How to Build a Gallery Wall: Step-by-Step Guide
, by Gustav Ortheden , 9 min reading time
Quick answer: Build a gallery wall in five steps: (1) measure your wall, (2) choose a layout, (3) cut paper templates in your poster sizes, (4) tape the templates to the wall and adjust until it looks right, (5) hang starting from the centre and work outward. Keep 5–8 cm (2–3 in) between frames for a balanced result.
This guide is for anyone who wants to create a gallery wall but isn't sure where to start. You'll get a clear step-by-step method, exact measurements, the four most common layouts, and tips for choosing prints that work together visually.
- Step 1 — Plan and measure
- Step 2 — Choose a layout
- Step 3 — Choose prints and sizes
- Step 4 — Test with paper templates
- Step 5 — Hang the prints
- Creating a cohesive look
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Checklist
- FAQ
Step 1 — Plan and Measure Your Wall
Start by measuring the space you're working with — note down the width and height. Then keep these three reference points in mind:
- Above a sofa: the total gallery wall width should be 2/3 of the sofa's width. For a 200 cm sofa, that means a gallery wall of approximately 130–140 cm wide. See our full guide: What size poster above a sofa?
- Centre of the composition: aim for the visual midpoint of the whole arrangement to sit at 145–150 cm from the floor — standard eye level for a standing adult
- Empty wall: no fixed constraints — but start by defining a maximum width and height that feels proportional to the room
Step 2 — Choose a Layout
There are four core gallery wall layouts. Choose one that matches your style and the size of your wall.
Grid
All posters in the same size, evenly spaced. Creates a structured, modern look. Requires precision when hanging. Works best in minimalist and Scandinavian interiors.
Example: 3 × 50×70 cm with 6 cm gaps, arranged horizontally above the sofa.
Salon / Organic Wall
Mixed sizes and irregular spacing. Creates a personal, artistic, dynamic feel. More forgiving of small measuring errors. Works well in bohemian and eclectic interiors.
Example: One 70×100 cm in the centre with 50×70 cm and 30×40 cm prints arranged around it.
Horizontal Row
A single row of prints aligned along the same top edge or centreline. Simple, elegant, and easy to hang straight. Ideal for narrow walls and hallways.
Example: 3 × 50×70 cm side by side with 5 cm gaps.
Triptych
Three identical prints in a row — a classic combination that always works. Can be three parts of a shared motif, or three separate prints in the same style and colour palette.
Example: Three botanical vintage prints at 50×70 cm with 4 cm gaps.
Step 3 — Choose Prints and Sizes
The key to a gallery wall that feels cohesive is making sure all prints share at least one of these three things:
- Colour palette — stick to 2–3 colours that recur across all prints
- Style — avoid mixing photography with line illustrations if you want a clean result
- Theme — botanics, nature, abstract, travel — a shared theme ties together even very different motifs
Good Size Combinations
| Number of prints | Size mix | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 3 prints | 3 × 50×70 cm | 3-seater sofa, narrow wall |
| 3 prints | 1 × 70×100 cm + 2 × 50×70 cm | Focal point with variation |
| 5 prints | 1 × 70×100 cm + 2 × 50×70 cm + 2 × 30×40 cm | Large wall, salon style |
| 4 prints | 4 × 50×70 cm (2×2 grid) | Square wall, modern look |
Odd numbers of prints (3, 5, 7) tend to look more natural than even numbers. The largest format works best in the centre of the composition as an anchor piece.
Step 4 — Test with Paper Templates
Never go straight to drilling. This step saves you from holes in the wrong places and delivers a much better final result.
- Cut paper to the exact size of each poster (including the frame if you're using one)
- Lay all the templates out on the floor and test the composition — move them around until it feels right
- Measure the actual gaps between templates on the floor and write them down
- Tape the templates to the wall with painter's tape — start from the centre and work outward
- Step back 3–4 metres and assess the overall look. Adjust before you drill
Tip: Mark the centre point of each paper template with a small cross — that's the point you measure from when deciding where to put the hook.
