I’ve always loved the look of Framebridge gallery walls. They feel collected, thoughtful, and timeless – the kind of art moments that make a home feel finished. But when I started pricing out a pre-made gallery wall, I quickly realized it just wasn’t something I wanted to spend that much money on.

That said, I also knew I didn’t want a gallery wall that felt random, rushed, or cheap. If I was going to do it myself, it needed to look intentional and tasteful, not like a last-minute DIY.

So instead of buying a pre-designed gallery, I decided to recreate the feel of a Framebridge wall on my own – using frames sourced from Amazon, HomeGoods, and Target, and having my photos and artwork printed through Nations Photo Lab (use this link to get 40% off!), which is my go-to for high-quality prints. Their color, clarity, and paper options make such a difference, especially when you’re mixing family photos with artwork.

The key wasn’t spending more – it was planning. Taking the time to think through scale, spacing, and layout is what makes a gallery wall feel elevated. In this post, I’m sharing exactly how I planned and hung my gallery wall step-by-step, so you can create something that looks polished and personal without the high price tag.

Step 1: Plan the Overall Gallery Size

Before hanging anything, decide how much of the wall your gallery will take up.

A good rule of thumb:

• Let the gallery fill about 75–80% of the wall’s width

• And about 65–75% of the wall’s height

Lightly mark the top and bottom boundaries of your gallery with painter’s tape so you’re designing within a clear zone.

Step 2: Trace Each Frame with Contractor Paper

Lay each frame face down on the contractor paper and trace around it.

For each paper template:

• Label the frame size

• Note the orientation (vertical or horizontal)

• Mark the top edge

• Optional: mark where the Velcro hanger will attach on the back of the frame

Cut out each template.

This step lets you visualize the exact scale of your frames on the wall before committing.

Step 3: Tape the Paper Templates to the Wall

Using painter’s tape, tape each paper outline to the wall where you want the frame to go.

Tips:

• Start with the center of the gallery, then work outward

• Keep 2–3 inches of space between templates

• Focus on visual balance, not perfect alignment

• Step back often and look at the wall straight on

Adjust the paper freely until the layout feels calm and intentional.

Step 4: Prep the Wall and Frames

Before attaching Command™ strips:

• Clean the wall surface with rubbing alcohol

• Clean the back of each frame where the Velcro will attach

• Let everything dry completely

This ensures the adhesive bonds properly.

Step 5: Attach Command™ Velcro Hangers to the Frames

Attach the Velcro strips to the back of each frame, following the package instructions.

Important tips:

• Use enough strips for the weight of the frame (don’t under-support)

• Keep strips level and evenly spaced

• Press firmly and hold for the recommended time

Do not attach frames to the wall yet.

Step 6: Hang Using the Paper Templates as Guides

With the paper templates still on the wall:

• Remove one template at a time

• Attach the matching frame directly where the paper was placed

• Use a level to ensure it’s straight

• Press the frame firmly onto the wall and hold as directed

Working one frame at a time keeps spacing consistent and prevents mistakes.

Step 7: Step Back and Make Small Adjustments

Once everything is up:

• Step back and view the wall as a whole

• Check spacing and balance

• Make small adjustments if needed (this is one of the advantages of Velcro hangers)

Because you didn’t use nails, minor tweaks are easy.

Final Thoughts

A gallery wall doesn’t have to be permanent — or stressful.

By planning with paper templates and using Command™ Velcro hangers, you can:

• visualize the layout before committing

• avoid unnecessary holes

• hang confidently and cleanly

The result is a gallery wall that feels intentional, balanced, and personal — without damaging your walls.

Common Gallery Wall Mistakes to Avoid

These are the most common issues that make gallery walls feel cluttered or “off” — and how to avoid them.

❌ Starting Left to Right
Why it’s a problem:
The wall can drift and lose balance.
Do this instead:
Start from the center and work outward.

❌ Using Only Small Frames
Why it’s a problem:
The wall feels busy and chaotic.
Fix:
Include at least one large anchor frame to ground the gallery.

❌ Spacing Frames Too Closely
Why it’s a problem:
The gallery starts to feel cramped and cluttered.
Fix:
Aim for 2–3 inches between frames for an airy, intentional look.

❌ Hanging Too Low or Too High
Why it’s a problem:
Art can feel disconnected from the wall or awkwardly close to the ceiling.
Fix:
Decide your gallery’s vertical boundaries before hanging anything.

❌ Trying to Make Everything Line Up Perfectly
Why it’s a problem:
Perfect alignment can make the wall feel stiff and grid-like.
Fix:
Focus on visual balance, not exact measurements.

❌ Skipping the Paper Templates
Why it’s a problem:
You end up guessing — and fixing mistakes later.
Fix:
Use contractor paper and painter’s tape to preview the layout first.

❌ Not Cleaning the Wall Before Using Command™ Strips
Why it’s a problem:
Frames can fall or shift.
Fix:
Always clean the wall and frame backs with rubbing alcohol and let dry.

Final Tip
If something feels off, it usually is — and that’s okay.
Gallery walls are meant to be adjusted. Taking your time is what makes the final result feel elevated and intentional.