An empty wall is like a blank canvas. There are so many amazing ways to decorate it and tell a story and one of the most popular techniques is creating a gallery wall. There are endless ways to arrange pictures on your wall. Creating an eye-catching gallery wall using different sized frames or incorporating your favorite artwork into a wall collage can quickly become challenging. Happily, we’ve created an amazing interactive guide filled with 85 free gallery wall ideas from bloggers and DIY experts.
Whether you are looking for some picture hanging ideas for your wedding photos, a small photo wall in your living room or gallery walls of your favorite artwork, our guide has you covered. Tell a story with your photos and turn your empty wall into a work of art.
For more inspiration, watch a quick video on how to make a gallery wall and add even more personality to your space
Instructions: Click through the buttons below to sort by category. Click the photo for a larger view.
Have a large living room or bedroom wall in need of some decor? A gallery wall is the perfect option to include all of your favorite photos while making a statement. You can opt to keep everything uniform in modern black frames or stick with a photo theme, like black and white. Or be inspired by your large canvas and include all your favorite photos from past and present. There isn’t a wrong way to take advantage of an empty wall—see our ideas below for more inspiration.
If you’re living in a small apartment or studio, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on decor. Adding a gallery wall to your small space means you spend less time decorating other parts of your home—this focal point will do all the work for you! Try varying sizes of photos, like a large landscape photo that complements smaller portraits. We’ve compiled more photo gallery wall ideas below.
Photos are a natural fit for gallery walls as a way to showcase your favorite people, places and things. You can set a theme for a photo gallery, like your wedding photos or photos or family, or try the abstract route by showcasing your favorite artists. You can hang all your photos in uniform frames or get creative and try different shapes and materials. Our photo gallery wall ideas below are sure to get your creative juices flowing.
If you have a growing collection of prints and artwork, display it proudly in a unique gallery wall. Your visitors will love seeing the art you’ve collected over the years, like mementos from past vacations or special gifts from friends. Think outside of just prints and paintings, include small sculptures or instruments to add dimension and intrigue to your display.
If you have more decor that you can keep track of, organize all your favorite pieces in a simple gallery wall. You can create a cohesive gallery wall that tells a story or simply color coordinate with your best pieces of art. Make it fun for your and your guests by including photos of them alongside memories from the past. Below we’ve gathered some ideas for any type of home decor enthusiast.
Framed photos makes a classic gallery wall that will never go out of style. But just because you’re hanging pictures doesn’t mean you can’t get creative. Use frames that are all the same shape, but in varying colors. Or think outside the box and collect vintage frames in varying shapes and sizes. Whatever you choose, it’ll make for a great support for your pictures.
Can you not pick between a framed or mix gallery wall? Who says you have to choose! The best gallery wall is one that incorporates all sorts of artwork seamlessly. Hang your favorite family photo beside a trinket from your summer vacation. Or hang vintage photos in a safe frame while other prints mix so you can swap them out on a regular basis. Mix and match as your go—and check out our ideas below for more inspiration.
You don't need to hang images to create gallery wall. Utilize a fireplace or bookcase to layer artwork.
Photo credit: Shutterfly
Take collection of your favorite photos together to add to a small reading nook.
Photo credit: Shutterfly
The orange flowers and colored photo on the dresser in front of this black and white photo collage add a lovely and subtle bit of color to the room.
Photo credit: Mothers Niche
Add fun borders to your photos for a frameless gallery wall that still feels cohesive.
Photo credit: Shutterfly
Pick photos from all stages of life for a gallery wall that grows with your family.
Photo credit: Shutterfly
If you’re using pictures with muted colors in your gallery wall, try contrasting them with bold black and brown frames.
Source: The Everygirl
Photo credit: Danielle Moss
Show photos of all the people and things that you love in a heart-shaped gallery display. To make the wall pop, try using some colorful photos.
Photo credit: Sarah Hearts
Think outside of the box and use paper clips instead of frames to hang your artwork (without making holes!).
Photo credit: Shutterfly
To display your photos in a fun and different way, make a collage of colorful photos on your computer. Print out your photos on one sheet of paper, and hang them up for all to see.
Photo credit: Jenna Burger
Family photos with cheery yellow backgrounds are a great choice for a colorful gallery wall.
Photo credit: The House of Smiths
Abstract art is a creative choice for a gallery wall. You can also surround your abstract piece with some of your favorite photos of family and friends.
Photo credit: Endlessly Elated
For a modern look, go black and white with your gallery wall. To add a little color, place a small plant next to your images.
Photo credit: Passion Shake
Create a gallery wall that’s pretty in pink by using different pink watercolor paintings. You can also add a modern element by using some gold accents.
Photo credit: Decorating Cents
If you’re looking for gallery wall ideas for nurseries, check out this lovely display, featuring framed gold footprints and some sweet quotes.
Photo credit: Diary of a DIYer
If you’re using shelves for your gallery wall, try creating a pyramid display, with a row of photos on the bottom shelf and just a couple large photos on the top shelf.
Photo credit: Be Pretty
Add a glamorous touch to botanical illustrations by placing the illustrations in gold frames.
