How to Create a Charming Gallery Wall with Small Art Prints

Have you ever held a beloved little piece of art, feeling it might get lost on a big, empty wall? Or perhaps you’ve collected a handful of cheerful illustrations, but worry that grouping them will look more cluttered than charming. A thoughtfully arranged gallery wall is the perfect way to give your collection of small prints the spotlight they deserve, bringing a personal, handcrafted touch to any corner of your home.

It might seem like a complicated task, but I promise it's simpler (and more joyful!) than you think. In this gentle guide, I'll walk you through everything, from dreaming up your layout to hanging the final frame. We’ll explore simple ways to arrange your art so it feels cohesive and full of personality, and I’ll even share a few thoughtful tips for hanging your display without making a pin-cushion of your walls. Together, we'll turn that collection of art into a charming focal point that brings a touch of rural joy into your home.

Why Small Prints Are a Decorator's Secret Weapon

There's a common belief that to make a real statement in your home, you need a large, commanding piece of art. But I'd love to share a little secret with you: some of the most personal and impactful walls are built from collections of smaller treasures. Far from being overlooked, small prints have a unique magic all their own. They don't shout for attention; instead, they gently invite you closer, asking you to pause and appreciate the finer details.

A collection of small art pieces tells a story. It can be a reflection of your countryside adventures, a gallery of your favourite British wildlife, or simply a gathering of colours and textures that bring you a touch of rural joy. They transform a simple wall into a rich tapestry of your personality.

The Magic of 'Mini' Masterpieces

Unlike a single large canvas, a cluster of smaller artworks creates an intimate and engaging experience. Each little frame holds a world of its own—a delicate watercolour bird, a charming farm animal, or a windswept landscape. This variety allows you to build a dynamic display full of character, much like the traditional salon-style hang of 17th-century Paris, where numerous artworks were clustered together to inspire conversation. These mini masterpieces are perfect for bringing life to forgotten spaces—the nook by your favourite armchair, the wall along a staircase, or the small patch of wall in your kitchen.

The Practical Benefits of a Small Print Collection

Beyond their charm, embracing a collection of small prints is also wonderfully practical. It allows you to become a collector of art you truly love without a huge financial commitment. Here’s why they are so well-loved:

• Affordability: You can lovingly curate a beautiful and meaningful collection for a fraction of the cost of a single large-scale piece, adding new finds over time as your budget allows.

• Versatility: Feel like a change? It’s wonderfully simple to swap a print out for the season, rearrange your layout, or add a new piece to celebrate a memory. Your gallery wall can grow and evolve with you.

• Perfect for Renters: If you're hesitant to put large holes in your walls, smaller frames are the perfect solution. They are lightweight and require minimal fixings, making them ideal for temporary spaces.

Step 1: Planning Your Perfect Small Print Gallery Wall

Before you pick up a hammer, let’s take a moment for the most joyful part of the process: the dreaming. A little thoughtful planning now prevents a lot of headaches later and ensures you create a wall that truly feels like home. This is where you define your vision, turning a blank space into a personal story. This initial dreaming phase is where the magic begins, long before you think about templates and measurements (though when you get to that stage, this Easy Step-by-Step Guide from Apartment Therapy is wonderfully helpful).

Finding Your Theme or Colour Story

A cohesive theme is the secret to making a collection of mismatched frames and art feel intentional and harmonious. You could gather pieces that celebrate a love for the British countryside, with charming wildlife and botanical illustrations. Or, perhaps you’d prefer to tell a story through a gentle colour palette, like soft pastels or warm, earthy tones. This common thread will beautifully tie your collection of small prints together.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

Where will your gallery wall bring you the most joy? Consider those often-overlooked spaces that are full of potential:

• The wall above your desk or sideboard

• A narrow hallway that could use a touch of personality

• The space climbing alongside your staircase

Think about the scale of the wall and how your collection will fit. Also, take a moment to notice the light sources and daily traffic flow to ensure your cherished art is both visible and safe from accidental knocks.

Sourcing Your Artwork

Your gallery wall should be a reflection of you. The most beautiful collections are often a heartfelt mix of sources. Combine professional art prints with treasured postcards, your own sketches, or sentimental family photos. The key is to choose pieces that hold personal meaning and make you smile. If you’re looking to bring a touch of nature indoors, you can find charming, countryside-inspired pieces in our small art prints collection.

