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Wall Decor Family Photo Wall Layouts

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A gallery wall is a curated display of photographs, posters or prints, creatively arranged on a wall using photo frames.

Gallery walls or photo walls have become quite popular over the last few years, providing an easy way to update your interiors, transform bland walls, create a focal point in your home, and bring some character and personality to your living space. Instead of using paint or wallpaper for a feature wall, you can do so with a gallery wall, and it can be placed anywhere in your home, although popular areas are often in the hallway, up the staircase or in the living room.

'If creating a gallery wall in your home is a job you've been putting off for a while, now is your chance to get it done,' says Clare Moreton, photo expert at CEWE. 'Creating a gallery wall doesn't need to be complex or take hours on end. It's all about bringing together your favourite pieces that also showcase your personality. Experiment with different styles and types of wall art – whether that's a mixture of bold block colour prints, bright quirky patterns, typography images or your favourite family photos.'

blue summer gallery wall, desenio
Blue summer gallery wall, Desenio

Desenio

There are two main options for gallery walls:

  • You can create a gallery wall using your own photographs and art and purchase suitably sized picture frames to hang on the wall.
  • You can buy a curated set of framed wall art prints (these are often themed such as botanical or landscape prints), that you can simply hang on the wall.

    Want to display your most treasured pieces of art, favourite prints, or those special family moments from birthdays, to weddings and new arrivals? The team at Artfinder talk us through how to build the perfect gallery wall...

    1. Collect, collect, collect

    Start making a collection of things you love, from original art, to handmade prints to photographs. As you start collecting, think about the scale of your possible collection and the arrangement you want. Do you want to keep them all the same size? Or work in a mixture of different sizes? Look for inspiration online, in your favourite cafes and restaurants, or at home shows and exhibitions.

    Gallery Wall Art - Abstract Prints

    Painterly Abstract Framed Print & Mount, Set of 6

    Painterly Abstract Framed Print & Mount, Set of 6

    Natasha Barnes johnlewis.com

    £200.00

    John Lewis & Partners

    Gallery Wall Art - Photography

    Gallery wall set, France photography prints, set of 6 prints

    Gallery wall set, France photography prints, set of 6 prints

    CarolineMint etsy.com

    US$33.95

    Etsy

    Gallery Wall Art - Art Print

    Vintage Gallery Wall Toco Toucan Framed Wall Art Prints

    Vintage Gallery Wall Toco Toucan Framed Wall Art Prints

    Natural History Museum made.com

    £159.00

    MADE.com

    Gallery Wall Art - Canvas Print

    Abstract Floating Framed Canvas Print, Set of 9

    Abstract Floating Framed Canvas Print, Set of 9

    Alice Sheridan johnlewis.com

    £295.00

    John Lewis & Partners

    Gallery Wall Art - Art Print

    Tropical Leaves Framed Prints & Mounts, Set of 6

    Tropical Leaves Framed Prints & Mounts, Set of 6

    Linda Wood johnlewis.com

    £160.00

    John Lewis & Partners

    2. Create a theme

    When you have a selection you're happy with, pick out your favourites and group them by themes e.g. family, memorable places, happy events, or another mix that means something to you. For art or prints, select colours that go with your room decor or suit the tone of the room you want to display them in. Or, just ones that make you happy!

    Take a look at a few gallery wall ideas on Instagram:

    This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    3. Even or odd?

    Decide if odd or even numbers work best. Sometimes even numbers work well in regimented groups of the same size, but more random arrangements or collections work better with odd numbers.

    4. Measure up

    Measure your wall space and lay your collection on the floor. Stand back and look at them all together (allow a bit of space between them for the frames). Does anything jump out as wrong? If yes, take it out. Or is there room for you to add more? Take a photo of your possible combinations.

    gallery wall bedroom, floral dusty pink gallery wall from desenio
    Floral dusty pink gallery wall, Desenio

    Desenio

    5. Pick your frames

    When you are happy with the layout, get your frames. You need to decide whether you want them to blend in or contrast with the wall, or to stand out in their own right. Decide if you want them all exactly the same, or if you want lots of different colours. A white or neutral frame is perfect for Scandi-style interiors, while black picture frames are more suited to contemporary or industrial themed interiors.

    Maybe even think about collecting different styles of frames in the same colour; this too can add interest. Are they going to be different sizes? If you're buying artwork it might be easier to buy pieces framed or ready to hang on box canvases.

