How to plan a gallery wall before you hang a single frame

The best gallery walls have a clear point of view. That does not mean every print needs the same subject or frame. It means you can tell why the pieces belong together from a few steps away.

Choose one anchor

Pick the print you want someone to notice first. It can be the largest piece, the darkest image or the only strong colour. Put it near eye level and arrange the remaining work around it. If every piece asks for equal attention, the wall can feel noisy.

For a quiet, tonal scheme, begin with Earth & Texture. For a more vivid wall, combine one bold print from Chromatic Crowns with calmer pieces. Check each product's included files and license before printing.

Pick a layout that fits the room

• Three pieces: line them up by centre, not by the top edge, when frame sizes vary.
• Five pieces: use one central anchor and four supporting pieces. Keep the outer shape roughly rectangular.
• Mixed collection: repeat at least one element, such as frame finish, mat colour or a shared accent, across the wall.

Lay the framed pieces on the floor and photograph two or three arrangements. Leave a consistent gap between neighbours; around 2–3 inches is a useful starting point for medium frames, but scale it to the wall and furniture. Above a sofa, judge the whole arrangement against the sofa width rather than the wall alone.

Test before drilling

Trace each frame onto kraft paper, mark its hanging point and tape the shapes to the wall. Step back, then sit where you normally see the room. This catches a layout that looked balanced on the floor but sits too high or competes with a lamp. Confirm the wall material and use suitable fixings for each frame's weight.

Print a small proof of at least one piece so you can check colour and paper in the actual room light. Need help choosing files for the frames you already own? Start with our printable wall art size guide.