Gallery wall display

30 Creative Ideas and Ways to Display Photos On Walls

You probably already know that displaying photos and artwork around your home is a great way to up the personality of your space—but how you hang said photos on your walls can also upgrade the pieces themselves, turning flea market finds and iPhone shots into museum-worthy magic. Check out these 30 creative ways to display your family photos and artwork collections, from vintage-inspired picture rails to modern ledges and everything in between, you're sure to find a display and composition you love ahead.

1

Accent Your Architecture

Emily J Followill

For a creative take on the traditional gallery wall, use a slew of bite-sized photos to frame an architectural accent in your home, as designer Lathem Gordon did here in a door-filled hallway.

2

Let It Lean

ADRIAN GAUT

A hammer and nails aren't a prerequisite to a beautiful photo display—in fact, you don't need them at all! Take a hint from designer Sarah Magness' handbook and use any available surface to lean your artwork instead. Just make sure the pieces aren't too precious or at risk of being plowed over by kids or pets.

3

"Wallpaper" With Photos

Dlux Creative

For a look that's as nostalgic as it is dramatic, look no further than this photo-covered space by The Novogratz. Here, family photos (mostly black and white) act as a wallpaper of sorts, covering every available inch of space for a time-traveling surprise around every corner.

4

Make it Mini

Heidi Caillier Design

A photo display doesn't have to take up the whole wall. In fact, sometimes, a bite-sized arrangement can have an even bigger impact. In this living room, designer Heidi Caillier opted for a freeform composition of mini frames for an artsy moment that makes you look twice.

5

Go Bold in Black and White

Brie Williams

If a high impact is what you're after, black-and-white photography is the answer. While a collection of grayscale pictures is already eye-catching, pairing the display with an inky black backdrop—like seen here in the home of designer Ariene Bethea's—adds another layer of drama to the whole scene.

6

Hug Your Furniture

Eric Piasecki

For a cohesive look that unites your art display with the rest of your room, consider "framing" a favorite piece of furniture with an arrangement of your favorite pieces, as seen here by designer Katie Ridder. The end result? An eye-catching vignette every friend will want to Insta the second they come over.

7

Look for Unexpected Locales

James Merrell

Part of the fun in displaying artwork and photography around your home are the tiny moments of surprise it can bring. To harness that playful nature, look for unexpected spots to stash your favorite pieces. In this kitchen, designed by Rita Konig, two cheery frames find a permanent home on the hood of the stove.

8

Mix Up Your Sizing

Douglas Friedman

For a dynamic, museum-worthy arrangement, try paring a similarly-sized gallery wall arrangement alongside a strikingly large piece. The unique layout works especially well when nestled into a corner, as designer Ann Pyne did in her New York City apartment.

9

Take To The Fifth Wall

JESSIE PREZA

When it comes to hanging treasured pieces of artwork, you want to put them somewhere you can really enjoy them every day. And if that spot happens to be the ceiling of your bedroom? Well, so be it! The creative locale can actually be a great spot for a one-of-a-kind display, as seen in this dramatic primary suite designed by Krystal Matthews.

10

Curate a Theme

TREVOR TONDRO PHOTOGRAPHY

To make a photo or art collection feel cohesive, stick to a general theme (don't worry, it doesn't have to be too prescriptive!), like the loosely nautical display seen here in the home of designer Jeffrey Alan Marks. Not only will it visually tie together your arrangement, but a common thread will allow you to be more playful with your other elements, like framing or matting, without skewing too eclectic.

11

Fill An Awkard Nook

Francesco Lagnese

Many homes—especially older ones—often have puzzling nooks or walls that just need a little something to make them come alive. (Hint: Art is that little something.) The next time you've got a sloped wall that has you stumped, try using it as an opportunity for a uniquely-shaped gallery wall display. Here, designer Phillip Smith leaned into the charm of his 1716 Hudson Valley home with an eccentric display of frames, sketches, and photographs.

12

Try a Flexible Ledge

JENNIFER HUGHES

If you're the indecisive type that wants to take pictures down almost as quickly as you put them up, a photo ledge could be the perfect solution for you. Instead of committing to a permanent gallery wall display (with real nails and lots of measurements), photo ledges—like this angular display in a home by Laura Hodges—allow you more flexibility to rearrange your photos on a whim.

