How to Style a Gallery Wall
Style Like a Pro
How to Style a Gallery Wall — Layout, Spacing and Curation
A gallery wall is one of the most transformative things you can do with a wall — and one of the most rewarding when it comes together. Done well, it feels like a curated collection that reveals something about who you are. Done poorly, it looks like an accident. This guide gives you the exact process to nail it first time.
Step 1: Choose a Unifying Theme
The most important decision in gallery wall planning happens before you choose a single piece: what is your theme? A gallery wall needs a common thread — otherwise it reads as a collection of things that happened to end up on the same wall rather than a curated visual statement.
Three themes that work reliably well:
- → One colour palette: all art shares one or two dominant colours. The most forgiving theme — even very different subjects feel cohesive when the palette is unified.
- → One subject: all florals, all coastal, all Australian natives. Creates a strong, legible visual narrative.
- → One artist or style: all abstract, all botanical illustration, all photography. The stylistic unity holds even across diverse subjects.
OEO's matching print sets do this work for you — every set is pre-curated around a colour palette and visual theme.
Step 2: Choose Your Layout Style
Gallery walls come in three main layout styles, each with a different visual effect:
Grid layout: All frames the same size, arranged in a perfect grid. The most structured, formal option — looks deliberate and architectural. Works beautifully in hallways, studies and contemporary interiors. Typically 4, 6, 9 or 12 identical frames in a rectangular arrangement.
Salon-style (stacked): Mixed sizes arranged organically around a central anchor piece. The most popular style in Australian homes — it feels collected and personal rather than designed. The key is a strong anchor (typically the largest piece) and consistent spacing throughout.
Linear (row): A single row of frames along one horizontal line — above a sofa, along a hallway, or up a staircase. The simplest style to execute and the hardest to get wrong. Choose consistent frame sizes for a formal look, or mix slightly for a more relaxed effect.
See gallery wall ideas for Australian homes for visual examples of each layout in real rooms.
Every piece is produced at our two manufacturing facilities on of NSW — crafting Australian wall art since 2015. We deliver to over 40 countries worldwide, with custom sizing available on all prints. Over a decade of experience, every order ships within 24 hours with our satisfaction guarantee.
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Step 3: Spacing — 5 to 8 Centimetres Is the Rule
Spacing between frames is where most gallery walls succeed or fail. The sweet spot: 5-8cm between frames throughout the arrangement. This spacing is close enough to feel intentional and unified, but loose enough that each piece is readable as an individual.
Tighter spacing (3-4cm) can work in a very structured grid layout where uniformity is the point. Wider spacing (10cm+) starts to feel like disconnected pictures rather than a gallery — unless each piece is very large and needs the breathing room.
Pick your gap measurement before you start and maintain it consistently. Visual rhythm comes from consistency. Inconsistent spacing — 5cm here, 12cm there — is what makes gallery walls look unplanned even when the art itself is considered.
Step 4: Plan Before You Hang
The fastest way to a gallery wall that looks right is to not put a single nail in the wall until the arrangement is perfect. The method:
- 1 Lay all frames on the floor in the intended arrangement
- 2 Photograph from directly above — this reveals proportion and spacing issues invisible from standing height
- 3 Adjust until the floor arrangement feels right
- 4 Cut paper templates of each frame (use the packaging boxes if possible)
- 5 Tape templates to the wall with painter's tape — adjust until perfect
- 6 Mark your hanging positions through the templates, then hang
This process takes 30 minutes and saves hours of replastering.
OEO Curated Sets: The Shortcut to a Perfect Gallery Wall
If the planning process feels daunting, Olive et Oriel's matching print sets are the answer. Every set is pre-curated — art chosen for colour coherence, visual balance and complementary composition. Each print in a set is sized to work together on a standard wall, with sizing guidance included.
A 3-piece curated set at A2 creates a gallery wall spanning approximately 120-130cm — ideal above a queen bed or 2m sofa. A 4-piece set at A2 creates a wider arrangement perfect for a living room feature wall. The guesswork is done. You simply choose your set, choose your frame colour, and hang.
Curated sets are available in every style — coastal, floral, abstract, Australiana, botanical, Hamptons. Browse the full range at oliveetoriel.com/collections/matching-wall-art-print-sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should frames be in a gallery wall?
5-8cm between frames is the recommended spacing. Tighter spacing (5cm) creates a dense, intentional composition. Wider gaps can feel disconnected. Consistency is key — pick a gap and maintain it throughout.
How do I plan a gallery wall layout?
Start with your largest anchor piece and build outward. Lay the arrangement on the floor first, photograph it from above, then cut paper templates and tape them to the wall before committing to any fixings. See gallery wall ideas for visual inspiration.
Do gallery wall frames need to match?
Not necessarily — but they need a common thread. Matching frames create a clean, cohesive look. Mixed frames (oak + white, or black + walnut) can work if only two finishes are used. Avoid mixing all four finishes in one arrangement.
What is the best wall for a gallery wall in an Australian home?
The sofa wall in the living room is most popular. Staircase walls suit linear arrangements. Hallways suit gallery corridors of consistently spaced prints. See our complete guide to choosing wall art for room-by-room advice.
How many pieces should a gallery wall have?
Starting with 3-5 pieces is easiest. OEO's curated sets of 3 or 4 prints are designed specifically for gallery wall arrangements and include sizing guidance for standard walls.
