A gallery wall layout rarely looks like an impulsive decision. Chances are, there was a ruler, some careful calculations, and maybe even a cup of coffee in the making before that perfect grouping of frames went up on the wall.

At Art To Frames, we see it all the time - customers walking in with a vision for their gallery wall, and a few common steps emerging from their requests. Whether we're talking about a five-picture display or fifteen, none of these actions ever seem to change.

A Layout Idea Worth Stealing From History

The gallery wall layout you dream of seeing in magazines is not a modern invention. In fact, museums have been displaying art in a similar fashion for centuries - the difference being that their version leans towards the floor-to-ceiling cluster of works known as the salon hang. Milwaukee Art Museum even notes that this style allowed curators to group works by theme rather than sticking strictly to traditional rows or spacing. This same effect can be replicated in your own home with one helpful gallery wall layout tip: the more you tangle with the history of it all, the more inspiration you'll find for your own setup.

How to Plan a Gallery Wall Layout: 6 Steps

1. Measure the Wall Before Anything Else Happens

Make sure to note the complete length and breadth of your display space, plus any outlets or switches that might impede your progress.

Our picture frame sizes guide is a great resource to bookmark as you move on to the next step in planning your gallery wall layout.

2. Choose a Gallery Wall Layout Style Before Buying Frames

Settle on a grid, a salon-style cluster, or a linear formation before diving into any serious shopping. Our roundup of gallery wall layout examples contains a few real-life snaps of each style so you can get a better idea of which one is right for you.

Grid vs. Salon vs. Linear

A gallery wall layout in the form of a grid is perfect for contemporary spaces, while the latter two styles tend to lean more heavily towards eclectic decor. As for linear arrangements, they tend to work best when placed above your sofa or media console as a single row of frames.

3. Trace Out Your Gallery Wall Layout on Kraft Paper First

Cut kraft paper to the size of each piece in your display, then use painter's tape to attach the shapes to your wall. Wait a day or two before hammering any nails into your actual gallery wall so that you can adjust the mockup if needed. It may seem like a time-consuming gallery wall layout step, but trust us - it's easier to rip down paper than to repair drywall damage! This Pinterest board contains a wealth of other gallery wall layout tips that we think you'll enjoy.

4. Vary Your Gallery Wall Layout Sizes

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a gallery wall layout and forget that a room full of identical frames can come off as rigid or severe. Add some visual interest by mixing and matching a few different sizes, plus some portrait-and-landscape contrast, and you'll have a display that has character without sacrificing cohesion.

5. Keep Gallery Wall Layout Spacing Uniform

A distance of two to three inches between frames tends to look best, so use a measuring tape to ensure that your spacing is consistent throughout your gallery wall layout.

6. Hang the Gallery Wall Layout Anker Piece First

As a general rule of thumb for gallery wall layout beginners, it's always a good idea to start with your largest or most eye-catching piece. Once you've hung it, you can use it as an anchor for the rest of your display.

Your Turn to Plan a Gallery Wall Layout Like a Pro

After you've completed all six steps in your gallery wall layout planning process, take a step back and admire your work! It's important to remember that a gallery wall layout should always be refined throughout the first week of its display. You can always tweak individual pieces based on what looks best from across the room.

For all your picture frame and custom framing needs, be sure to browse our website. If you're looking for extra guidance, feel free to contact us and our team will help you measure out a gallery wall layout sample before you place your first order.