How to Create a Gallery Wall: Complete Guide + Free Layout Tool 2026

Why a gallery wall is more than just art on the wall

A gallery wall isn't a random collection of art prints—it's a personal statement. It tells who you are, what you love, and how you live. It's a visual story that grows and changes with your life.

As an artist, I see people struggle every day with creating a gallery wall. Too many choices, fear of mistakes, uncertainty about composition. That's why I wrote this comprehensive guide: from psychology to practice, from first print to finished wall.

Whether you're starting with a single art print or want to fill an entire wall, this guide will help you create a gallery wall that's truly yours.

The psychology behind a successful gallery wall

Before we get to the practical steps, it's important to understand why some gallery walls work and others don't. It's not just about aesthetics—it's about balance, rhythm, and negative space.

In Japanese aesthetics, this is called Ma (間) —the art of in-betweenness. It's not the art itself that makes the impact, but the space around it. A gallery wall with too little Ma feels claustrophobic. Too much Ma feels empty and unfinished.

The perfect gallery wall balances:

• Visual weight – large prints versus small prints, dark versus light
• Negative space – the breathing space between prints
• Rhythm – repetition of colors, shapes, or themes
• Focal point – one statement piece that draws attention
• Personality – prints that resonate with your story

With these principles in mind, let's start with the practical part.

Step 1: Choose your location and measure your space

Before you buy art prints, decide where your gallery wall will go. The best locations are places you walk past daily and have plenty of light.

Ideal locations for a gallery wall:

• Above the sofa – classic and impactful, make sure the gallery wall covers 2/3 of the sofa width
• In the hallway – often underused, perfect for a long, horizontal gallery wall
• Stair wall – dynamic and interesting, follow the line of the stairs
• Above your desk – inspiration while working, choose soothing abstract prints
• In the bedroom – choose prints in earthy tones for a serene atmosphere

Measure your space: Use masking tape to mark the outline of your gallery wall on the wall. This will give you a visual idea of ​​the space and help you plan your layout.

Pro tip: Take a photo of the empty wall and print it out. Sketch different layouts on the photo before you start planning.

Step 2: Choose a style and theme for your art prints

A cohesive gallery wall has a common thread. This could be a color palette, a style, or a theme. It doesn't have to be matchy-matchy, but it does have to be harmonious.

Popular gallery wall styles:

1. Monochrome and minimalist
Black and white art prints in uniform frames. Sleek, timeless, and elegant. Perfect for modern interiors. Our New York Districts series works perfectly with this style.

2. Eclectic and colorful
A mix of colors, styles, and sizes. Personal and vibrant. Let your creativity flow. Combine abstract prints with photographic works.

3. Symmetrical and orderly
A grid layout with equal spacing and sizes. Calming and structured. Ideal for smaller spaces.

4. Organic and asymmetrical
Freeform composition without strict rules. Dynamic and artistic. Our favorite style at KOJO Art – it creates movement and interest.

Theme ideas for 2026:

• Urban landscapes and architecture (such as our New York Districts)
• Abstract and geometric minimalist
• Earthy tones and natural textures
• Black and white photography with one color accent
• Personal mix of art and travel photos

Step 3: Select your art prints (with free layout tool)

Now comes the fun part: choosing art prints. Start with one or two prints that really resonate with you, and build from there.

The KOJO Art method for print selection:

• Start with a statement piece – one larger print (50x70cm or larger) that sets the tone
• Mix sizes strategically – combine large (50x70cm), medium (30x40cm) and small prints (21x30cm) in a 3:2:1 ratio
• Think about color – choose a color palette of 3-4 colors that are repeated in all prints
• Vary in style, but stay consistent – ​​for example, all abstract, or all architectural
• Allow room for growth – your gallery wall doesn't have to be finished in one go, it can evolve

Free layout tool: Download our printable gallery wall planner with various templates for 3, 5, 7, and 9 prints. Cut out the templates and experiment on the floor before drilling.

Shop the Look: Our favorite gallery wall combinations

The Minimalist (5 prints):
Perfect for above the sofa. Combine one 50x70cm centerpiece with four 30x40cm black and white prints. Total width: approximately 180cm.

The Urban Explorer (7 prints):
Our New York Districts series in various sizes. Mix architectural prints for an urban, gallery-style look.

The Organic Collector (9 prints):
Asymmetrical composition with abstract prints in earthy tones. Ideal for larger walls (250cm+). Grow your space through Print Club.