    Multi Photo Frames - Walnut Picture Frames

    Gallery Set Multi-aperture Photo Frames, 8 Photo

    Gallery Set Multi-aperture Photo Frames, 8 Photo

    John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com

    £70.00

    John Lewis & Partners

    Multi Photo Frames - Mixed Picture Frames

    Mixed Gallery Frame Stairs Collection

    Mixed Gallery Frame Stairs Collection

    notonthehighstreet.com

    £375.00

    Notonthehighstreet.com

    Multi Photo Frames - Vintage Picture Frames

    Set of 10 Vintage Photo frame Collection

    Set of 10 Vintage Photo frame Collection

    ABmHome etsy.com

    US$49.00

    Etsy

    Multi Photo Frames - Black Picture Frames

    Gallery Frame Wall Collection

    Gallery Frame Wall Collection

    PICTURE THAT FRAME notonthehighstreet.com

    US$145.00

    Notonthehighstreet.com

    Multi Photo Frames - Copper Picture Frames

    Set of 5 Copper metal picture frames

    Set of 5 Copper metal picture frames

    Habitat

    limited edition architectural photos by cameron r neilson for artfinder £343 wwwartfindercomcameronrneilson
    Limited edition architectural photos by Cameron R Neilson for Artfinder

    Artfinder

    6. Decide on the layout

    Do you want neat rows or an organic arrangement? Look at your original photos – do the framed pieces still fit your plan? Do you need to swap anything? When you are happy take another picture.

    7. Hanging

    You'll need nails or picture hooks and a hammer. Some people go the whole hog and make themselves paper templates, which will help if you're a first timer! You'll also need a pencil and rubber, a ruler and wall filler in case of mistakes. Draw lightly on the walls where the top corners of the frames will be. Measure and mark how much lower down the picture frame you want your nail holes. Start hammering and get them all up. Use a spirit level to make sure everything is straight.

    8. The final look

    Stand back, enjoy, and bask in the glory of your creation. Remember, your gallery can be easily be swapped or updated with new favourites whenever you feel like. For example, if you've got art prints, you might want to switch it up for a new season to introduce an autumnal/winter theme. Just decide what you want to take down and either remount or replace it with a similar sized piece.

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    27 living room accessories for an instant style update

    Karlsson Hue Silent Sweep Metal Wall Clock, 40cm, Green

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    Karlsson Hue Silent Sweep Metal Wall Clock, 40cm, Green

    Karlsson johnlewis.com

    £58.00

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    Gold Decorative Planter With Stand

    Ella James notonthehighstreet.com

    US$75.00

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    Tasselled cushion cover

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    Rose Gold Pebble Mirror Extra Large

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    Sadie Geometric Set of 2 Framed Prints, 40 x 60cm

    Wall Art - Best Living Room Accessories

    Sadie Geometric Set of 2 Framed Prints, 40 x 60cm

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    Gonzalez Table Vase

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    Carved Marble Bookends - Set of 2 - White

    A by AMARA amara.com

    £50.00

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    Brass & Black Glass Table Lamp

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    Elian Pouffe, Natural & Midnight Blue

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    John Lewis & Partners Modasa Rug, Paprika

    John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com

    £120.00

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    Effi Artisan Glass Lantern Duo

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    30,000 Years of Art Book

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    30,000 Years of Art Book

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    House Beautiful Homebase

    £15.00

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    Detsu Handle Vase

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    Detsu Handle Vase

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    3-pack cotton cushion covers

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    Noko Seagrass Basket

    Furniture nkuku.com

    £29.95

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    DIPTYQUE Baies scented candle 190g

    Candles - Best Living Room Accessories

    DIPTYQUE Baies scented candle 190g

    DIPTYQUE selfridges.com

    £49.00

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    John Lewis & Partners Gallery Set Multi-aperture Photo Frames, 8 Photo, Grey

    Photo Frame - Best Living Room Accessories

    John Lewis & Partners Gallery Set Multi-aperture Photo Frames, 8 Photo, Grey

    John Lewis johnlewis.com

    £50.00

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    Sass & Belle Rattan Mirror

    Wall Mirror - Best Living Room Accessories

    Sass & Belle Rattan Mirror

    Sass & Belle very.co.uk

    £25.00

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    House Beautiful Max Ceramic Lamp

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    House Beautiful Max Ceramic Lamp

    House Beautiful Homebase

    £12.00

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    Terracotta Throw Blanket

    notonthehighstreet.com

    US$85.00

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    John Lewis & Partners White Pattern Seagrass Basket

    John Lewis johnlewis.com

    £25.00

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    Vases - Best Living Room Accessories

    Pressed Glass Square Bottle Vase

    CLEM & CO notonthehighstreet.com

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    House Beautiful Set of 2 Stairs Prints

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    House Beautiful Set of 2 Stairs Prints

    House Beautiful Homebase

    £45.00

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    Basket KBX Tissue Box - Light Rattan

    Decor Walther amara.com

    £40.00

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    Furniture nkuku.com

    £36.95

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    House Beautiful Samet Velvet Drum Shade Duck Egg

    House Beautiful Homebase

    £15.00

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    Wall Decor Family Photo Wall Layouts

    Source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/decorate/walls/how-to/a961/how-to-create-a-gallery-wall/