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.

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.

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.

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.