6 gallery wall ideas to inspire you

From artwork and vintage photo prints, to plants, mirrors and other trinkets, there are absolutely no rules when it comes to designing your own gallery wall. But, to help to give you a bit of inspiration to run with, here are some gallery wall ideas that we’re absolutely loving right now.

1. Staircase gallery wall

The staircase tends to be an overlooked area of the home, so a few bits of artwork can really help to give it a bit of character. Combine cool neon prints from Ink and Drop with quotes, artwork and mirrors to open the space out – and take advantage of the large area of unbroken wall to really go to town with your gallery ideas.

2. Photo gallery wall

Make your gallery all about the family by incorporating photos of your loved ones with maps, postcards and other cute trinkets from your adventures together.

And, for a unique twist on a photo gallery wall, print all your photos in black and white and use colourful frames to make the images really pop.

3. Baby room gallery

Creating a gallery in your baby’s nursery is a super cute way to brighten up the room (especially if it’s neutral colours) as well as keeping your little one engaged. As well as some cute prints, why not hang some fun items in their bedroom for him/her to look at, touch and feel. Furry animal heads always make for a trendy twist on a child-friendly gallery wall, or you could even turn their toys into art by nestling them in wall-hung baskets or on shelves.

4. Ceramic wall art

Gallery wall don’t just have to mean artwork; if you have some idle plates that are just too pretty to eat off get them out of that dusty cabinet and use them to create a unique wall design in your kitchen, living room, or dining room.

Ceramic plates are perfect around the fireplace, or hanging in the kitchen – just make sure that you use some strong, secure wire to attach them to the wall.

5. Mix prints with wall plants

Houseplants are massively on-trend right now, but they don’t just look cute, they can do wonders for your health and well-being too. Incorporate some into your gallery by hanging them directly on the wall using embroided baskets, or use shelves to display bigger houseplants to give your room a splash of colour… just remember to water them!

6. Try photo tiles for a more flexible gallery wall

If you love the idea of a gallery wall but not the measuring, drilling and endless frame arranging, Custtom Shapes are a much easier alternative. You can turn your own photos into square, round or hexagonal wall tiles, then build them into a layout that can grow as you add more memories. Each tile comes with a magnetic hanging system, which means they can be repositioned or swapped without starting the whole wall again. They work particularly well for family photos, travel memories or creating a more relaxed photo wall that doesn’t need every frame to match.

Gallery Wall FAQs

How do you start a gallery wall?

It usually helps to begin with one larger or favourite piece, then build around it gradually. You can mix framed prints, family photos, artwork and more flexible options like photo tiles, rather than trying to make everything perfectly symmetrical from the start.

Do gallery wall frames have to match?

Not at all. Matching frames can create a cleaner, more uniform look, while mixing different finishes, colours and sizes tends to feel more relaxed and collected. The best approach really depends on the style of the room and how polished or informal you want the finished wall to feel.

How far apart should pictures be on a gallery wall?

Around 5–10cm between pieces is a useful starting point, but there is no strict rule. Keeping the spacing fairly consistent usually helps the collection feel intentional, even when the frames themselves are different sizes.

Can you create a gallery wall without drilling?

Yes. Picture hanging strips, adhesive hooks and magnetic photo tile systems can all work well if you would rather avoid putting holes in the wall. They are also useful if you like changing your display regularly or live somewhere rented.

What can you put in a gallery wall besides photos?

Almost anything that feels personal can work. Prints, children’s artwork, postcards, maps, typography, pressed flowers and small decorative pieces can all add variety. Mixing different types of memories often makes a gallery wall feel more individual than using photographs alone.

Where is the best place for a gallery wall?

Hallways, staircases, living rooms and bedrooms are all popular choices, but smaller spaces can work just as well. A gallery wall can be particularly useful for filling an awkward blank wall or adding personality to an area that otherwise feels a little forgotten.