A gallery wall looks effortless once it is up, but the planning is where most people get stuck. Using paper templates lets you rearrange the layout on the wall before you make a single hole.
Why this works
Spacing and a clear anchor piece keep a gallery wall from looking random. Consistent gaps of two to three inches and a shared color thread tie different frames into one composition.
What you’ll need
Materials at a glance: Frames in mixed sizes; Kraft paper and scissors; Painter’s tape; Level and pencil; Hammer and picture hooks. Plan on about 1 hr and a budget of under $70. The full materials list and numbered steps are in the project card below.
How to do it
Trace each frame onto paper, cut out the shapes, and tape them to the wall with painter’s tape. Start with the largest piece near the center, build outward, and adjust until it feels balanced before you hammer in the first nail.
Styling tips
- Keep the center of the arrangement around 57 inches from the floor.
- Use a mix of frame finishes but repeat one color.
- Leave about two inches between frames.
How to Hang a Gallery Wall Without the Guesswork
A simple paper-template method for planning a gallery wall so every frame lands where you want it.
Materials
- Frames in mixed sizes
- Kraft paper and scissors
- Painter's tape
- Level and pencil
- Hammer and picture hooks
Steps
- Trace each frame on paper and cut out the shapes.
- Tape the templates to the wall and rearrange them until the layout feels balanced.
- Mark each nail position through the paper.
- Hang the largest frame first and check it with the level.
- Remove the paper and hang the remaining frames in order.