A gallery wall can be an amazing way to decorate a room and display some of your favorite pieces. There are many opportunities for creativity with a gallery wall, so no matter your style or aesthetic, don’t forget to have fun with this project! If you’re feeling like you don’t know where to start, here are a few tips to help guide you through the process.

Make a plan

Although many gallery walls look organic and have a fun, just-threw-this-together look, making it feel cohesive involves some careful planning first. Start by laying out the pieces you want to use, either on a large floorspace, or by using painter’s tape on your wall to map out the size and location of the art you want to use. A good place to begin is identifying your key anchor pieces (often the largest ones), then building around them with smaller additions.

Consider size and scale

Having varying sizes can create visual interest and make your layout feel thoughtful and intentional. Using larger pieces to build upon, play with scale to see which pieces look good, not only with each other, but with the amount of space available. If you have a large wall, don’t shy away from larger art! If you have a more narrow space, consider scaling down to a few special, smaller treasures.

Mix and Match

Gallery walls are a great time to think outside the box. Don’t limit your wall to just traditional works of art. Have fun with different decor objects like mirrors, clocks, or even some of your favorite records or book covers. Experiment with horizontal and vertical alignments, or even try a standout shape like a circle or oval to add an element of surprise.

Leave room to breathe

Negative space is a key component of any successful gallery wall. Grouping pieces too tightly together can look cluttered and chaotic, while having too much space between art can feel disjointed. As a general rule, leave at least a few inches of breathing room between your items, and keep that measurement of space consistent throughout the wall.

Stick with one focal wall

A gallery wall can be a beautiful and exciting way to display art and objects, so keep it centralized by limiting each room to only one. This will ensure the focus of the room is clear, and will keep the visuals of the space dynamic but not overwhelming.

Make it personal

Have fun expressing your personal style and interests on your wall. If you love a funky, eclectic look, try mixing different frames and textures to make the pieces pop. Want a more formal, sleek feel? Use matching frames and matting, or go for a monochromatic or black and white color scheme to tie pieces together. Consider the end result to read as one large work of art, so make sure it reflects your aesthetic and feels true to your design sense.

6 Tips For Hanging a Gallery Wall