How to Hang a Gallery Wall (Step by Step)

A gallery wall looks effortless when it’s done well — and chaotic when it isn’t. The secret is planning it on the floor (and on paper) before a single nail goes in.

Step 1 — Gather more than you need

Pull together 6–10 pieces in a loose palette. Mix sizes and orientations, but keep a common thread — a colour, a frame finish, or a theme — so it reads as a collection, not clutter.

Step 2 — Lay it out on the floor

1. 1Put your largest piece slightly off-centre as the anchor.
2. 2Build outward, alternating orientations and sizes.
3. 3Keep a consistent 5–8cm gap between every frame.
4. 4Aim for a rough overall rectangle or oval outline.

Step 3 — Trace paper templates

Trace each frame onto paper, cut it out, and tape the cut-outs to the wall with painter’s tape. Adjust until you’re happy, then hammer — marking each hook through the paper so you never guess.