Are you stuck on where and how to hang gallery walls in your home? Or do you feel like you have too much on your walls and want to simplify so it looks more cohesive? I have some tips for you on how to mix art in a room and between adjacent rooms!
Bird Prints (similar) | Shop The Kitchen
Now, let’s have a caveat here: This post isn’t for seasoned art collectors; it’s for homeowners and renters who want to transform their blank walls into aesthetically pleasing spaces. We’re breaking free from the rut of simply buying a couple frames from Home Goods and calling it a day. I’ll take you through what I’ve learned over the years that works best in my mind!
Gallery Wall | Shop The Bonus Room
Think of decorating your walls like choosing from a “menu” of display options. You want to have variety, like:
- Statement Pieces: A single, large piece can make a big impact, but don’t underestimate the power of a small, thoughtfully chosen piece.
- Gallery Walls: These are usually organically arranged with different-sized frames.
- Grids: These are evenly spaced in a precise arrangement with the same-size frames.
- Layered Collections: Art leaned against a wall for a casual, curated feel.
- Symmetrical Duos: Two similar pieces displayed side-by-side or with an architectural element in between (like a mantle) that creates balance
- Art Objects: Beautiful mirrors or collections of sculptural items like plates (or cutting boards!) can serve as focal points.
House Painting | Tree Print | Landscape | Fox Print
Plate Rack | Blue & White Plates | Shop The Dining Room
The “One Per Room, One Per Sightline” Guide
Here’s my formula for a cohesive look: you shouldn’t have two of the same “menu” items in the same room OR in the same line of sight.
Gallery Wall | Abstract Painting – original by Diana Bramblia
For example, if you have a large abstract painting in your living room, don’t add another large painting there. And if you can see a gallery wall in your dining room from your living room, consider a different “menu” item for the living room wall that’s visible—even a grid of plates on a wall.
This variety keeps your home visually interesting and prevents it from feeling stale. While you can mix multiple types of art in a single room, just ensure no two identical display types are vying for attention in the same space or sightline.
Geometric Paintings – original by Josh Young | Black Frames
You know what they say about rules…While this is generally my guideline for optimal visual flow, there are always exceptions. For instance, I have a large art piece above my bed across the room from my large Frame TV, which also displays art. This is where personal preference and the overall aesthetic and function of your space come into play.
Abstract Painting – original by Caleb Mahoney | Shop the Primary Bedroom
Alternatives to Wall Art
Many of us fall into the trap of going for gallery walls most of the time, often spending $300-$400 or more when you add up the cost of the frames and prints. Interestingly, that budget could afford you one substantial piece of art that makes a grand statement. While gallery walls can be beautiful, they aren’t always the most cost-effective solution, so just keep that in mind.
Remember that wall decoration isn’t solely about art. Options like wallpaper or decorative trim can add immense character to a room without requiring a single frame. In our bedroom and bonus room, the trimmed-out walls create enough visual interest that I don’t need to hang much.
Similarly, my daughter Polly’s room feels complete without extensive wall hangings, thanks to the whimsical immersive wallpaper.
Ultimately, my goal is to create a space that feels personal and appealing to me, not to fill every inch of wall space. (Unless you love to do that, and if so, ask my sister Victoria on how she makes her home feel like a collector’s dream with her salon-style walls!)
What a lucky little girl Polly is with that bedroom, of course, you being her mom, i wouldn’t expect anything less!
I would also love to see the salon style.
I’d love to see this too!
Thanks for sharing Julia! I’d never thought about mixing display types in a room to make sure artwork isn’t competing, but now that you said it I realized I’ve been doing it subconsciously. As always, I find these formula posts so helpful!
Question: would Victoria be open to doing a guest post? My family and I are in our art collector era, and it’s bringing us so much joy. I’d love to hear about how a seasoned collector is letting their collection shine when it’s starting to take up most of the available wall space.
Love that idea! I’ll ask her to put pen to paper on her salon style.