Our Print Club is perfect for growing your gallery wall organically: every month, a new, exclusive limited-edition art print arrives via snail mail . Hand-signed and numbered.

Step 4: Plan your layout (before you drill!)

The biggest mistake with gallery walls? Starting to drill too soon. Plan your layout on the floor first, or use paper templates on the wall.

Method 1: Lay it out on the floor
Lay all the art prints (or cardboard templates in the same sizes) on the floor in different compositions. Experiment until you find a layout that works for you. Take a photo for reference.

Method 2: Use paper templates (recommended)
Cut paper to the size of your art prints and tape them to the wall with masking tape. Adjust the position until you're satisfied. This is the safest method and prevents unnecessary holes.

Method 3: Use our digital planner
Download our free gallery wall planner PDF with pre-drawn layouts. Print, cut out, and stick on the wall.

Layout rules (that you can break):

• Keep 5-8 cm distance between prints for rest and breathing space (Ma)
• Hang the center of your gallery wall at eye level (approximately 145-150 cm)
• Start with the largest print and work around it
• Balance visual weight – large prints on the left? Balance with several small ones on the right
• Create an invisible rectangle – the outer prints together form an imaginary shape

Artist tip: Regularly step back 3 meters and squint. This way, you can see if the composition is balanced without being distracted by details.

Step 5: Hang your art prints

Now for the real work. With the right preparation, this is the easiest part.

What you need:

• Spirit level (or use the spirit level app on your phone)
• Pencil for marking (use a soft pencil that is easy to erase)
• Hammer and nails, or Command strips for rental properties
• Measuring tape
• Optional: drill for heavier prints or original works
• A buddy – this is not a solo project!

Hanging tips from an artist:

• Start in the middle – hang the central print(s) first and work outwards
• Work with a buddy – someone to hold the print while you check it's hanging straight
• Use the correct mounting method – art prints up to 2kg: nail or Command strip. Over 2kg: dowel and screw.
• Check in between – step back regularly to see the bigger picture
• Mark lightly – use a soft pencil that you can easily erase later
• Keep it level – a skewed print is immediately noticeable, even in asymmetrical layouts

For rental properties: Command Picture Hanging Strips are your best friend. They hold up to 7kg per set and leave no residue. Perfect for our art prints.

Step 6: Let your gallery wall grow and evolve

A gallery wall is never "finished." The best thing about a gallery wall is that it grows with you. Add new art prints, swap out prints seasonally, or replace prints that no longer suit you.

Ways to evolve your gallery wall:

• Add a new print monthly through the Print Club – this way you organically build a unique collection.
• Swap prints seasonally (light colors in summer, warm earthy tones in winter)
• Add personal photos among the art prints for an eclectic mix
• Replace prints as your tastes change – you can, and even should!
• Extend to an adjacent wall for a wrap-around gallery effect
• Document your gallery wall on Instagram and tag us (@kojoart.nl) for inspiration

Artist perspective: I create every print with the intention that it becomes part of a larger story. That's why our prints are limited edition and hand-signed – each piece is unique, just like your gallery wall.

Gallery wall inspiration: examples and styles

The Minimalist

3-5 black and white art prints in identical black frames, hung symmetrically. Sleek, understated, and timeless. Perfect for small spaces and modern interiors. Consider our New York Districts in monochrome.

The Maximalist

15+ art prints in various sizes, colors, and styles. From floor to ceiling, organically arranged. Full, vibrant, and personal. For the true art lover.

The Salon Style

Closely spaced art prints with minimal spacing (2-3 cm). Classic and impactful, like those found in old Parisian art galleries. This calls for prints with a common theme.

The Storyteller

A mix of art prints, photos, quotes, and small objects. Each piece tells a story. Personal and emotional. Perfect for the hallway or above your desk.

The Urban Curator

Architectural and urban prints in various sizes. Our New York Districts series is perfect for this. It creates a gallery-like, professional look.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: Hanging too high
Solution: The center of your gallery wall should be at eye level (145-150 cm), not the topmost point. Above a sofa: 15-20 cm above the backrest.

Error 2: Too little contrast and variation
Solution: Mix large and small prints, light and dark colors, and busy and calm compositions. Create visual tension.

Mistake 3: Wanting to finish everything at once
Solution: Start with 3-5 prints and let it grow. A gallery wall can evolve. Our Print Club will help you with this with monthly additions.