Step 2: Choosing Frames & Mounts for a Cohesive Look

Once you have lovingly chosen your art, the next joyful step is to frame it. Think of the frame not just as a border, but as a thoughtful finishing touch that protects your art and ties your whole collection together. The right frames will transform a lovely group of prints into a polished, intentional gallery wall that brings a touch of warmth and personality to your space.

Making these choices is a wonderfully creative part of the process, and there are a few simple paths you can take to achieve a beautiful result.

To Match or Not to Match? The Great Frame Debate

There is no right or wrong answer here, only what feels right for your home and your story. A set of identical frames creates a wonderfully clean, calm, and unified look, perfect for a symmetrical grid layout. It feels organised and formal. On the other hand, mixing different frame styles can create an eclectic, relaxed, and charming vibe, as if your collection has been gathered over time.

A simple rule of thumb: If you choose to mix your frames, try to stick to one common element to keep the look cohesive. This could be a single colour (like all black or all gold frames in different styles) or a single material (like different shades and styles of natural wood).

The Power of a Picture Mount

A picture mount (sometimes called a mat) is the card border that sits between the artwork and the frame. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference! A mount gives your small prints much-needed breathing room, preventing them from looking crowded within the frame. It also makes the artwork itself appear larger and more significant. Using the same colour mount—a soft, creamy white is always a classic choice—is a brilliant way to unify a collection of mismatched frames, creating a harmonious look.

Frame Materials and Colours to Complement Your Art

The material and colour of your frames can help to enhance the feeling of your artwork. Consider the mood you want to create:

• Wood Frames: Natural oak or pine frames bring a sense of warmth and rustic charm. They are perfect for complementing art inspired by the British countryside, from woodland watercolours to farm animal illustrations.

• Metal Frames: Sleek black, silver, or gold frames lend a more modern and elegant feel. A thin black frame can make colours pop, while a soft gold adds a touch of timeless sophistication.

• Painted Frames: Don't be afraid to add a touch of colour! A frame painted in a soft sage green or a gentle blue, perhaps pulled from a colour within your small prints, can be a delightful way to inject more personality into your wall.

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Step 3: Mastering the Layout - Arranging Your Prints

This is where the real joy begins! You’ve gathered your treasured prints and frames, and now it’s time to bring your vision to life on the wall. Arranging your art is the creative heart of the process, a chance to play with shapes and stories and see how your chosen pieces speak to one another. Don't feel rushed; this is a thoughtful step that transforms a collection of individual pieces into one cohesive, charming display.

Popular Layout Styles for Small Prints

There are countless ways to arrange your art, but here are a few gentle starting points to inspire you. Each has its own unique character, just like the art itself.

• The Grid: A lovely, ordered approach. This symmetrical layout works beautifully when your frames are all the same size, creating a calm and unified feel. It’s perfect for a series of botanical or wildlife illustrations.

• The Organic Cluster: My personal favourite! This free-flowing arrangement feels more relaxed and eclectic. It’s ideal for mixing different sizes of small prints and allows your gallery wall to grow and evolve as you collect new treasures.

• The 'Spine': A wonderfully elegant style where you align your frames along a central line, either vertically or horizontally. This works especially well along a staircase, above a headboard, or over a sofa to create a strong focal point.

The Paper Template Trick: Your Secret Weapon

Before you reach for a hammer, let me share the single most useful trick for a perfect, stress-free layout. This simple method ensures you get it right the first time, with no mistaken nail holes to worry about.

1. Trace each of your framed prints onto craft paper or newspaper and cut out the shapes.

2. Using painter's tape (which won’t harm your walls), begin arranging these paper templates on your wall.

3. Stand back, have a cup of tea, and look at it from different angles. You can move the paper shapes around effortlessly until the composition feels just right in your heart.

Getting the Spacing Just Right

Consistent spacing is the secret to making a gallery wall look polished and intentional, rather than chaotic. A little bit of breathing room makes all the difference. As a general rule, aim to keep the gap between each frame consistent—around 2-3 inches is a great starting point. This creates a visual rhythm that ties all the pieces together. I find it easiest to start with a central piece at eye level and then build outwards, keeping that consistent gap in mind as you add each new print to your growing collection.

Step 4: Hanging Your Prints (Without the Headache)

This is the final, most satisfying step of all—the moment your thoughtfully curated collection comes to life on the wall. All the planning is done, and now it’s time for the quiet joy of hanging each piece. With a few simple tools and a little patience, you’ll have your gallery wall ready to admire in no time.

Essential Tools for the Job

Before you begin, gather your supplies. Having everything to hand makes the process feel calm and enjoyable. You will need:

• A hammer

• Picture hooks or nails suitable for your wall type (plasterboard hooks are great for modern homes)

• A spirit level (a smartphone app works perfectly well for this!)

