People say a picture’s worth a thousand words, but an entire gallery wall of photographs or fine art can tell the unique story of your home. While many arrangements put spontaneity front and center—an amalgamation of different frame sizes, shapes and materials—grid walls are poised to become the next big decorating trend.
Unlike the often hodge-podged gallery setups, grid walls favor uniformity: Identical frames are equally spaced along the wall, creating a grid-like pattern. So why is this gallery wall alternative all the rage these days? Bria Hammel says the look brings “order and symmetry” to a space. “They offer a perfect balance of structure while still allowing for personal expression and style,” the Minnesota-based designer explains.
The matrix arrangement serves the best of both worlds: It creates visual intrigue, but the repetition is easy on the eyes like soothing wallpaper repeat. “There’s a quiet power in their order that truly anchors a room,” adds Nadia Watts, an interior designer based in Denver.
As color-drenching, wallpaper and skirted furniture continue to grow in popularity, the design pendulum sits firmly on the maximalist (and slightly traditional) end of the spectrum. While disparate displays feed into that more-is-more mentality, a grid wall brings some decorum to busy digs.
Meanwhile, Danielle Domingues, who runs a firm in Central Florida called Collins & Co. Interiors, says the rise of the gallery wall refocuses the attention on whatever’s displayed in the frames themselves. “I think that our phones have taken away the lost art of family portraits,” she explains. “There is something so beautiful about displaying family portraits in a sophisticated and timeless way.”
An orderly, artful edge is just the beginning of a grid wall’s perks. Turns out, it’s a pretty versatile trend, too. “They work great in modern, minimalist or traditional homes where symmetry enhances the space,” Hammel says. The designer also notes that once you have a solid foundation, grid walls are pretty easy to update.
That said, it’s important to lay the groundwork. Before you bust out the hammer, Hammel recommends laying your frames on the floor to plan out the spacing. “Avoid overcrowding the frames, and stick to consistent frame sizes for symmetry,” she says.
Though the layout will ultimately depend on your room’s needs—San Francisco designer Marea Clark grouped eight pieces close together to hang over a sofa while Tami Ramsay of Ramsay Nye in Athens, Georgia, spaced hers out to hover over an extra-wide headboard—the frames should be equidistant from each other. Precision is key, so every inch matters.
If you ask Watts, repetition is equally important. “I typically create them using a group of four or more pieces, which helps the grid feel balanced and intentional,” she shares. “Using the same size frames establishes visual rhythm and structure.”
To keep visual clutter to a minimum, opt for simple frames that lets the art stand out. Domingues, for example, is partial to Pottery Barn’s slim 25-inch-by-25-inch frames. “By using large frames, we are able to keep a sleek, modern look,” she explains.
As for what to display on your grid wall? Zoë Feldman is a big fan of black and white photography or art that is showcased in a diptych or triptych. “That kind of symmetry brings clarity,” the Washington, D.C., designer explains. “It lets the art speak without distraction.”
Watts agrees, but counters some variation can add interest. “Consistency in color palette, subject matter or artistic style helps unify the overall look,” she adds. “It makes the grid wall feel thoughtfully curated.” Whether you go for pressed botanicals or personal Kodak moments, remember a grid wall should always tell your story.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
