A gallery wall has traditionally been a way to display multiple pieces of art or framed photographs together in one space. I remember first being introduced to the idea as a child in places like Applebee’s with its walls filled with layers of images, memorabilia, and more. It was always so interesting to me and on a random whim in 2017 my roommate and I decided to create a gallery wall in our home and it mesmerized me. It was collaborative and made our space so cozy. It looked like a hug. I’ve made a gallery wall for my home almost every year since.
These days, gallery walls have evolved far beyond their classic format. People are getting creative and including all kinds of items to reflect their style, culture, and personality. Based off experience I’ve had and ideas I’ve imagined, here are 10 brilliant items for your next gallery wall:
1. Photos
Printed photos aren’t as common as they once were. Most of our pictures now live in our phones or on the cloud. But printing your photos and physical media are becoming treasured again. Thank God. Print those pics! Especially the less obvious, more personal ones. They can add so much character to a space. Go beyond the curated family portraits. Try vacation candids, childhood snapshots, or even film-style prints for a nostalgic, artistic look that tells a story.
2. 3D Yarn Art
Yarn-based art is easy to create, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether it’s as simple as gluing strands of yarn to a canvas or making a more intricate piece, this medium lets you play with texture and color. Recently, a friend wanted a green-themed wall, so I made her a focal piece using green yarn, wooden stretcher bars, and a stapler. It turned out beautifully! (In my humble opinion) and all cost roughly reached $50.
3. Crochet or Macramé Art
Macramé is also super popular, especially in boho interiors, and it doubles as a great DIY project. This is a bit more specific and takes more skill than the type of art I was talking about in the last paragraph. Crochet or fiber-based art adds warmth, dimension, and interest to your wall. It’s a great way to mix textures and create softness among framed pieces. There are lots of kits and tutorials out there, but also there are a lot of people out there creating this type of art.
4. A Shelf
Adding a shelf or two can bring great balance to your wall. It’s a nice visual relief from a lot of hung, seemingly flat artwork, but it also offers the flexibility to rotate decor items over time. It is really nice being able to easily switch up your wall from time to time. Shelves are affordable and come in all shapes, sizes, and finishes, just make sure to choose something that complements the colors and materials already on your wall.
5. Art Prints
Art prints are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to fill a gallery wall. Framed prints can reflect your style, your culture, and your mood. Some art prints can also be printed on canvas and simply need to be stretched to be displayed. The relief from frames and just having a stretched canvas can be a nice touch. It’s an affordable service to have done, but is also very easy to DIY if you want to cut costs in about half. I always recommend supporting artists directly when purchasing prints. And remember, some types of printmaking (like screen prints or block prints) are considered original works of art, not just reproductions!
6. Painted or Decorative Frames
Thrifted or estate sale frames are hidden gems. Paint them to match your wall’s theme or get MORE experimental and hang the frame with nothing inside it. Let the frame itself be the art. You can even add Velcro strips to the center to swap in and out small items or photos. I’ve been playing with this idea for a while and I’m convinced it would look amazing on the right wall. I’ll have to update this once I try it.
7. Mirrors
Mirrors are easy to find, simple to DIY, and serve both a functional and decorative purpose. They reflect light, make a space feel bigger, and let people see themselves in your space. Whether used as the centerpiece or a supporting detail, a well-placed mirror adds depth and elegance to a gallery wall. Here is a DIY mirror done by a creative I love.
8. Sconces
Lighting can completely transform the vibe of a wall. A decorative sconce adds a beautiful 3D element and practical lighting. Just a heads-up: electric sconces may require wiring, which could mean extra cost or professional installation. Battery-powered or plug-in versions are great alternatives! Sconces also just add such a nostalgic feel that works well on most walls. Classic.
9. DIY Abstract Painting
You don’t need to be a trained artist to make a bold, abstract piece that fits your wall. Think about size, color, and texture. Try things like:
- Acrylic pour painting
- Splatter painting à la Jackson Pollock
- Walking on canvas with painted feet
- Attaching objects to the canvas and spray-painting the whole piece
These techniques are personal, expressive, and totally customizable.
10. Propagation Vases
Plant moms, this one’s for you. Propagation vases are used to grow new plants from old ones and double as beautiful symbols of growth and life. They’re cute and incredibly trendy right now. Whether you want a subtle pop of green or a bold plant moment, adding a propagation vase or two is a simple way to bring life (literally) to your wall.
A gallery wall is a perfect space to celebrate your culture, story, and creative spirit. At ByBriAdams, my goal is to make affordable, custom gallery walls and Black art consulting accessible for every home and heart. Whether you’re sourcing secondhand finds, creating your own pieces, or supporting Black artists through prints and originals—your wall can become a sacred, inspiring part of your space and I am always here to consult and help in any way. Let’s connect!