How to Build a Gallery Wall: The UK Guide
A gallery wall turns a few prints into a feature that makes a room. It looks effortless when it's done well — and the trick is planning before you put a single nail in the wall. Here's the simple Wild Thread Co method, sizes in cm, for British homes.
Step 1: Pick a theme that ties it together
The best gallery walls share a thread — a subject (British wildlife, mountains, the coast), a palette (earthy, monochrome), or a format (all framed prints, same frame colour). Mixing wildly rarely works. Browse a single world to keep it cohesive: Wildlife Art, British Countryside, or Framed Prints.
Step 2: Choose a layout
- Grid — equal-size frames in neat rows. Calm, modern, foolproof. Great for 4, 6 or 9 prints.
- Salon hang — mixed sizes around a central anchor piece. Relaxed and characterful.
- Row — a single line along a hallway or above a sofa. Simple and striking.
Step 3: Get the spacing and height right (cm)
- Leave 5–8 cm between frames — consistent gaps are what make it look designed.
- Hang so the centre of the arrangement sits ~145–150 cm from the floor (gallery eye-level).
- Above a sofa, the whole arrangement should span roughly two-thirds the width of the sofa, with the bottom row about 15–25 cm above the back.
Step 4: Plan on the floor (and on paper)
Lay the frames out on the floor first and shuffle until it feels balanced — biggest piece slightly off-centre, colours spread around. Trace each frame onto paper, tape the templates to the wall, and only then start hanging. You'll thank yourself.
Step 5: Choose your prints
Three to seven pieces suits most walls. Mix orientations (portrait + landscape) for a salon hang, or keep them uniform for a grid. Our framed prints arrive ready to hang, and a framed vs canvas mix can add lovely texture.
Quick layout cheat-sheet
| Prints | Best layout | Works above |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Row or triptych | Bed, console |
| 4–6 | 2×2 / 2×3 grid | Sofa, sideboard |
| 7+ | Salon hang | Stairs, large wall |
Frequently asked questions
How much space should I leave between frames?
5–8 cm is the sweet spot. Consistent gaps are the single biggest factor in a tidy, designed look.
How high should a gallery wall be hung?
Centre the arrangement around 145–150 cm from the floor. Above furniture, keep the bottom row 15–25 cm above the sofa or headboard.
How many prints do I need?
Three to seven works for most walls. Odd numbers tend to feel more natural in a salon hang; even numbers suit grids.
Can I mix framed and canvas?
Yes — a little texture variation looks great. Keep a common thread in subject or palette so it still reads as one set. See our framed vs canvas guide.
Ready to build yours? Start with framed prints, then explore living room and bedroom wall art. Made to order in Britain, free UK delivery over £50.