How to Make Your Own Family Photo Gallery Wall

We’ve all seen them — the family photo gallery walls that make us stop in our tracks, lean closer, and maybe even get those creative wheels turning! Maybe it’s because we’re “sheltering in place” these days, but lately, the idea of a family photo gallery wall has been extra appealing.

In fact, I had the idea to create a gallery wall in our stairway and master bedroom long before Rona hit the Bay Area, but with the added time at home, I finally took action and got it done. And I’m pretty happy with how it turned out!

The best part? It wasn’t even that difficult. There are no rules and no one right way to do it. The options are endless. And at the end of the project, you’re guaranteed to have a gallery wall that doesn’t look like anyone else’s. 

So, how can you do it? Let me count the ways…

Location: Where can you put a family photo gallery wall?

I think the better question is where can’t you put a gallery wall, because this design feature is VERSATILE. You could mount a gallery wall in a stairwell, an entryway, your family room, your dining room wall, even that empty wall in between the kitchen and the living room where nothing seems to fit no matter how hard you try.

Then, there’s the out-of-the-box option… Your family photo gallery wall doesn’t even have to be ON a wall. You could also use ledges or shelves instead! I’ve even seen incredible built-in bookshelves that look like gallery walls. 

So eye up your space, and see which walls or spaces could use some photo love.

Gathering spaces are perfect for gallery walls. I love how this one adds livelines (and future conversations!) to this breakfast table. (source)

See? Ledges! Just as beautiful as a gallery wall with the added bonus of no wall mounting! (source)

Size: How large should your gallery wall be?

The size of your gallery wall depends on the space you’re filling. For a smaller space, select only a few small frames in varying dimensions. For a big gallery, you’ll want either huge frames or many photos taking up lots of space. I’ll show you plenty of examples of both in the photos to come.

In either case, however, I suggest leaving some white space outside of the “gallery” area. This keeps the photo wall from making the space feel cluttered or crowded. We want open spaces!

In our master bedroom, we opted for a smaller gallery wall that includes a sampling of my evolving art collection. Art by Hadas Tal, Sketchbook Series by Ryan James MacFarland, and Framed Textile by St. Frank.

Frames: What are your options for framing gallery wall photos?

The frames you choose are a HUGE part of achieving the overall look you want. You could go with all black, all white, or an eclectic mix of frames, and the same goes for the mattes — keep them uniform or mix it up! 

You could also choose frames in the same size or in different sizes. I’ve found great affordable frames at Ikea, Micheals, even thrift shops will have some hidden gems.

The style choice is yours, but I’ll show you a few examples to help you pick the direction you love best...

White frames and white matting help these photos stand out without making this stairwell feel small. The white keeps the whole space looking open and inviting.

An eclectic mix of frames and shapes makes this gallery wall a colorful, stop-and-stare feature of the home. There’s always something new to see!

These gold frames look elegant and classy against a deep navy wall. Contrast is always a win in my book! (source)

Here, a combination of mix frames and black and white matting. They’ve been beautifully balanced to create a mix that is interesting and classic! (source)

Photos: Which should you use?

If you’re like the Novak family, you have a LOT of photos. Maybe some throwback black and whites from generations past. Maybe some polaroids or the ones we printed from rolls of film. (I know you remember what I’m talking about!) And I bet your digital photo folders are even bigger!

As your gallery wall, it is completely up to you which photos you’d like to display. You could keep all photos in black and white for an old fashioned yet timelessly classic look. Or you could use colored photos to add some fresh hues to the space. 

And if you want to get really creative… you could even throw some art in there to mix it up! Even your kids’ paintings are works of art that can look like a high-priced piece when placed among a gallery wall. Plus, your child will feel like the next Picasso! 

Black and white and looking classic. (source)

These photos add gorgeous color to this monochromatic room! I also love how the symmetrical placement offsets the rug pattern — cleverly done! (source)

Mounting: How to plan your family photo gallery wall

 A great way to plan your photo gallery wall is to use painter’s tape and paper cut-outs in the exact size of the frames you’re planning to mount. Then just move them around to find a configuration that you love. Just like this...

I also highly suggest using a level for this process. There’s nothing like a misaligned frame to catch the eye. ;)  (source)

The Reveal: Novak Family Photo Gallery Wall

 How did ours turn out? Like this!

White matting and frames for a bright, open space.

A mix of sizes and colors for interest and enjoyment. I LOVE it!! Makes me smile every time I walk by now. 

Et voilà — family photo gallery wall! You now have a unique feature of your home that is sure to bring up memories, inspire conversations, and make your home feel comfortably chic!

In my next post, I’ll be talking about another really hip feature of homes lately: terrazzo. Nope, it’s not your 90s terrazzo. These stones are GORGEOUS. Check in with us next month to see these beauties! 

Until then, be sure to reach out to us here if you need some advice on a home project or simply want some help with a photo gallery wall! 

Xoxo,
Susie