The Gallery Wall Guide
Gallery Wall SpacingThe Three-Inch Rule
Hang a gallery wall that looks planned, not accidental. Keep three inches between every frame, begin with one anchor, and let a matched set do the measuring.
The rules
Three rules that make a gallery wall look planned
Designers lean on the same simple math every time. Here it is, drawn to scale.
01
Three inches, everywhere
Hold the same three-inch gap between every frame, side to side and top to bottom. The eye reads a consistent gap as intention, and an uneven one as an accident.
Measure once, mark the wall with painter’s tape, and keep that distance all the way across. When every neighbor is the same distance away, even a loose mix of art starts to look like one composition.
02
Anchor, then balance
Begin with your largest piece, hung slightly off center. Then let the smaller pieces settle around it so the weight on each side of the wall feels even.
Place the anchor first and the rest of the wall follows it. Step back often, and let the weight on both sides of the wall center feel even.
03
Let the set do the curating
Our three-piece sets are chosen to hang together as one wall, so the story, the palette and the scale are already working together.
Above a sofa, let the set span about two-thirds of its width, and leave 8 to 10 inches between the back of the sofa and the bottom of the frames. Keep the three-inch gap between the pieces and you are done.
The three-piece sets
Pick a set, pick a size, add all three
Each set pairs three pieces made to hang together. Choose one frame and one size for all three, and add the whole set to your cart in one click.
The Catch set
The Catch, Custom Seats and Slow Burn
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“It looks amazing in my staircase”
Marie G. · Verified buyer
Amalfi Sun set
Amalfi Sun, Capri From Above and Italian Getaway
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“Great piece not only does look great but does a fantastic job.”
Nelson C. S. · Verified buyer
OG Cowboy Bar set
OG Cowboy Bar, Joshua Tree Sunset and Cactus Pink
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“I’m really happy with my purchase. I’ll be getting another one for sure.”
Grant G. · Verified buyer
Moroccan Paradise set
Moroccan Paradise, Outstretched and Step Up
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“Thanks Helm, wonderful product and great service!”
Matthew R. · Verified buyer
Thirst Trap set
Thirst Trap, Side Streets and Downtown Surf
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“Delivered fast and well packaged. Amazing print quality. Great communication with Brent. Highly recommended.”
Shawn E. · Verified buyer
Sunday Motor Co set
Sunday Motor Co, Melrose Cacti and Lunch Date
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“Ordered what I wanted, ordered on Saturday, came that next Friday. Couldn't be happier otherwise, great product. Cheers.”
James H. · Verified buyer
The Morning Sun set
The Morning Sun, Moving Forward and Canfield Mountain
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“The quality for the price can't be touched. Couldn't recommend more!”
Tina S. · Verified buyer
Como From Above set
Como From Above, Autumn Cruise and Remotely Close
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“I'm a fan! Will be coming back.”
Jordan L. · Verified buyer
“I am huge fan of the pieces that Brent and the team provided (so much so that I bought 3 different pieces and have them on my wall alongside each other). The service after the sale was excellent, the delivery was timely, and I love the way they look on the wall. I highly recommend giving Helm and Oar a serious look if you are looking for trendy, stylish and sleek framed photography pieces.”
John C. · Verified buyer
“The aesthetic of the boards in B&W with the vertical orientation looks amazing in our place. We’ve got it hung in a gallery style grouping. It’s killer!!!! We’ve gotten so many compliments on it.”
JB · Verified buyer
“The print is stunning. I absolutely love the new frames. I can change the print out with the seasons and change my vibe while being able to store my other prints safely and not needing to purchase a new frame. I will definitely be ordering more prints!!”
Tatum · Verified buyer
Step by step
How to hang a gallery wall in six steps
No guesswork and no extra holes. Plan on paper first, then hang once.
01
Choose the wall
Pick the wall you face from the sofa, the bed or the desk. That wall sets the mood for the whole room.
02
Cut paper templates
Trace each frame on paper and cut it out. Templates let you rearrange the wall without a single nail.
03
Tape them up
Tape the templates to the wall with three inches between each one. Step back and live with it for a day.
04
Find the center
Mark the center of the wall, or of the furniture below it. The whole group balances around that line.
05
Hang the anchor first
Mount your largest piece first, slightly off center. Everything else is placed in relation to it.
06
Add the rest
Work outward from the anchor, keeping the same three-inch gap on every side. Then step back and enjoy it.
Layouts
Four gallery wall layouts, and when to use each
Every one runs on the same three-inch rule. Choose the shape that fits your wall.
The row of three
Three pieces in one line above a sofa, console or bed. The simplest layout and the easiest to get right. Our three-piece sets are built for it.
The grid
Even rows and columns with the same three-inch gap throughout. It is precise and calm, and it suits a large wall.
The anchor and satellites
One large piece with smaller pieces arranged beside it. A little off center on purpose, and balanced by the smaller ones.
The tall column
Pieces stacked one above another for a narrow wall, a hallway or a stair. Keep the same three inches between each one.
The Endless Frame
A gallery wall that keeps changing
The spacing stays exactly as you set it, because the frames stay on the wall. Swap the art, not the layout. Each Endless Frame stores up to 50 prints, so a new look never needs a new frame.
Good to know
Gallery wall questions, answered
How far apart should frames be on a gallery wall?
Three inches. Hold the same three-inch gap between every frame, side to side and top to bottom. A consistent gap reads as intention. An uneven one reads as an accident.
How high should I hang a gallery wall?
Treat the group as one piece and plan its height around the furniture beneath it. Above a sofa, leave 8 to 10 inches between the back of the sofa and the bottom of the frames, and keep the same three-inch gap between the pieces.
How wide should a gallery wall be above a sofa?
About two-thirds of the sofa’s width. A set that spans two-thirds of the furniture looks anchored to it instead of floating on the wall.
How many frames make a gallery wall?
Three is the simplest place to start, and it is why our sets are three pieces. Add a fourth or a fifth when the wall asks for it. Keep the same three-inch gap as the wall grows.
Should the frames match on a gallery wall?
A single frame finish keeps the wall calm and lets the spacing and the art do the work. Helm + Oar frames come in White, Black, Hickory, Heritage Walnut and Gold, so you can choose the one that suits the room and repeat it across the set.
How do I plan a gallery wall without making extra holes?
Cut paper templates the size of each frame, tape them to the wall with three inches between them, and live with the layout for a day. Move the paper, not the nails. Hang only when it feels right.
How long until a gallery wall set arrives?
Each piece is custom-made for your order, and we do not hold inventory. Every order ships within 5 to 7 business days of placing it, and most orders arrive within 10 business days. Every order is automatically insured against loss, theft or damage.
Can I change the art later without rehanging the wall?
Yes. The Endless Frame stays on the wall while the print inside changes, so your spacing stays exactly as you set it. Each frame stores up to 50 prints, so a new look never needs a new frame.
Your turn
Start with one set, then let the wall grow
Real art by real artists, framed by hand and made to order. Begin with three pieces that already belong together, and add the next one when the wall asks for it.
The Inspiration guide →The Color Guide →The White Frame guide →