Gallery Walls in Small Spaces

Creating Stunning Gallery Walls in Small Spaces: A Guide by Portfolio Picture Framers

Gallery walls are a popular trend in home decor. They allow people to display their personality and style by combining art collections, family photos and cherished memories.

If done poorly, however, creating a gallery wall in a small space can pose many challenges, such as a lack of harmony and a risk of overcrowding.

At Portfolio Picture Framers, we believe that, with the right practical tips, layout ideas and professional framing services, you can transform even the smallest areas into dashing displays.

What are the benefits of professional frames for homeowners with limited wall space?

When wall space is at a premium, making the most of every inch becomes crucial. Even if you have limited wall space, your dream gallery is still possible with professional framers. Here’s how we can help you:

• Optimise your space: Our expert team at Portfolio Picture Framers can create custom-sized frames that fit perfectly into your available wall space, ensuring no space on your walls is wasted.
• Protect your valuables: With professional framing, you’ll receive high-grade protective materials, such as UV protective glass and acid-free matting, preventing your artwork and photographs from degrading.
• Customise to your unique style: Our professional framing team can provide you with personalised frame designs that reflect both your personal style and your home’s decor, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your gallery wall.

Tips for creating stunning gallery walls in small spaces

Designing a gallery wall in a small space can be challenging, but with the right framing techniques and layout choices, it can be a fantastic addition to your home decor and really showcase your unique aesthetic. Here are some tips to help you create a stunning gallery wall in a small space:

Use uniform frames 

Going with uniform wall photo frames, such as ones with the same colour and style, can create a cohesive and organised appearance. This can make your space appear more unified and less cluttered.

Consider a salon-style layout

Salon-style involves hanging your frames higher and lower than eye-level, in a seemingly random yet balanced fashion. This unique layout can add a sense of creativity and individuality, perfect for showcasing a diverse collection in a small area

Rotate your collection

Consider swapping your pieces seasonally or whenever you want a fresh look. This keeps your space feeling new and allows you to showcase different artwork or photos over time.

Experiment with mirrors and reflective spaces

Mirrors or reflective frames enhance light and openness in a room, which can make your space feel larger and more inviting.

What are some excellent layout techniques in small spaces?

When arranging your frames, there are a variety of layout techniques you can use to maximise your space and create a cohesive, unique look, including:

Opt for a linear or grid arrangement

A linear or grid arrangement can help create a structured and spacious feel in a small space.

For example, arranging your frames in a vertical line draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller. Whereas placing your frames in a perfect horizontal line can create a sense of openness and make the room appear wider. 

The grid layout involves placing frames in a precise, evenly spaced pattern, forming rows and columns. Having this structured arrangement provides a small wall with an organised appearance, creating a sense of order and tidiness.

Consider a salon-style layout

The salon-style is markedly different from the grid and linear styles, and introduces a more eclectic and dynamic energy to your space. Its seemingly random arrangement effortlessly complements maximalist decor, but can also act as a striking counterbalance to more minimalist or structured space.

This is particularly useful in small spaces, as it enables you to display a larger number of pieces without worrying about strict alignment. 

A salon-style arrangement also provides you with the opportunity to get creative and make your gallery wall a unique reflection of your tastes and interests.

Theme ideas for small space gallery walls

Like all creative projects, sometimes knowing where to start can be the hardest part of the process! To get you thinking creatively, here are some great theme ideas for you to consider:

Cherished memories

With this type of theme, you can arrange your gallery wall with framed family photos, travel souvenirs and personal mementos, giving your gallery a warm and personal feel.

If this theme interests you, consider frames in classic styles to create an elegant, cohesive look. To help you choose the perfect frame style, read our previous blog.

Art and photography

Showcase your gallery with a collection of prints, paintings and photographs. For example, you could create a dynamic display of small and medium-sized artwork with a mixture of traditional and contemporary frames.

All-white elegance

Arranging your wall with all white frames - perhaps with white or ligh-coloured mats as well - creates a fresh, airy feel that can make your chosen room appear larger and brighter.

Tips for planning and hanging your frames

Coming up with the style and arrangement of your gallery wall is important, but it’s just as critical to make sure your frames’ placement on the wall are well-mapped out and hung securely. 

To make this process seamless, here are some great practical tips and tricks:

Plan and measure correctly

Before you start drilling holes or hammering nails, plan your layout by sketching it on paper to help you visualise, using painter’s tape to envision your frames placement on the wall, or downloading a wall visualiser app.

Work with partners

If possible, get a friend (or professional) to help you hold the frames up while you step back and check the arrangement.

Use appropriate hanging materials

Different wall materials require different types of anchors and hooks. By identifying your wall type and using the correct materials, you’ll ensure you mount your frames securely and prevent damage to both your frame and your wall!

Avoid command hooks

Although convenient, command hooks usually don’t provide enough structural support, especially for heavier frames. Instead, we suggest using traditional hooks.

For a detailed guide on hanging picture frames on a brick wall, read here.

Let us help you create your home gallery

With the right approach and professional services, even the smallest wall space can become a vibrant display.

If you’re ready to transform your wall space, don’t wait for inspiration to strike. Our team at Portfolio Picture Framers has over 30 years of experience crafting custom frames, and we’re ready to help you choose the best frames and styles to make your vision of the perfect home gallery a reality, so contact us today!