those blank walls with purpose. But before you break out the hammer and nails, there are a few things you really need to know. Whether you’re a first-timer or just want to avoid common mistakes, here are 7 must-know tips that will make your gallery wall layout look curated—not chaotic. 1. Start With a Theme or Mood Do you want your space to feel cozy and nostalgic, bold and modern, or soft and minimal? Having a clear theme will help you choose the right art prints, canvas paintings, and even the frame style for your set. Not every piece has to match, but they should feel like they belong in the same conversation. Pro tip: If you’re using one of our pre-curated gallery wall sets, the theme is already harmonized for you! 2. Lay It Out on the Floor First Layout on the floor This is the golden rule. Before you commit to any holes in the wall, arrange your artwork on the floor in front of the intended wall space. This gives you a bird’s-eye view of spacing, balance, and flow. Want to level it up? Use paper cutouts the size of each frame and tape them on the wall to plan spacing. It’s a game changer. 3. Leave the Right Amount of Space Between Pieces Spacing can make or break a gallery wall. Too close and it feels cluttered, too far and it lacks cohesion. Here’s what proper spacing looks like. Correct 2–3 inch spacing between frames Frames placed too close together Too much space and your gallery wall feels disjointed. Too little and it feels cramped.Aim for 2 to 3 inches between each frame for the perfect balance. Bonus tip: Use painter’s tape and a ruler to keep your gaps even—it’s worth the extra few minutes! 4. Use the Right Frame Styles for Your Room Black Frame – Sleek and bold White Frame – Bright and minimal Wood Frame – Warm and rustic Gold Frame – Elegant and classy Black Frame + Mount – Gallery look Gallery Wrap – Sleek and frameless The frames matter just as much as the art. Here’s a cheat sheet: Black Frames: Bold and contemporary White Frames: Clean and coastal Natural Wood Frames: Warm and organic Gallery Wrap (no frame): Sleek and modern You can shop all of these frame options with our gallery wall sets at Nook At You. 5. Don’t Hang It Too High (Seriously) A common mistake: placing art too close to the ceiling.The center of your layout should be at eye level—around 57–60 inches from the floor.If it’s above a piece of furniture, keep the bottom frame about 6–8 inches above it. 6. Mix Up Sizes (But Keep It Balanced) A gallery wall looks best when there’s a mix of sizes—but with visual balance. Pair large canvas prints with smaller accent pieces. If your set includes a bold statement piece, center it and build around it with supporting pieces. 7. Stick to a Color Palette (Even Loosely) You don’t need to go matchy-matchy, but sticking to a consistent palette helps the entire wall feel intentional. That could be neutral tones, earthy textures, or bold pops of color. Looking for a set that already does all the styling work?Explore our ready-to-hang gallery wall sets featuring canvas prints, abstract wall art, and more! Final Thought: It’s Your Wall. Make It Yours. The best gallery walls aren’t just well-arranged—they’re personal. So feel free to break the rules, add a photo or two, throw in a quirky quote print, or mix frame styles if that’s your vibe. We’ve created our gallery wall sets at Nook At You to make it easier than ever to decorate like a pro—no guesswork, just stunning results.