13

Hit Copy/Paste

Costa Christ

Eclecticism can be fun when it comes to artwork and photography—but so can sameness. In this cozy lounge, designer Javier Burkle used identical frames of different sizes to encase black and white sketches, providing a necessary moment of cohesion in the otherwise funky room.

14

Climb Your Stairwell

Stacy Zarin Goldberg

For an experiential photo display that changes with every step, mirror the angle of your stairwell with a trailing gallery wall. Here, designer Zoe Feldman relied on frames of different sizes and orientations to mimic the slope of the handrail.

15

Create a Surprising Focal Point

Stephen Karlisch

The right artwork display can instantly transform a forgotten corner of your home—like a utilitarian hallway—into a true "moment." Here, designer Jean Liu relied on a floor-to-ceiling display of colorful vintage art to breathe new life into a simple landing zone.

16

Take It to New Heights

Hector M. Sanchez

If your home boasts particularly tall walls, carrying a gallery-style arrangement only halfway up them may look unfinished. Instead, lean into the drama and go floor-to-ceiling with your display, as designer Andrew Brown did here. Sure, you won't be able to have those top pieces in your sightline every day, but the end result will be impactful enough to make it worth it.

17

Let Your Art Take the Lead

KIP DAWKINS

Figuring out the right way to display your photos or artwork is as much about listening to your chosen pieces as it is listening to your home. You want to strike a symbiotic balance with all elements—from the framing and matting to the layout—to find the right "look" for your pieces. Here, a bold collection of pieces marries seamlessly with the room's color palette thanks to a streamlined display and simple white framing.

18

Cut the Corner

Fran Keenan

Think of this next idea as the artsy equivalent of Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumbs. Instead of allowing carbs to lead the way, carry your artwork around the corner or down the hall with a never-ending gallery wall, like the dramatic display seen here by designer Fran Keenan.

19

Think Outside the Box

Emily J Followill

And by box, we mean the living room, dining room, or bedroom. Many areas of your home could benefit from an artistic accent, so the next time you're looking for some blank wall space to hang your new find, look to unexpected spots like a laundry room or bathroom for a touch of whimsy.

20

Play With Different Hanging Techniques

Emily Minton Redfield

A more-is-more outlook on art and photography means your display techniques can follow in those exuberant footprints, incorporating two or even three ways of showcasing your pieces in one stunning moment. Here, designer Charlotte Lucas relied on traditional framing, display ledges, and casual photo holders to bring a dose of funk to this vibrant study zone.

21

Put Up a Picture Rail

Emily J Followill

Traditionally used in museum displays and homes circa the 1800s, picture rails have become a popular way to add dimension (and flexibility!) to photo displays. Here, a gallery wall designed by Lathem Gordon hangs elegantly off a brass rail spanning the length of the room.

22

Rely on Reflection

Alison Gootee

How's this for cool? The artwork you display in one room can actually have an impact throughout your home, as evidenced in this space designed by fashion maven Liz Lange and designer Todd Romano. The duo relied on a strategically placed mirror in the dining room to reflect the Roe Etheridge photo from the living room, allowing the entire area to benefit from the high-impact shot.

23

Break Up a Single Shot

Lesley Unruh

Worried that your chosen photo won't exactly wow in your space? Visit a print shop and see if they can jumbo-size the piece and split it into a DIY triptych similar to the piece designer CeCe Barfield Thompson used in this little boy's bedroom.

24

Upgrade Your Bookshelves

Genevieve Garruppo

There's no rule that says your artwork has to hang on a wall—or even near one! Instead, try adding a piece to the exterior of your bookshelf, like designer Marissa Bero did here. It's a great way to add dimension and a bit of cheeky fun to a more structured installation.

25

Hide Your Tech

Winnie Au

Artwork can be a beautiful accent in any space—but it can also act as a way to disguise more unsightly elements of your room. Take this clever application for example. Artist Kerri Rosenthal used an oversized piece of her work to hide the television in her family's living room for a focal point that totally beats the Netflix homepage.

26

Frame Your Frames

Oliver Thornton

Up the classic appeal of any piece—whether it's a collector's item or an inexpensive flea market find—by placing your art in the center of picture frame molding on your wall. Here, designer Oliver Thornton took a nod from traditional museum displays, complementing an abstract sketch with a surround of refined detailing and a duo of sconces.

