Picture perfect: 15 tips for creating the ultimate gallery wall

Not all walls are great spaces for a gallery wall. Make sure your wall is big enough to accommodate the pieces you want to hang, and if they're heavy, use a stud finder to ensure that you can anchor them into the wall securely. 

The most challenging part of building a gallery wall is finding the right layout, and that's a deeply personal decision. Once you've collected the pieces you want to use, spend some time thinking about how to best lay them out on the wall. 

Once you've got a layout in mind, it's time to get out the masking tape and craft paper. Cut the paper into the size of the pieces you plan to use, then affix it to the wall with painter's tape in your chosen arrangement. From there, you'll be able to tweak your design without putting holes in the wall. 

If painter's tape and paper seem too tedious, you can also clear a large space on your floor to lay out your art and other decorative pieces before hanging. Don't forget to snap a photo in case you forget what it looked like! 

Unless the vibe you're going for is pretty minimalist, just using framed art might make your gallery wall seem a little, well, boring. Add in tapestries, wall hangings, sconces, and other pieces for texture and a 3-D touch. 

Some folks choose to go with one color palette or frame style for a gallery wall, but mixing it up can make yours look so much more interesting. Scour thrift stores and craft shops for frames you like, then customize them to your tastes with a simple coat of spray paint. 

Symmetry is pleasing, but being overly matchy with your gallery wall can make it look pretty basic. Don't be afraid to arrange your frames in an eclectic layout. You'll likely find that it makes your gallery wall look more natural and authentic 

Each gallery wall should have a few large pieces to anchor it, and those should definitely be hung first. Choose a prominent place in the middle of your wall, then build out with additional pieces from there. 

From kitschy vintage art to antique advertising signs, thrift stores are positively replete with distinctive items that won't break the bank. And, when you're shopping secondhand, you can be more assured that your gallery wall will be totally unique. 

If you really want a totally DIY gallery wall, create your own art! Grab a canvas and some paints, get the kids involved and spend an afternoon making a piece that will both look great on the wall and hold sentimental value for years to come. 

It's easy for gallery walls to look a bit too crowded, so make sure to leave at least an inch or two of negative space around each piece that you hang. For bigger walls, you'll need larger gaps to make everything feel cohesive. 

Both practical and pretty, floating shelves can give your gallery wall both storage space and some unique visual appeal. Use it to display an array of pretty books and knick-knacks, or keep it minimalist with a single decorative piece. 

Often, creating a gallery wall involves hammering a whole bunch of holes into your wall, and that can be a problem if you're a renter — or even if you just like to switch up your decor occasionally. Look into temporary adhesives, like 3M Command strips, for a way to make your space look great without the damage. 

Even if you're dead-set on mostly using framed art, get creative with your gallery wall! Score pretty China plates to display, or mix in a macrame tapestry for an eclectic look that's easy to achieve. 

Plants bring a burst of life to pretty much any space they're in, and that's also true on a gallery wall. Use a wall-mounted planter to hang a trailing ivy or pretty philodendron, but make sure that it's easy to access when it comes time for watering.