Step 5 — Hang the Prints
Once the paper test is approved, it's time to hang.
- Mark the hanging points directly through the templates' centre crosses with a light pencil dot
- Start from the centre — hang the central or largest print first and build outward
- Use a spirit level for each row to keep lines straight
- Keep 5–8 cm between frames — 5 cm gives a tight, curated feel; 8 cm gives more breathing room
- Carefully remove the tape from each paper template after the print is hung
Spacing Reference Table
| Gap between frames | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 cm | Tight, dramatic, gallery-like | Salon walls with many prints |
| 5–6 cm | Balanced, cohesive | Most gallery walls |
| 7–10 cm | Airy, minimalist | Grid layouts, modern interiors |
Creating a Cohesive Look
A gallery wall that feels considered usually follows at least one of these principles:
- Consistent frame colour — black, white, or wood throughout. Mix a maximum of two frame styles
- Shared colour tone — choose prints that share at least one recurring colour, such as earth tones, pastels, or monochrome
- Hierarchy — one clear "anchor piece" in the centre or largest format, with smaller prints arranged around it
- Style consistency — avoid mixing photography with illustrated prints if you want a clean result
Looking for prints that naturally work together? The Japandi collection and botanical vintage prints are designed to be combined.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Skipping the paper template test
The most common mistake — and the one that causes the most unnecessary holes in the wall. The test takes 15 minutes and saves hours of frustration.
2. Wrong scale for the wall
A gallery wall that's too small disappears against a large wall. Aim for the composition to cover at least half the wall's width — ideally 2/3 above sofas and beds.
3. Too many styles mixed together
Photography, illustrated prints, typography, and abstract motifs all on one wall creates visual noise. Choose one or two styles maximum and stick to them.
4. All prints in the same size
A gallery wall made up entirely of 50×70 cm prints can feel monotonous. Add one larger format (70×100 cm) as an anchor piece to create more visual movement.
5. Even number of prints
Four or six prints in a clean grid can look rigid. Odd numbers (3, 5, 7) create a more organic, naturally balanced arrangement.
Checklist Before You Start Hanging
- ☐ Measured the wall: ______ × ______ cm
- ☐ Chosen a layout: grid / salon / horizontal row / triptych
- ☐ Cut paper templates in all poster sizes
- ☐ Tested composition on the floor and noted the gaps
- ☐ Taped templates to the wall and stepped back to assess
- ☐ Marked the composition centre at 145–150 cm from the floor
- ☐ Confirmed spacing: 5–8 cm between frames
- ☐ Got a spirit level for straight lines
FAQ
How many posters do you need for a gallery wall?
There's no minimum — a gallery wall can be as few as 3 prints or as many as 15+. The most common arrangement above a 3-seater sofa uses 3–5 prints. Start small and add to it over time.
What spacing should you use between frames on a gallery wall?
5–8 cm is the standard range for most gallery walls. 5 cm gives a tight, curated feel suited to salon-style arrangements. 8–10 cm gives more breathing room and suits minimalist grids. Always keep the same spacing throughout a single composition.
Should all prints on a gallery wall have the same frame?
Not necessarily, but matching frames give the cleanest result. If you want to mix, limit yourself to two frame types — for example, black and natural wood. Avoid combining three or more different frame finishes in one composition.
How do you hang a gallery wall without drilling?
Use Command Strips (3M adhesive picture strips) for prints up to 3–4 kg. Always use more strips than the manufacturer's stated minimum for extra security. Note that large frames and heavy prints require drilling to stay secure over time.
Ready to build your gallery wall? Explore Framzio's full poster collection — every print is produced on archival paper with a colour guarantee and ships free from 217 SEK. With Buy 3, Pay for 2, building a complete composition costs less than you'd expect.
