Gallery wall spacing: the numbers that make it look planned
A gallery wall looks planned when the gaps are the same everywhere. Choose one gap, 5 to 8 cm, and keep it.
Four numbers
- Gap between frames: 5–8 cm (2–3 in). The same gap everywhere. Frameology suggests 2.5 inches as a default for clusters of three to eight pieces (Frameology).
- Width: about two thirds of the furniture below. The same rule as for art above a sofa.
- Centre: 145 cm (57 in) from the floor, for the group as a whole. See how high to hang art.
- Above furniture: 15–25 cm (6–10 in) to the lowest frame.
Pick a structure
Every gallery wall that looks calm has one line that holds it together. Three that work:
- Grid. Same-size frames in rows and columns. The strictest and the easiest to get right.
- Outer box. Mixed sizes, but the outer edges form a rectangle, as in the drawing above.
- Centre line. Mixed sizes along one horizontal line through their centres, often at 145 cm. Loose and good for long walls.
Lay it out before you drill
- Cut a paper template for each frame and mark the hanger position on it.
- Tape the templates to the wall with painter’s tape, starting with the biggest piece in the centre.
- Check the gaps with a piece of card cut to your gap width, and step back.
- Drill through the marks on the paper, then tear it away.
Keeping it together
- Repeat one thing: the same frame colour, the same mat, or one colour that returns in several prints.
- Mix sizes on purpose: one anchor piece, then medium and small.
- Leave the space around the group at least twice the inner gap, so it does not bump into doors, corners or shelves.