How to Hang a Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are a fun way to add personality and showcase your photos. People can become intimidated by how to hang a gallery, but it is so worth it! Get out a hammer and nails and give it a whirl!

What are the benefits of hanging a gallery wall?

Gallery walls provide a space for your memories to live in your home. Having the people, connections, and stories of your life surrounding you gives a concrete reminder of who your are and where you come from. This doesn’t only benefit the person who hangs the photos, but the other folks who live in the home as well.

Having those connections living in your space can be deeply meaningful to children. It reminds them that they are loved. They are important. So important that you put them right there on the wall. Gallery walls can anchor you in what matters most and help you communicate to the ones you love. Gallery walls make a space beautiful for visitors, but their big magic is how they impact the people who live with them.

How do I make a gallery wall my own?

Gallery walls can be whatever you want them to be. They can be fun and funky with mix-and-match frames and colorful pops of art or graphic quotes. They can be simple and calming with matching frames and large matts. Don’t forget that you can add your own flavor with maps, artwork, and quotes.

Visual things to consider:

  • What frames do you want to use?

    • Matching or mixed?

    • Colorful

    • Classic black

    • Warm wood

  • What do you want to showcase?

    • All photos

    • A favorite art piece

    • Children’s art

    • Meaningful quotes or words (vows)

    • Found objects (key to your first apartment)

 

How do I hang a gallery wall?

Step 1: Collect your tools.

  • Large paper to create placeholders (paper bags or newspaper work great)

  • Blue tape

  • Hardware for hanging picture frames

  • Hanging tool (not necessary, but so helpful!)

  • Hammer

  • Frames

  • Prints/art

Step 2: Plan the wall. Pick your frames first. Then get prints and art that fit

  • Cut pieces of paper to the size of the frames you are considering.

  • Arrange paper cut-outs on on the wall using blue tape. Move stuff around! Find what works for you.

  • Order frames or get out the ones you already have.

  • If you can, leave the paper on the wall so that you can easily hang the frames when you are ready.

Step 3: Hang the frames.

If you have purchased new frames:

  • Check the box and inside of the frame for a hanging template.

  • Tape the template over your paper placeholder already attached to the wall.

  • Create your nail hole where indicated.

If you are using your own frames or do not have a template:

  • Consider purchasing a picture hanging tool. These tools have a hook that holds your frame as you place it against the wall where your placeholder is.

  • Once you have it lined up in the same spot as your place holder, use the tool to mark where your hanger will need to be mounted.

  • Pull down the paper and hammer your nail into the wall.

DON'T FORGET: If you are using a hook instead of a nail, the bottom of the hook should be at the point indicated on your template or created by your hanging tool.

Step 4: Put your prints in the frames!

  • Open up the frames.

  • Clean the glass as necessary.

  • Put in your print, consider a small piece of archival tape to keep the image from slipping.

  • Close it up and put it on the wall!

DIYLila Smythgallery wall, how-to guide, diyComment