27

Light It Up

Emily Followill

For a vignette that looks straight out of the MoMA, pair an oversized photo or piece of standout artwork with a photo light, like designer Meredith McBrearty did here. Not only will it bring out all the nuances in your chosen piece, but it's a great way to add an extra glow and ambiance to your room.

28

Go Bold With Color

Alison Gootee

Transform your frames themselves into part of the artistic experience by opting for a design coated in a bold, energetic hue. In the home of fashion designer Liz Lange, lacquered red bamboo frames have enough gusto to stand up to the other bold elements in the room (that zebra carpet!) and still allow the artwork inside to shine.

29

Play With Different Shapes

Emily Followill

While square and rectangle frames tend to be the standard go-to, there's no rule that says they're your only option when framing art or photographs. Take this portrait gallery wall by Jeffrey Dungan as an example, where circle frames add a free-flowing romance to the scene.

30

Choose a Quirky Spot

Jessie Preza

Hear us out on this one: While displaying a photo or piece of art in front of a window may seem totally backward, it can be a great way to compliment an already quirky piece or bring a bit of privacy (without a ton of light-blocking!) to an intimate space. Here, designer Krystal Mathews used two sturdy chains to dangle a vintage painting in the window of a powder room.

85 Creative Gallery Wall Ideas and Photos for 2019

An empty wall is like a blank canvas. There are so many amazing ways to decorate it and tell a story and one of the most popular techniques is creating a gallery wall. There are endless ways to arrange pictures on your wall. Creating an eye-catching gallery wall using different sized frames or incorporating your favorite artwork into a wall collage can quickly become challenging. Happily, we’ve created an amazing interactive guide filled with 85 free gallery wall ideas from bloggers and DIY experts.

Whether you are looking for some picture hanging ideas for your wedding photos, a small photo wall in your living room or gallery walls of your favorite artwork, our guide has you covered. Tell a story with your photos and turn your empty wall into a work of art.
For more inspiration, watch a quick video on how to make a gallery wall and add even more personality to your space

Instructions: Click through the buttons below to sort by category. Click the photo for a larger view.

Have a large living room or bedroom wall in need of some decor? A gallery wall is the perfect option to include all of your favorite photos while making a statement. You can opt to keep everything uniform in modern black frames or stick with a photo theme, like black and white. Or be inspired by your large canvas and include all your favorite photos from past and present. There isn’t a wrong way to take advantage of an empty wall—see our ideas below for more inspiration.

If you’re living in a small apartment or studio, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on decor. Adding a gallery wall to your small space means you spend less time decorating other parts of your home—this focal point will do all the work for you! Try varying sizes of photos, like a large landscape photo that complements smaller portraits. We’ve compiled more photo gallery wall ideas below.

Photos are a natural fit for gallery walls as a way to showcase your favorite people, places and things. You can set a theme for a photo gallery, like your wedding photos or photos or family, or try the abstract route by showcasing your favorite artists. You can hang all your photos in uniform frames or get creative and try different shapes and materials. Our photo gallery wall ideas below are sure to get your creative juices flowing.

If you have a growing collection of prints and artwork, display it proudly in a unique gallery wall. Your visitors will love seeing the art you’ve collected over the years, like mementos from past vacations or special gifts from friends. Think outside of just prints and paintings, include small sculptures or instruments to add dimension and intrigue to your display.

If you have more decor that you can keep track of, organize all your favorite pieces in a simple gallery wall. You can create a cohesive gallery wall that tells a story or simply color coordinate with your best pieces of art. Make it fun for your and your guests by including photos of them alongside memories from the past. Below we’ve gathered some ideas for any type of home decor enthusiast.

Framed photos makes a classic gallery wall that will never go out of style. But just because you’re hanging pictures doesn’t mean you can’t get creative. Use frames that are all the same shape, but in varying colors. Or think outside the box and collect vintage frames in varying shapes and sizes. Whatever you choose, it’ll make for a great support for your pictures.

Can you not pick between a framed or mix gallery wall? Who says you have to choose! The best gallery wall is one that incorporates all sorts of artwork seamlessly. Hang your favorite family photo beside a trinket from your summer vacation. Or hang vintage photos in a safe frame while other prints mix so you can swap them out on a regular basis. Mix and match as your go—and check out our ideas below for more inspiration.

