How to Create a Gallery Wall That Actually Feels Personal

Sep 30

2 min read

A fun and easy way to make a home feel more finished and more like you is to give the walls some personality. The trick is not to make everything match too perfectly.

We used Desenio as the starting point for one of our walls, mixing about half a dozen framed prints with collected photos, published articles, random little memories and even stamps featuring our photo that we had made for our wedding invitations. The end result feels layered and personal rather than overly designed.

A few things I learned along the way:

Start with a few larger pieces. If every frame is small, a gallery wall can quickly start to feel busy. Two or three larger prints help anchor everything, and then you can fill in around them with smaller personal items.
Mix polished with sentimental. Desenio is great for this because the prints give the wall some visual consistency, while the personal pieces keep it from looking like it came straight out of a catalog.
Don’t be afraid to mix frame sizes. A combination of horizontal, vertical and square frames makes the wall more interesting. You can also mix frame finishes, although I’d keep it to two or three so it still feels cohesive.
Lay everything out on the floor first. This is probably the most important tip. Arrange the whole wall before you start making holes. Take a photo of the layout so you can reference it as you hang.
Leave some breathing room. You don’t need to fill every inch. A little negative space makes each piece stand out more.
And finally, use things you already own. Kids’ drawings, postcards, ticket stubs, magazine clippings, handwritten notes and old photos can all become art once they’re framed.

That’s what makes a wall feel special. It doesn’t have to be expensive or perfectly coordinated. The best gallery walls are really just a visual collection of the things you love.