A gallery wall is one of the most personal ways to display art. Rather than one big statement piece, it's a collection that grows and tells a story. And when it's built from original paintings in vintage frames, it takes on the collected, layered feel of an old country house.
1. Choose a unifying thread
The best gallery walls feel curated, not random. Mismatched frames work beautifully as long as something ties the collection together. That might be:
- A colour palette, such as warm golds, deep greens and soft neutrals
- A subject, such as botanicals, landscapes or countryside scenes
- A frame finish, such as mixing different styles of gilt and aged wood
2. Start with an anchor piece
Pick one painting to build around, usually the largest or the one you love most, and place it slightly off-centre at eye level. Arrange smaller pieces around it. A moody still life like The Moonlit Swan makes a lovely focal point.
3. Plan it on the floor first
Lay your paintings out on the floor and move them around until the arrangement feels balanced. Take a photo when you're happy. Then trace each frame onto paper, cut out the templates and tape them to the wall. It's the easiest way to avoid unnecessary holes.
4. Keep spacing consistent
Even when frames are all different shapes and sizes, consistent gaps (around 5 to 8cm) between them make a gallery wall look intentional. Aim for the centre of the whole arrangement to sit roughly at eye level.
5. Mix sizes and orientations
Combine small and medium pieces, portrait and landscape. Small paintings in ornate frames are especially useful as they fill gaps and add detail without overwhelming the wall.
6. Leave room to grow
Part of the joy of a gallery wall is adding to it over time. Leave space at the edges so you can add a new piece when something catches your eye.
Where gallery walls work best
Stairways, hallways, above a sofa, around a doorway or along a dining room wall are all natural spots. Vintage frames also look wonderful in a room with panelling or a dark painted wall, where the gilt really glows.
Build your collection
Each Gilt Atelier painting is an original oil, many presented in a vintage frame and ready to hang, which makes them ideal building blocks for a gallery wall. Start with pieces like Snowdrops or Muddy and let your collection grow from there.