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Create your own gallery wall – personal art that gives your home soul
A gallery wall is more than just decoration. It’s a visual narrative of who you are, what you like, and what matters to you. In an era where many homes look alike, a personal gallery wall adds character, warmth, and depth. It’s a simple way to incorporate art into your home – and simultaneously create an atmosphere that is uniquely yours.
Whether you live in a small city apartment or a spacious house, a well-planned gallery wall can give a room an entirely new expression. You don't need interior design experience or expensive art to get started. In this blog post, you'll find inspiration, concrete advice, and recommendations to help you create a gallery wall with art prints and paintings that mean something to you.
Find your style
Before you start buying artworks or hammering nails into the wall, it’s a good idea to consider what style you want. Are you drawn to the minimalist and neutral, or do you like strong colors and contrasts? Do you want a gallery wall that is calm and harmonious, or should it be playful and unexpected?
Take some time to gather gallery wall inspiration. Browse Instagram, Pinterest, or interior design blogs. See what you are drawn to. You can also find inspiration in artistic expressions you already like – perhaps an album cover, a book illustration, or a photo from a trip.
A good tip is to start with one or two art prints that truly appeal to you, and build around them. Large works can serve as a natural centerpiece, while smaller prints and photos add dynamism and variety.
Choose meaningful artwork
A gallery wall is strongest when it reflects you. This doesn't mean everything has to have deep meaning, but it helps to choose art that you genuinely like – not just something that matches the pillows on the sofa. Art prints are an accessible and stylish way to collect quality art. You get art from exciting artists, often in limited editions, at an affordable price. And it gives you the opportunity to put together your very own collection.
Unsure where to start? Here are some recommendations:
- Lea Alstad: Emotion-filled portraits with soft colors and deep gazes. Perfect as an atmospheric centerpiece.
- Ina Matho: Abstract forms and natural color tones. Suitable for a calm and balanced gallery wall.
- Salke1: Urban and playful street art style that adds energy and character.
- Sebastian Slotte: Colorful, surreal, and full of details. Guaranteed to be a conversation starter in the living room.
By combining different styles, you can create a gallery wall that reflects your entire personality. Contrasts between the delicate and the strong, the graphic and the painterly, often create an exciting expression.
Plan your gallery wall layout
Before you start hanging, it pays to plan. A random collection of pictures can quickly look messy, while a well-balanced gallery wall creates calm and interest.
Start by measuring the wall you want to decorate. Then lay out the artworks on the floor and test different arrangements. Try to maintain equal spacing between frames and find a good rhythm between large and small formats.
Another useful tool is paper templates: cut out templates the same size as your artworks and tape them to the wall. This allows you to adjust placement and composition without making holes.
Some prefer symmetrical arrangements with straight lines and matching frames, while others prefer a more organic composition. The most important thing is that the gallery wall feels balanced and natural to the eye.
Proper framing and frames
Framing is not just about protecting the art – it's an important part of the expression. The frames tie the gallery wall together and contribute to the overall look.
Black frames give a sleek and modern feel, while oak or natural wood creates warmth and softness. White frames fit well in Scandinavian, bright homes. You can choose to keep all frames the same for a tidy look, or mix different types for more variety.
Also remember technical details:
- UV glass protects against sun fading and preserves the art print for up to 300 years.
- Passepartout provides space around the artwork and highlights the motif. In addition, it holds the artwork in place and maintains its distance from the glass so that it is protected from aging. The most common passepartouts are white and black, but other colors are available.
- Quality frames last longer and give the art a dignified presentation.
If you invest in prints from artists like Lea Alstad or Ina Matho, it might be worth using a professional framer.
Hang with precision
Once you've decided on the layout and framing, it's time to get everything up on the wall. Here are some practical tips:
- Use a spirit level and tape measure to ensure everything hangs straight.
- Start from the center and work your way outwards, or begin with the largest piece and build around it.
- Maintain even spacing between pictures (5–7 cm often works well).
- Consider using picture ledges for flexibility and easy rotation.
- Dare to experiment and move things around if they don't feel right.
Practical tips and recommendations
- You don't have to do everything at once. Start with a few pieces and build over time.
- Feel free to mix different techniques: art prints, paintings, photos, and drawings.
- Use lighting to highlight the wall art, for example, spotlights.
- Stay true to your own taste. Art should feel right for you – not just look right to others.
- Remember that the gallery wall can change. Art can be swapped out and moved around. Let it be dynamic.
And most importantly: Take a look at art prints from Salke1 and Sebastian Slotte to add color, energy, and a modern expression to your gallery wall. They add character and edge, and fit perfectly into homes where there is room for a little personality.
Ready to create your own gallery wall?
Now you have everything you need to get started. A gallery wall gives you the opportunity to collect art, tell stories, and shape your home in your own way. You don't need a lot of money, just a little creativity and willingness to experiment.
Explore art prints from talented artists like Lea Alstad, Ina Matho, Salke1, and Sebastian Slotte, and create a gallery wall that not only fills empty walls but also gives your home soul.
Blog post updated 05/11/2025