How to arrange pictures on a wall
Is your home feeling bare and uninspired?
Arranging pictures on a wall is a fun and easy way to bring your family’s personality into your home! From decorating with small photo prints to creating an elaborate-filled gallery wall, turning your walls into a creative display is a project everyone can enjoy.
Whether you’re displaying cherished family photos or your kids’ latest drawings, choosing how to arrange pictures on a wall isn’t always easy (especially if you’re a beginner).
This simple step-by-guide covers everything you need to know about arranging photos on the wall, including expert tips and tricks that make the whole process much easier!
Step 1: Choose the right wall
When arranging your photos to create a unique picture wall, the first step is to choose the right wall.
Remember, not every wall needs or suits frames hanging on them, so look for empty spaces that could use a little personality - without the space looking overcrowded or reflecting too much light, such as busy areas or walls directly across from windows. This could include in your living room, above the couch or over the fireplace, on the parallel walls of your entryway, flowing up the side of your staircase, or along long and narrow hallways.
Step 2: Select a layout
Now you have your chosen wall, it’s time to decide what style you want your pictures to give the space - do you want a clean, uniform look or do you have more of an eclectic vibe in mind?
The layout style you pick may be influenced by the theme of prints you want to put into the frames, like abstract art, photographs, or nature scenes, as well as the overall aesthetic of your home.
Need some inspiration? Explore our easy photo display ideas post, or learn more about the three most popular layout styles people tend to go for:
1. Linear layout
A linear layout is often a single row of straight photo frames or canvases - all of the same size - evenly spaced along the wall. This creates a clean and modern look, ideal for a more minimalistic home.
2. Grid layout
The grid layout is similar to the linear, but instead of in a row, they’re in a grid formation. This layout is perfect for large walls, without allowing the space to look chaotic.
3. Gallery wall
Gallery walls are becoming increasingly more popular in homes - mixing up frames, colours and print styles in a random, yet balanced, effect. The mix-matched style is perfect to show the fun and busyness of a family home and is also a great way to incorporate your favourite family photos with funky prints and special quotes.
Step 3: Print your photos and artwork
Now to the fun part - printing your photos and artwork!
Try to curate pieces that not only complement the room’s colour scheme and aesthetic but also the personality of your home and family.
Remember, you’re not just limited to photos either - why not try mixing your family prints with artwork, paintings and posters to really bring your idea to life? We have a wide range of unique photo frame ideas that may be perfect for your home, along with a helpful guide on which photo print style you should choose.
TOP TIP: Depending on the size of the prints you want, you may need to resize your photos. Fear not though, it’s super easy - check out our guide to learn how!
How to print photos
Whatever you choose to print, photo printing couldn’t be easier at Max Spielmann!
Whether you want to print from your phone, order online for same-day photo prints (available to collect in just 20 minutes), or use one of our handy in-store kiosks, we have loads of photo printing options to suit every busy household. No more running around the town centre with the kids on a Saturday or going face-to-face with an uncooperative home printer - if you don’t need to.
And it’s not just standard-size prints either! We can also print your favourite photos, artwork and funky prints as canvas prints, posters and personalised wall art, if you’re looking for something bigger for your space. Rest assured that whatever your style, layout and aesthetic - we can print it.
Not sure which size to go for? We have a super helpful post about the different standard photo print sizes that explains it all!
Step 4: Choose your frames
Once you have your prints, you’re going to need photo frames (unless you chose canvas prints, obviously).
Picking the right frame is not only essential for the perfect fit, but also for the final look inside your home. For a more clean and polished look, choose photo frames that match in colour and style, not only to each other, but also the overall aesthetic and decor of the room. However, for a more eclectic look, feel free to experiment with different shapes, sizes and finishes for a custom style that is uniquely you.
Not sure how to measure a picture for a photo frame or how to choose picture frame sizes? We’ve got you! Explore our helpful guides for our top tips on finding the perfect frame for your next project.
Step 5: Gather the right tools
Now before you start hammering nails into the wall, you need the right tools!
These will include:
- Measuring tape
- Level (for straight hanging)
- Hammer and nails or picture hooks
- Pencil for marking positions
- Painter’s tape for outlining
- Drill and wall anchors (for heavier frames)
Step 6: Plan your layout
Before you commit to putting holes in your walls, it's probably best to plan your layout first.
Add your prints into the frames and arrange the pictures on the floor in front of the wall - this will help you to visualise the layout. Experiment with different configurations and styles until you’re happy with the arrangement.
Once you have a rough plan in place, our favourite trick is to use painter’s tape to outline where you want your frames on the wall. This will help you double-check the layout, and guide you on where to put your nails.
Step 7: Measure and hang
Ok, now you can hang your pictures on the wall!
For a full guide on how to hang pictures, you check out our previous post, but here are the highlights:
1. Mark the spots
Measure the wall using your measuring tape, either apply your painter's tape, or mark with a pencil where you want each picture to hang. For a linear or grid layout, we recommend that the centre your frames should be at eye level - around 1.5 metres from the ground
2. Hammer in your nails or hooks
Use your hammer to knock in the nails or picture hooks into the wall, where you marked. For larger, heavier frames or canvases, drill a hole and insert a wall anchor beforehand.
3. Hang the pictures
Simply place the frame, or the hanging wire (if your frame has one) onto the nail or hook. Use your level to ensure the frame is straight, and adjust where needed.
Step 8: The finished result
Now that your pictures are arranged on the wall, it’s time to take a step back and admire your handiwork.
View the wall from different angles, to make sure the arrangement looks balanced and that you’re happy with where everything is. It may not always be perfect the first time, so don’t be so hard on yourself - it can easily be fixed by backtracking through the steps and trying again!
Bonus tips for specific areas
Want some bonus tips to make sure your photo arrangement looks picture-perfect? Of course you do!
Tip 1: How to hang pictures above furniture
If you’re arranging pictures above furniture, such as above your couch or dining table, be sure to keep the bottom edge of the lowest picture at least 15 to 20 cm above the furniture. This will create a clear, visual separation between your furniture and frames, and hopefully keep small sticky fingers from touching your prints.
Tip 2: How to hang pictures on a staircase
Thinking of adding some character and personality to your staircase? It’s always best to align the pictures to the same angle of the staircase, as this will create a natural flow with the stair’s incline.
Tip 3: How to hang pictures in a hallway
Hallways can be notoriously narrow, and the last thing you want to do is overwhelm such a tight area and make it seem even smaller. Stick to smaller frames in a linear layout, to help to elongate the space.