You don't need to hang images to create gallery wall. Utilize a fireplace or bookcase to layer artwork.

Photo credit: Shutterfly

Take collection of your favorite photos together to add to a small reading nook.

Photo credit: Shutterfly

The orange flowers and colored photo on the dresser in front of this black and white photo collage add a lovely and subtle bit of color to the room.

Photo credit: Mothers Niche

Add fun borders to your photos for a frameless gallery wall that still feels cohesive.

Photo credit: Shutterfly

Pick photos from all stages of life for a gallery wall that grows with your family.

Photo credit: Shutterfly

If you’re using pictures with muted colors in your gallery wall, try contrasting them with bold black and brown frames.

Source: The Everygirl
Photo credit: Danielle Moss

Elevate your entryway with family photos.

Photo credit: Shutterfly

Mix up photos with large graphic prints for a contemporary feel.

Photo credit: Shutterfly

Show photos of all the people and things that you love in a heart-shaped gallery display. To make the wall pop, try using some colorful photos.

Photo credit: Sarah Hearts

Mix and match different mounting options for a luxe look.

Photo credit: Shutterfly

Think outside of the box and use paper clips instead of frames to hang your artwork (without making holes!).

Photo credit: Shutterfly

To display your photos in a fun and different way, make a collage of colorful photos on your computer. Print out your photos on one sheet of paper, and hang them up for all to see.

Photo credit: Jenna Burger

Split one photos across three cnavses for a simple gallery wall.

Photo credit: Shutterfly

Pick a variety of photos, from family to fido, to decorate your wall with.

Photo credit: Shutterfly

Family photos with cheery yellow backgrounds are a great choice for a colorful gallery wall.

Photo credit: The House of Smiths

Abstract art is a creative choice for a gallery wall. You can also surround your abstract piece with some of your favorite photos of family and friends.

Photo credit: Endlessly Elated

For a modern look, go black and white with your gallery wall. To add a little color, place a small plant next to your images.

Photo credit: Passion Shake

Create a gallery wall that’s pretty in pink by using different pink watercolor paintings. You can also add a modern element by using some gold accents.

Photo credit: Decorating Cents

If you’re looking for gallery wall ideas for nurseries, check out this lovely display, featuring framed gold footprints and some sweet quotes.

Photo credit: Diary of a DIYer

If you’re using shelves for your gallery wall, try creating a pyramid display, with a row of photos on the bottom shelf and just a couple large photos on the top shelf.

Photo credit: Be Pretty

Add a glamorous touch to botanical illustrations by placing the illustrations in gold frames.

Photo credit: Delightfully Noted

For a rustic gallery wall, try using vintage decorations, like an antique bike and distressed signs that say your favorite quotes.

Photo credit: The Hankful House

Transform your room into a beautiful rustic farmhouse by using a distressed white frame and vintage signs and decorations.

Photo credit: Little Vintage Nest

If there’s a quote you love or that is especially meaningful to you, try making it the focal point of your wall, like this gallery wall does.

Photo credit: The Schmidt Home

Add a scientific and beautiful element to your gallery walls by using vintage illustrations of botanicals.

Photo credit: Imagine Great Living

If you love flowers, consider making a floral gallery wall featuring paintings of flowers in all different styles, from Impressionistic to Modern.

Photo credit: Carla Bethany

Photo ledges are a great choice if you’re planning on frequently swapping out your pictures and decorations.

Source: Landeelu
Photo credit: A Girl and a Glue Gun

Go old-school with your gallery wall by using Polaroid photos. To make the photos really pop, place them on blocks.

Source: Home DIT
Photo credit: A Joyful Riot

A display of bright photos of pink and white flowers will make your living room feel like a garden in springtime.

Photo credit: All Things Thrifty

A natural wooden frame and a bright blue picture add a lovely pop of color to a white wall.

Photo credit: Almost Makes Perfect

For an inspirational and heartwarming display, try printing out a few of your favorite quotes and surrounding them with photos of family and friends.

Photo credit: April Go Lightly

This creative photo collage is easy to make – just trim your photos into 4x4 squares and then arrange them until they look perfect to you.

Source: Digital Mom Blog
Photo credit: Ashley Ann Photography

Give your Lego-loving little boy the gallery wall of his dreams by hanging up a shelf that displays all of his favorite Lego people.