Photo credit: Delightfully Noted
For a rustic gallery wall, try using vintage decorations, like an antique bike and distressed signs that say your favorite quotes.
Photo credit: The Hankful House
Transform your room into a beautiful rustic farmhouse by using a distressed white frame and vintage signs and decorations.
Photo credit: Little Vintage Nest
If there’s a quote you love or that is especially meaningful to you, try making it the focal point of your wall, like this gallery wall does.
Photo credit: The Schmidt Home
Add a scientific and beautiful element to your gallery walls by using vintage illustrations of botanicals.
Photo credit: Imagine Great Living
If you love flowers, consider making a floral gallery wall featuring paintings of flowers in all different styles, from Impressionistic to Modern.
Photo credit: Carla Bethany
Photo ledges are a great choice if you’re planning on frequently swapping out your pictures and decorations.
Source: Landeelu
Photo credit: A Girl and a Glue Gun
Go old-school with your gallery wall by using Polaroid photos. To make the photos really pop, place them on blocks.
Source: Home DIT
Photo credit: A Joyful Riot
A display of bright photos of pink and white flowers will make your living room feel like a garden in springtime.
Photo credit: All Things Thrifty
A natural wooden frame and a bright blue picture add a lovely pop of color to a white wall.
Photo credit: Almost Makes Perfect
For an inspirational and heartwarming display, try printing out a few of your favorite quotes and surrounding them with photos of family and friends.
Photo credit: April Go Lightly
This creative photo collage is easy to make – just trim your photos into 4x4 squares and then arrange them until they look perfect to you.
Source: Digital Mom Blog
Photo credit: Ashley Ann Photography
Give your Lego-loving little boy the gallery wall of his dreams by hanging up a shelf that displays all of his favorite Lego people.
Photo credit: Balancing Home
Call attention to your favorite photo on your gallery wall by pointing a fun, light up arrow towards it.
Photo credit: Beach House in the City
Brightly colored frames add a whimsical element to a gallery wall. Be sure to use images and decorations that match your frames.
Source: Beautiful Matters
If you’re just looking to decorate a small wall, try using a collage of colorful Polaroid photos.
Source: Apartment Therapy
Photo credit: Bethany Lynn Nauert
To make your living room wall look like an art museum, try decorating your walls with colorful abstract paintings.
Photo credit: Bigger than the Three of Us
For a sweet gallery display idea, attach square-shaped photos of family and friends to a black piece of paper.
Photo credit: Bits of Everything
Inspirational sayings are a wonderful choice for your gallery wall. You can also pair the sayings with bright illustrations.
Photo credit: Camille Styles/ Molly Winters
To make a gallery wall that truly pops, try incorporating a three-dimensional element. For inspiration, take a look at this wall’s antique double-band grain sifter.
Photo credit: Character and Charm
If you love all things antique, try using a few vintages photos and decorations in your gallery display.
Photo credit: Dagmar's Home
Black and white photos are a classic and beautiful choice for a gallery wall. For contrast, pair the dark photos with a white frame.
Photo credit: Dear Lillie Blog/Jennifer Holmes
If you want your gallery wall to have a vintage look, try using a mixture of black and white and sepia-toned images in brown frames.
Source: Lauren Liess
Photo credit: Helen Norman
When you use gold and black frames, modern black and white photos and abstract art, you’ll get a beautifully chic gallery wall.
Photo credit: Home Made by Carmona
Try incorporating some fun patterns into your gallery wall, like this gallery display does with a framed chevron print.
Photo credit: House of Rose Blog
If you want to add a unique element to your gallery wall, try using an ornate frame, like the one in this display.
Photo credit: House of Rose Blog
Create a bold look by pairing large black frames with bright white photos. You can also use matching black shelves to display some of the photos.
Photo credit: House on the Way
If you don’t want to pin your photos directly to your wall, try using a bulletin board. For inspiration, take a look at this board filled with Instagram snapshots.
Photo credit: Its Always Autumn
If you’re looking for gallery wall ideas for a girl’s bedroom, try using bright illustrations and photos to create a colorful wall display.
Photo credit: Jones Design Company
Gather a collection of artistic photographs and display them on shelves for a beautiful gallery display.
Photo credit: Krrb
For a unique look, use white frames against a white wall. Inside the frames, place colorful illustrations that truly pop.
Photo credit: Laura Puzic
Not all gallery walls have to include photos - you can also create a funky wall full of illustrations and wooden pieces.
Photo credit: Lillian Hope Designs
Take a look at how well the gold accents and antique maps go together in this gallery wall that mixes modern and vintage décor.
Photo credit: Love Grows Wild
Gold frames add a glamourous touch to a gallery wall. They also look wonderful against a white wall.
Photo credit: Meg Lonergan
If you’re looking for a unique way to display your family photos, try creating a gallery wall using dramatic black and white photos.
Source: Mom Organizing Moms
Photo credit: Thomas Borrelli Photography
Using you and your partner’s initials is a great way to personalize your gallery wall. You can also surround your initials with sweet family photos.
