Creating a Gallery Wall: The Complete Guide — from planning to perfect arrangement

A gallery wall is more than just a collection of pictures. It's a composition, an expression of your taste — and for many, the trickiest part of decorating a home. How do you hang multiple images without it looking chaotic? What spacing should you use? Which frames work together?

Don't worry. Creating a gallery wall is no secret. It's a craft — and it's one you can master. Here's how.

1. The Plan: Choose Your Centrepiece

Every successful gallery wall needs a focal point. This could be a large map poster, a treasured favourite piece, or an image that sets your colour palette. Everything else groups around this centrepiece.

Tip: Choose a map poster of a place that matters to you as your centrepiece — your hometown, a favourite holiday destination, where you met. It gives your whole wall a story.

2. The Arrangement: Symmetrical or Freeform?

There are two ways to create a gallery wall:

Symmetrical: Everything is precisely aligned, with equal spacing and matching frames. This feels calm, orderly, almost museum-like. Perfect for hallways, above sofas, or in dining rooms.

Freeform (organic): Images hang along an invisible axis, but with varying spacing and sizes. This feels livelier, more personal, more relaxed. Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms or home offices.

3. The Frame Rule: Unity in Variety

The simplest rule for a successful gallery wall: all frames in the same colour — but different sizes. This creates structure without feeling dull.

Tip: Black frames look modern and crisp, white frames let the images breathe, natural wood brings warmth. Choose one colour and stick with it.

4. Getting the Spacing Right

The golden spacing between images: 5 to 8 centimetres. For smaller formats (30×40 cm), 5 cm is enough; for larger ones (50×70 cm), 8 cm works well. Anything less looks cramped, anything more looks scattered.

5. The Height: Eye Level is No Myth

Hang your gallery wall's focal point at eye level — roughly 145 to 150 cm above the floor. Above a sofa, a different rule applies: the bottom edge of your images should sit about 15 to 20 cm above the sofa back.

6. The Selection: Mix Formats and Media

A gallery wall thrives on variety. Combine:

• One large map poster (61×91 cm) as an anchor
• Two to three medium formats (40×50 cm)
• Smaller formats or postcards (30×40 cm)
• Optional: a mirror, clock, or small shelf

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to create a personal, dynamic wall.

7. Test on the Floor, Hang on the Wall — and Don't Forget the Centrepiece

Before you drill: lay all your images on the floor. Play with the arrangement, swap positions, try different combinations. Once it works on the floor, transfer that arrangement to the wall.