Error 4: No coherence
Solution: Choose one unifying element: color, style, frames, or theme. This creates a sense of calm within diversity.

Mistake 5: Too Afraid to Experiment
Solution: Holes in the wall can be filled. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust. Use paper templates first if you're unsure.

Error 6: Not enough negative space (Ma)
Solution: Let your prints breathe. 5-8cm between prints is ideal. Too little space feels claustrophobic.

Customer inspiration: Genuine KOJO Art gallery walls

Our customers regularly send us photos of their gallery walls. Here are some favorites:

Sarah from Amsterdam: "I started with one New York Districts print, and now I have a complete wall of nine prints through Print Club. I look forward to the new addition every month."

Mark from Rotterdam: "The minimalist setup above my sofa. Five black-and-white prints, perfectly symmetrical. I get compliments on it every day."

Lisa from Utrecht: "My stair wall is now an evolving art project. 12 prints and counting. The limited editions make it extra special."

Share your gallery wall on Instagram with #KOJOArtGalleryWall and we might feature you in our next blog!

Start your gallery wall with KOJO Art

Ready to get started? Whether you're looking for a single statement piece or a complete gallery wall, our art prints collection offers exclusive, hand-signed art for every interior.

Each print is:

• Limited edition – numbered and limited edition
• Hand signed – by artist Jordy Koumans
• Museum quality – 200gsm premium paper
• Sustainably produced – locally printed in the Netherlands
• Ready to hang – or frame to your preference

Want to grow your gallery wall organically? Start a Print Club membership and receive a new, limited-edition art print by snail mail every month. This way, you can build a unique collection month after month.

Special bonus: When you purchase 3 or more prints, you'll receive our free Gallery Wall Planner PDF by email. Includes layout templates and hanging tips.

Discover our art prints collection and start creating your personal gallery wall today.

Frequently asked questions about gallery walls

How many art prints do I need for a gallery wall?
There's no minimum. You can start with three prints and expand. A typical gallery wall has 5-15 prints, but this depends on your space and style. Our recommendation: start with five prints and grow your collection through Print Club.

Should all art prints have the same frame?
No, but it does help create cohesion. If you use different frames, choose a unifying element like color (all black) or style (all wood). For a modern look: identical black frames. For an eclectic look: a mix of wood and black.

How high should I hang my gallery wall?
The center (not the top) should be at eye level, approximately 145-150 cm from the floor. Above a sofa: 15-20 cm above the backrest. In a hallway: slightly higher, around 155 cm, is fine.

Can I hang art prints without a frame?
Yes! Unframed prints give a casual, artistic look. Be sure to use secure mounting (Command strips) and protect the corners. Our prints are made on 200gsm heavy-duty paper, perfect for hanging unframed. They create a gallery/studio vibe.

How do I prevent my gallery wall from looking cluttered?
Choose a single unifying element (color, style, or theme), maintain consistent spacing between prints (5-8 cm), and start with a clear plan before hanging. Use our free layout planner for templates.

Can I adjust my gallery wall after hanging it?
Absolutely! A gallery wall can evolve. Swap prints, add new ones, or rearrange them as your tastes change. That's the beauty of it. Document your changes on Instagram!

What if I live in a rental property?
Use Command Picture Hanging Strips that don't leave holes. They hold up to 7kg per set and are perfect for art prints. Available at any hardware store. Follow the instructions carefully for best results.

How do I combine different formats?
Use the 3:2:1 ratio: 3 large prints (50x70cm), 2 medium prints (30x40cm), 1 small print (21x30cm). Or download our layout planner for pre-tested combinations. Always start with the largest print as the focal point.

Can I mix art prints and photos?
Yes! Ensure cohesion by using identical frames or a common color palette. For a professional look, mix no more than 30% personal photos with 70% art prints.

How often should I update my gallery wall?
There's no hard and fast rule. Some people change seasonally (four times a year), others add monthly through Print Club. Listen to your intuition – if a print no longer resonates with you, replace it.

Related articles

• Why Limited Edition Art Prints Are Worth Investing In
• 10 Creative Snailmail Ideas for Art Lovers
• New York Districts Series: Architectural Prints
• Print Club – Monthly Limited Edition Prints

Ready to get started? Shop our complete art print collection or join Print Club and let your gallery wall grow organically.