Photo credit: Balancing Home

Call attention to your favorite photo on your gallery wall by pointing a fun, light up arrow towards it.

Photo credit: Beach House in the City

Brightly colored frames add a whimsical element to a gallery wall. Be sure to use images and decorations that match your frames.

Source: Beautiful Matters

If you’re just looking to decorate a small wall, try using a collage of colorful Polaroid photos.

Source: Apartment Therapy
Photo credit: Bethany Lynn Nauert

To make your living room wall look like an art museum, try decorating your walls with colorful abstract paintings.

Photo credit: Bigger than the Three of Us

For a sweet gallery display idea, attach square-shaped photos of family and friends to a black piece of paper.

Photo credit: Bits of Everything

Inspirational sayings are a wonderful choice for your gallery wall. You can also pair the sayings with bright illustrations.

Photo credit: Camille Styles/ Molly Winters

To make a gallery wall that truly pops, try incorporating a three-dimensional element. For inspiration, take a look at this wall’s antique double-band grain sifter.

Photo credit: Character and Charm

If you love all things antique, try using a few vintages photos and decorations in your gallery display.

Photo credit: Dagmar's Home

Black and white photos are a classic and beautiful choice for a gallery wall. For contrast, pair the dark photos with a white frame.

Photo credit: Dear Lillie Blog/Jennifer Holmes

If you want your gallery wall to have a vintage look, try using a mixture of black and white and sepia-toned images in brown frames.

Source: Lauren Liess
Photo credit: Helen Norman

When you use gold and black frames, modern black and white photos and abstract art, you’ll get a beautifully chic gallery wall.

Photo credit: Home Made by Carmona

Try incorporating some fun patterns into your gallery wall, like this gallery display does with a framed chevron print.

Photo credit: House of Rose Blog

If you want to add a unique element to your gallery wall, try using an ornate frame, like the one in this display.

Photo credit: House of Rose Blog

Create a bold look by pairing large black frames with bright white photos. You can also use matching black shelves to display some of the photos.

Photo credit: House on the Way

If you don’t want to pin your photos directly to your wall, try using a bulletin board. For inspiration, take a look at this board filled with Instagram snapshots.

Photo credit: Its Always Autumn

If you’re looking for gallery wall ideas for a girl’s bedroom, try using bright illustrations and photos to create a colorful wall display.

Photo credit: Jones Design Company

Gather a collection of artistic photographs and display them on shelves for a beautiful gallery display.

Photo credit: Krrb

For a unique look, use white frames against a white wall. Inside the frames, place colorful illustrations that truly pop.

Photo credit: Laura Puzic

Not all gallery walls have to include photos - you can also create a funky wall full of illustrations and wooden pieces.

Photo credit: Lillian Hope Designs

Take a look at how well the gold accents and antique maps go together in this gallery wall that mixes modern and vintage décor.

Photo credit: Love Grows Wild

Gold frames add a glamourous touch to a gallery wall. They also look wonderful against a white wall.

Photo credit: Meg Lonergan

If you’re looking for a unique way to display your family photos, try creating a gallery wall using dramatic black and white photos.

Source: Mom Organizing Moms
Photo credit: Thomas Borrelli Photography

Using you and your partner’s initials is a great way to personalize your gallery wall. You can also surround your initials with sweet family photos.

Photo credit: Nelle Creations

With a few simple illustrations, this gallery wall makes a big impact. The light blue pieces look lovely against the gray wall.

Photo credit: Peachfully Chic

To create a cohesive look for your gallery wall, use the same color frame for each of your photos. You can also use different sized frames to add some variety to your display.

Photo credit: Pregnant Chicken

Create a beautiful display of love with a few family photos, a heart-shaped decoration and an illustration with a sweet saying.

Photo credit: Pretty Life Girls

To create an inspirational gallery wall, try using a mixture of illustrated sayings and matching paintings.

Photo credit: Pretty Providence

If you’re planning on using eclectic pieces in your gallery wall, take inspiration from this display, featuring a fun bright pink deer’s head.

Source: Domestically Speaking
Photo credit: Restoration Redux

Art pieces in different styles can really pop when placed next to each other in a gallery wall. You can also add in some personal touches, like a wedding photo.

