A gallery wall can add personality and style to any space, creating a visually rich display of art, memories, and personal treasures. While it might seem overwhelming at first, with a few simple steps, you can pull together a photo gallery wall that feels cohesive and professionally curated. Here’s a straightforward 5 step guide from your Santa Barbara family photographer to help you create a photo wall you’ll love.

First Tip:


Before hanging anything, map out your gallery wall on the floor. Measure the space on your wall and mark a similar area on the floor using painter’s tape. Arrange your pieces within this outline, moving things around until you’re happy with the layout. Taking a photo of the final layout can help as a reference when you start hanging everything.

Diagram showing tips for designing a gallery wall above a sofa, with numbered frames and layout suggestions.

1. Choose a Cohesive Color Palette


A unified color scheme can make your gallery wall feel curated and harmonious. Try to keep your pieces within a similar range of tones or hues, like a mix of neutrals with a pop of color. Feel free to let your personality shine through if you prefer a more eclectic look.

2. Start with a Statement Piece


Anchor your gallery wall by starting with the largest piece. Place it slightly off-center to create visual movement, drawing the eye around the entire collection rather than focusing on one central spot.

A modern living room with a light gray couch, throw pillows, and a gallery wall of framed family photos above.
Cozy nursery interior with wooden crib, rocking chair, white lamp, houseplant, and family photos displayed on beige wall.

3. Balance Large Pieces with Smaller Art


Place your second-largest piece at a diagonal from the largest one to create balance. Then fill in the spaces with smaller pieces, ensuring the overall composition feels balanced and visually interesting.

4. Mix Horizontal and Vertical Frames


Adding a mix of orientations—horizontal and vertical—keeps the arrangement lively. Pair smaller pieces with larger ones, aligning their edges to create a natural flow within the gallery.

Modern wooden sideboard with photo gallery wall display and decorative accessories in a contemporary living room setting.
A cozy bedroom with tan bedding, decorative throw pillows, framed photos on gray walls, and natural lighting.
Cozy modern bedroom with wooden floors, framed photos on wall, potted plant, and neutral bedding decor.

5. create a mini grid


Arrange a small grid of related art pieces to add a structured element to the overall look. This helps guide the eye and brings a sense of order to the layout.

Final Tip: Have Fun with the Process


Creating a gallery wall is about expressing your style and memories, so take your time and enjoy the process. Once it’s up, you’ll have a timeless feature that reflects your family’s story and adds warmth to your home.

Wooden shelving unit with framed photographs, neutral-toned pottery, and white books arranged in a minimalist style.
Gallery wall display of four framed photographs arranged on a white wall above modern wooden stairs with a decorative vase.
Modern bedroom interior with light wood bed frame, white bedding, beige walls, and two framed photos above the headboard.
Minimalist living room corner with four black and white framed photographs above a wooden armchair in natural lighting.
A large black and white family photo portrait hung on a white wall above light wooden flooring.
A person in white looks at a sepia-toned framed photograph on a minimalist gallery wall with hardwood floors.
Two black and white photographs in dark frames hang on a beige wall above a wooden table with decorative vases.
A cozy living room wall gallery featuring six wooden framed photos above a cream colored sofa with decorative cushions.
Modern living room decor with two framed photographs displayed above beige armchairs and a small wooden side table.
A dining room wall features six matching beige-framed photos arranged in a grid above a wooden table with cream chairs.
A framed photograph showing a tender parenting moment, displayed on a wooden shelf with books and a decorative vase.
A framed photograph of an infant next to a plush teddy bear displayed on a wooden shelf with minimalist decor.
Modern minimalist bedroom with wooden bed frame, neutral bedding, and two framed family photos on white wall above headboard.
Modern living room interior with cream armchair, small side table and black and white art print on beige wall.
A cozy living room corner with a tablet displaying a photo on a round coffee table near a sofa and houseplant in warm sunlight.