A blank wall is an invitation. For some people, it's the most exciting part of moving into a new home. They're the ones always rearranging the living room, hanging something new, then stepping back and moving it two inches to the left.
A gallery wall is one of the easiest ways to make a space feel personal. It tells a story about who lives there: what they love, where they've been, and what makes them smile. And when the art is handmade, every piece carries a little extra meaning.
In this guide, we'll walk through how to build a gallery wall step by step, from choosing prints to planning the layout. We'll also share our favorite linocut prints to start with, whether you're decorating your own space or shopping for the decorator on your list.
Why Linocut Prints Work So Well on a Gallery Wall
Linocut is a type of relief printmaking. We carve each design by hand into a block of linoleum, in reverse, then roll ink over the surface and press paper onto it one print at a time. The result is art with bold lines, rich texture, and a handmade quality you can see up close.
That makes linocut prints a great fit for gallery walls:
- They're original art, not posters. Every print is hand-pulled, signed, and numbered by the artist.
- They're small and affordable. Most of our prints are 4x6 or 5x7 and start at $12, so you can build a full wall without breaking the budget.
- They mix easily. Bold, graphic designs look great next to photos, paintings, and vintage finds.
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No two are exactly alike. Slight variations in ink and paper make each piece one of a kind.
Step 1: Pick a Theme (or a Color Story)
The most cohesive gallery walls have something tying them together. That could be:
- A color palette. Blues and creams, or warm oranges and pinks, for example.
- A subject. Florals, coastal designs, animals, or food.
- A feeling. Cozy, whimsical, calm, or playful.
You don't have to be strict about it. A gallery wall with a few surprises is more interesting. But choosing one or two threads to follow makes every new piece easier to add. Plus, have it match the items you have in your daily life.
Step 2: Mix Your Sizes
A gallery wall needs variety in scale to feel balanced. A good formula is:
- One or two anchor pieces. A larger or framed print that draws the eye, like our 8x10 Lighthouse print or the Framed Floral Hare.
- Several mid-size pieces. 5x7 prints like Stay Awhile, Butterfly, or Roots.
- A handful of small pieces. 4x6 prints like A Mind in Bloom, Fish Vase, or How Lucky to fill in the gaps.
Small prints are also the easiest way to grow a gallery wall over time. Add one each season, and the wall becomes a record of your year.
Step 3: Plan the Layout Before You Hammer
Here's a trick every decorator swears by:
- Lay your prints out on the floor and play with the arrangement until it feels right.
- Trace each frame onto kraft paper or newspaper and cut out the shapes.
- Tape the paper templates to the wall with painter's tape.
- Live with it for a day, adjust, then hang the real thing.
Keep the spacing between frames consistent, about 2 to 3 inches, and center the whole arrangement at eye level, roughly 57 inches from the floor.
Step 4: Choose Frames That Fit Your Style
Matching frames give a clean, modern look. Mixed frames feel collected and eclectic. Both work. A few tips:
- Use a wide mat to give small prints more presence on the wall.
- Mix wood tones with white or black frames for warmth.
- Lean a few framed prints on a shelf or mantel if you're not ready to commit to nails.
If you'd rather skip framing altogether, our framed prints arrive ready to hang.
Our Favorite Prints to Start a Gallery Wall
Florals and whimsy
- A Mind in Bloom: a face in a vase with flowers blooming from the top
- You Decide What Blooms: a hopeful floral print with a reminder to tend what matters
- How Lucky: "Oh, how lucky we are," with floral faces
- Metamorphosis: blue and gold butterflies and florals
Cozy and sentimental
- Stay Awhile: a cat settled in for the evening, about slowing down and feeling at home
- Roots: "Where roots grow we find ourselves"
- Sun & Moon: two celestial figures dancing
Coastal and wildlife
The Homebody Bundle
Shopping for a decorator? The Homebody Bundle is a five-print starter wall:
• Includes (1) 'Stay Awhile' & (1) 'How Lucky' Framed Linocut Prints
• Paper size: 4 x 6 & 5 x 7 inches
• Printed with acrylic ink
• Wood frame with handmade mat
• Frame size: 7 x 9 x 0.8 inches & 10 x 12 x 0.8 inches
• Hanging hardware and glass cover (*NO BACKING STAND)
For a centerpiece, add the Framed Floral Hare Linocut Print.
FAQ
How many prints do you need for a gallery wall? Most walls look full with five to nine pieces. Start with five and add over time.
What size prints work best for a gallery wall? A mix works best: one or two larger anchor pieces surrounded by 5x7 and 4x6 prints.
How far apart should frames be on a gallery wall? About 2 to 3 inches between frames keeps the arrangement feeling connected.
What is a linocut print? It's a relief print made by carving a design into linoleum, inking it, and pressing paper onto it by hand.
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