Photo credit: Rumfield Homestead

For the wall next to your staircase, try creating a colorful, nature-based collage that ascends with the staircase.

Photo credit: Scratch and Stitch

If you’re looking for a gallery wall with a uniform look, check out this lovely display, featuring two neat rows of photos in black frames.

Photo credit: Taylor J Photography

Shelves are a great way to create a gallery wall without the commitment of hanging photos.

Photo credit: The Crazy Craft Lady

Try using a mixture of framed and unframed paintings in your gallery wall. For inspiration, take a look at this beautifully curated gallery display.

Photo credit: The Decor Fix

If you’re using a corkboard for your gallery wall, try attaching some swatches of fabric to it for a fun pop of color.

Photo credit: The Diary of a Debutante

Silhouettes are a fun addition to a gallery display. They look great next to a family photo and a few colorful decorations.

Photo credit: The Nester

If you’re looking for gallery wall ideas for boys, check out this lovely display, featuring fun chalkboard clipboards that kids can decorate to their heart’s content.

Photo credit: The Tale of an Ugly House

To create a big impact with just a few photos, try placing one large photo in the center of a number of small photos.

Source: The V Spot
Photo credit: C'mon Get Crafty

This gallery wall shows how to expert match photos with the room’s décor – check out how perfectly the yellow and blue throw pillows match the photos.

Photo credit: Young House Love

To create an interesting or unique focal piece for your gallery wall, try placing two pictures with similar compositions or colors next to each other.

Source: Apartment Therapy
Photo credit: David Telford

A pegboard is a great idea for a gallery wall in a kid’s bedroom. Kids will love getting to attach pieces that reflect their personality.

Photo credit: This is Our Bliss

Try using a theme throughout your gallery wall, like this family did with their lovely bird illustrations.

Photo credit: DIY on the Cheap

Share the love with a heart-shaped photo gallery display. For variety, try mixing artistic photos and photos of family and friends.

Photo credit: Amanda Gambill

The forest is a perfect place to get inspiration for your gallery wall. Take a look at how this lovely wall incorporates flowers and an antler illustration.

Photo credit: The Turquoise Home

Add a seaside feel to your room with a gallery wall that features illustrations of the ocean.

Photo credit: Ashley Brooke Nicholas

Add some green to your gallery wall by hanging up a few different flowers and plants between your images.

Photo credit: Free People

If you’re looking to decorate a small space, try using a tiny gallery of colorful photos. To make the small photos pop, use painted frames.

Photo credit: I Spy DIY

Classic illustrations of botanicals pair perfectly with a bookcase that features plants as decorations.

Photo credit: DIY Showoff

Go on a trip around the world with your gallery wall by displaying illustrations of famous landmarks and wild animals.

Source: Landeelu
Photo credit: From Gardeners 2 Bergers

Create a tasty gallery wall in your dining room by using bright photos featuring your favorite dishes.

Photo credit: 365ish Pins

If you’re always posting on Instagram, try printing out some of your favorite shots and adding them to your gallery wall.

Photo credit: Frugal Beautiful

Using just a few colors in your gallery display can create a unified look. Check out how this display cleverly uses green, blue, white and yellow images.

Photo credit: Home Stories A to Z

To give your wall a unique look, use unframed canvas photos. Then, for decoration, hang up a few colorful frames next to your photos.

Photo credit: Made to be a Momma

A display of family photos and quotes about family is a classic gallery wall idea that’s always meaningful.

Photo credit: One Artsy Mama

For a lovely gallery display, pair family photos with a quote that’s meaningful to you.

Photo credit: Pitter and Glink

If you’re looking to decorate the space above your mantelpiece, try using a few matching metal prints.

Photo credit: Pretty Providence

Try surrounding a family photo with some fun patterned fabrics, like this gallery wall does with its chevron and flower fabrics.

Photo credit: Tatertots and Jello

For an interesting look, try using some unique frames in your gallery wall, like clipboards and reclaimed wood.

Photo credit: The Crafted Sparrow

Create a beautiful gallery display in your master bedroom with black and white prints that celebrate love.

Photo credit: The Tom Kat Studio

Give your room a cool vintage vibe by using wooden wall art and antique signs.

Photo credit: Tried and True Blog

Informational displays for people with disabilities DISPLAY VERT-43G