Photo credit: Nelle Creations
With a few simple illustrations, this gallery wall makes a big impact. The light blue pieces look lovely against the gray wall.
Photo credit: Peachfully Chic
To create a cohesive look for your gallery wall, use the same color frame for each of your photos. You can also use different sized frames to add some variety to your display.
Photo credit: Pregnant Chicken
Create a beautiful display of love with a few family photos, a heart-shaped decoration and an illustration with a sweet saying.
Photo credit: Pretty Life Girls
To create an inspirational gallery wall, try using a mixture of illustrated sayings and matching paintings.
Photo credit: Pretty Providence
If you’re planning on using eclectic pieces in your gallery wall, take inspiration from this display, featuring a fun bright pink deer’s head.
Source: Domestically Speaking
Photo credit: Restoration Redux
Art pieces in different styles can really pop when placed next to each other in a gallery wall. You can also add in some personal touches, like a wedding photo.
Photo credit: Rumfield Homestead
For the wall next to your staircase, try creating a colorful, nature-based collage that ascends with the staircase.
Photo credit: Scratch and Stitch
If you’re looking for a gallery wall with a uniform look, check out this lovely display, featuring two neat rows of photos in black frames.
Photo credit: Taylor J Photography
Shelves are a great way to create a gallery wall without the commitment of hanging photos.
Photo credit: The Crazy Craft Lady
Try using a mixture of framed and unframed paintings in your gallery wall. For inspiration, take a look at this beautifully curated gallery display.
Photo credit: The Decor Fix
If you’re using a corkboard for your gallery wall, try attaching some swatches of fabric to it for a fun pop of color.
Photo credit: The Diary of a Debutante
Silhouettes are a fun addition to a gallery display. They look great next to a family photo and a few colorful decorations.
Photo credit: The Nester
If you’re looking for gallery wall ideas for boys, check out this lovely display, featuring fun chalkboard clipboards that kids can decorate to their heart’s content.
Photo credit: The Tale of an Ugly House
To create a big impact with just a few photos, try placing one large photo in the center of a number of small photos.
Source: The V Spot
Photo credit: C'mon Get Crafty
This gallery wall shows how to expert match photos with the room’s décor – check out how perfectly the yellow and blue throw pillows match the photos.
Photo credit: Young House Love
To create an interesting or unique focal piece for your gallery wall, try placing two pictures with similar compositions or colors next to each other.
Source: Apartment Therapy
Photo credit: David Telford
A pegboard is a great idea for a gallery wall in a kid’s bedroom. Kids will love getting to attach pieces that reflect their personality.
Photo credit: This is Our Bliss
Try using a theme throughout your gallery wall, like this family did with their lovely bird illustrations.
Photo credit: DIY on the Cheap
Share the love with a heart-shaped photo gallery display. For variety, try mixing artistic photos and photos of family and friends.
Photo credit: Amanda Gambill
The forest is a perfect place to get inspiration for your gallery wall. Take a look at how this lovely wall incorporates flowers and an antler illustration.
Photo credit: The Turquoise Home
Add a seaside feel to your room with a gallery wall that features illustrations of the ocean.
Photo credit: Ashley Brooke Nicholas
Add some green to your gallery wall by hanging up a few different flowers and plants between your images.
Photo credit: Free People
If you’re looking to decorate a small space, try using a tiny gallery of colorful photos. To make the small photos pop, use painted frames.
Photo credit: I Spy DIY
Classic illustrations of botanicals pair perfectly with a bookcase that features plants as decorations.
Photo credit: DIY Showoff
Go on a trip around the world with your gallery wall by displaying illustrations of famous landmarks and wild animals.
Source: Landeelu
Photo credit: From Gardeners 2 Bergers
Create a tasty gallery wall in your dining room by using bright photos featuring your favorite dishes.
Photo credit: 365ish Pins
If you’re always posting on Instagram, try printing out some of your favorite shots and adding them to your gallery wall.
Photo credit: Frugal Beautiful
Using just a few colors in your gallery display can create a unified look. Check out how this display cleverly uses green, blue, white and yellow images.
Photo credit: Home Stories A to Z
To give your wall a unique look, use unframed canvas photos. Then, for decoration, hang up a few colorful frames next to your photos.
Photo credit: Made to be a Momma
A display of family photos and quotes about family is a classic gallery wall idea that’s always meaningful.
Photo credit: One Artsy Mama
For a lovely gallery display, pair family photos with a quote that’s meaningful to you.
Photo credit: Pitter and Glink
If you’re looking to decorate the space above your mantelpiece, try using a few matching metal prints.
Photo credit: Pretty Providence
Try surrounding a family photo with some fun patterned fabrics, like this gallery wall does with its chevron and flower fabrics.
Photo credit: Tatertots and Jello
For an interesting look, try using some unique frames in your gallery wall, like clipboards and reclaimed wood.
Photo credit: The Crafted Sparrow
Create a beautiful gallery display in your master bedroom with black and white prints that celebrate love.
Photo credit: The Tom Kat Studio
Give your room a cool vintage vibe by using wooden wall art and antique signs.
Photo credit: Tried and True Blog
