Your phone’s camera roll is full of memories worth seeing every day. This guide will give you simple gallery wall ideas you can create with your own framed photos, with classic layouts that suggest the most typical frame sizes for rooms, plus tips on mixing different frame styles, and how to hang your art so everything looks intentional.
Picify’s simple size options are S (small), M (medium), L (large) and XL (extra-large). Use this table to understand the exact dimensions of each, and which matches the scale of your own space.
Seven layouts we love
Use these as starting points and see what works best for you and your home. Remember to keep spacing consistent, and aim to create a clear central focus.
Classic grid (3×3 or 2×3)
- Works best in dining rooms and studies.
- Sizes: nine S with mats in 3×3, or six M in a 2×3.
- Spacing: 5–8 cm between frames.
Row of three (triptych or trio)
- Looks great above a sofa, side table or bed.
- Sizes: three L for an eye-catching statement.
- Tip: hang the centre frame first as your focal point.
Anchor image + satellites
- Great for living rooms — lets one memory lead while others support.
- One hero photo (e.g. L) flanked by two or four smaller frames (e.g. M/S).
- Tip: create a theme, like travel, family or wedding.
Salon mix (organic cluster)
- An arty, collected look with mixed sizes together (S to L).
- Build around a centreline, then mirror left and right with equal weight.
- Tip: test first for balance with cut-out paper templates.
Staircase rake
- Great for family photos leading up to bedrooms.
- Follow the stair angle with a consistent midline.
- Sizes: try staggered S and M frames, placing the largest at mid-landing height.
Linear rail (hallway)
- Sets a thematic tone as you enter the home or room.
- Place five to seven frames in a straight line.
- Sizes: M works well in a hallway — keep spacing 6–8 cm.
Square four (2×2)
- Balanced, compact grid for small walls, entries or above consoles.
- Tells a simple story — family members, recent trip, wedding classics.
- Sizes: four S or M with mats for a simple classic look.
Picify tip: Test all your different layouts and sizes with paper templates and painter’s tape first. Most importantly, do what feels best for you.
Mixing timber frame colours
Mix with intention and you’ll achieve a great result. We suggest you go with one dominant colour and one accent to complement it.
- All oak: warm, relaxed, coastal or Scandi.
- All black: crisp gallery feel - great with monochrome and architecture.
- All white: light, airy, minimal.
- Oak & black: modern contrast; let black anchor the layout, and oak soften the edges.
- Oak & white: fresh and bright for family walls.
Keep it cohesive:
- Hold the mat width consistent across the set.
- Repeat at least two frames for each finish you use - random singles can look accidental.
Hanging height and spacing tips
Get these two features right and everything should look bespoke and professional.
- Eye line rule: aim for your artworks’ centrelines to be at around 145 cm from the floor (this is the common gallery standard).
- Over furniture: keep the bottom edge of each frame 15–20 cm above the top of the sofa or console.
- Between frames: keep gaps of 5 - 8 cm between frames (go to 8 - 10 cm for very large frames).
- Staircases: keep the centreline parallel to the stair pitch and step your frames by the same rise height as the stairs.
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Hardware: see our wall hanging tips section to get the right hanging method for your walls.
Picify Tip: If your ceilings are low, favour wider horizontal arrangements (rows of three plus), rather than tall stacks.
Ready to build your gallery wall? Happy Picifying!
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Picify is a Sydney based studio backed by Emergent Designs, the print & frame partner trusted by leading galleries and artists. That’s how we bring gallery-quality craftsmanship to everyday moments.