• A soft pencil for marking

• A measuring tape

From Template to Wall: The Final Hang

This is where your paper templates truly work their magic. With your layout taped to the wall exactly where you want it, the hanging process becomes wonderfully simple. First, determine where the nail needs to go on your frame (usually the centre of the wire or hook) and mark this spot on the corresponding paper template. Then, hammer your nail or hook directly through the paper. Once it’s secure, gently tear the paper template away from the wall. All that’s left is to hang your charming artwork. Perfect placement, every single time!

Damage-Free Hanging Solutions

If you're renting or simply prefer not to make holes in your walls, there are some lovely alternatives. Adhesive picture-hanging strips (like Command Strips) are a fantastic option. Just be sure to clean the wall surface first and check the weight limit on the packaging to ensure they can support your framed small prints. For a more flexible and stylish approach, consider a picture ledge. It allows you to lean and layer your favourite small prints and easily swap them out whenever you fancy a change, bringing a touch of rural joy to your home without a single nail.

Now, stand back and admire your beautiful work. You’ve created a personal, heartfelt display that brings the charm of the countryside right into your home. If you're ever looking to add to your collection, you can always find more inspiration at Mulberry & Twine.

Your Story, Told Through Art

And there you have it. Creating a gallery wall is no longer a daunting task, but a joyful act of personal storytelling. By thoughtfully planning your layout, choosing frames that complement your decor, and mastering a simple hanging technique, you have all the tools you need. You can turn any corner of your home into a personal sanctuary, arranging each piece to reflect your own unique style and memories.

If you're feeling inspired to begin, the journey starts with finding art that speaks to you. At Mulberry & Twine, I, Dani, pour my heart into creating watercolour art that captures the gentle charm of the British countryside. Each illustration is lovingly crafted and printed on premium, museum-quality paper, ensuring it brings a touch of lasting beauty to your home. Discover the perfect piece to start your collection of small prints.

Happy curating! We can't wait to see the beautiful story your walls will tell.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is considered a 'small print' for a gallery wall?

Generally, anything A5 (148 x 210mm) or smaller is considered a lovely small print for a gallery wall. Sizes like 5x7 inches and 6x4 inches are also wonderfully versatile choices. These smaller pieces are perfect for filling little gaps in a larger display or creating a charming, clustered collection in a cosy nook. They allow you to tell a bigger story with your art, bringing together lots of little moments of joy on your wall.

How far apart should I hang the prints in my gallery wall?

A good rule of thumb is to leave about 2 to 3 inches (5-8cm) of space between each frame. The most important thing is to be consistent with this spacing throughout your entire arrangement. This creates a sense of balance and harmony, allowing each piece of art to breathe while still feeling like part of a lovingly curated collection. Before you hammer any nails, try laying your frames out on the floor to perfect the spacing!

Can I mix art prints with personal photographs in the same display?

Absolutely! Mixing handcrafted art prints with your own treasured photographs is a beautiful way to create a gallery wall that is uniquely yours. It tells a personal story, blending artistic inspiration with cherished memories. To create a cohesive look, you could try to find a common thread, such as a shared colour palette between the prints and photos, or use similar frames to tie everything together. It’s your personal collection of joy, so make it meaningful to you.

Do all the frames in a gallery wall have to be the same colour and style?

Not at all! This is a wonderful chance to express your personal style. Using matching frames will give your gallery wall a clean, formal, and unified feel. However, mixing different frame styles, colours, and textures can create a more eclectic and charming look, full of personality. A mix of natural wood, simple black frames, and perhaps a vintage-style gold frame can look absolutely wonderful together, adding layers of warmth and character to your collection of art.

How can I create a beautiful gallery wall on a tight budget?

Creating a beautiful gallery wall doesn't have to be expensive. You can find unique and affordable frames in charity shops and at car boot sales across the UK – a little lick of paint can make them look brand new. Mixing in affordable small prints with your own photographs or even charming postcards is another lovely idea. You can build your collection slowly over time, adding one or two special pieces when your budget allows, making the process a joyful journey.

What's the best height to hang the centre of my gallery wall?

A helpful guideline used by galleries is to hang art at eye level. For a gallery wall, this means the central point of your entire arrangement should be roughly 57-60 inches (about 145-152cm) from the floor. If you're hanging your collection above a piece of furniture like a sofa or a sideboard, a good starting point is to leave about 6-8 inches of space between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the lowest frame.