How to Style and Curate Art for an Exquisite Eclectic Gallery Wall

If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your space, nothing says “you” quite like an eclectic gallery wall. It’s a fun and creative way to showcase your personality, hobbies, and treasured memories all in one place. The best part? There’s no right or wrong way to do it! But if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed about where to start, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into some tips and tricks on how to style and curate an eclectic gallery wall that feels cohesive, yet uniquely yours.

Start with a Vision

Before you start hammering nails into the wall, take a moment to think about the overall vibe you want your gallery wall to have. Do you want it to be a collection of framed movie posters, family photos, or quirky art prints? Or maybe a mix of vintage finds, handmade pieces, and inspirational quotes? Whatever your vision, having a general idea in mind will help guide your decisions as you choose items to include. Today we are exploring eclectic home decor, so we’ll be focusing on mixing and matching art styles and mixing and matching frame styles. 

Lay It All Out

Before you start hunting for art, and WAY before you even think about hanging anything, it’s best to finalize a layout you’re happy with. Grab some painter’s tape and start mapping out your gallery wall plan on your walls. Think about it, tape is easier to finagle than nails and hanging hardware. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Anchor Pieces: Start by considering your larger, anchor piece(s) first. This will be the focal point for your eclectic gallery wall, so position that first piece in a way that draws the eye.
• Balance and Symmetry: While an eclectic gallery wall doesn’t need to be perfectly symmetrical, you’ll want to create a sense of balance. Try to distribute colors, shapes, and sizes evenly across the layout.
• Spacing: Play around with the spacing between pieces. Some items might look great with a little more breathing room, while others might look better when grouped closely together.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to move things around until you find a layout you love. Take a picture of your favorite arrangement before you start hanging—this way, you’ll have a reference to work from.

Mixing and Matching Art Styles

Now comes the fun part—gathering the artwork, photos, and objects you want to include. The key to a fantastic eclectic gallery wall is a variety of art styles. Be sure to mix up styles like abstract paintings, line drawings, and botanical prints. In our example below, you will see there is a combination of fine art, illustrations, and digital art. 

Additional Adds to Gallery Walls

• Objects: Don’t limit yourself to just flat pieces. Think about adding in 3D objects like small sculptures, woven baskets, or even a decorative plate or two.
• Mirrors and Clocks: These can break up the visual flow and add a functional element to your gallery wall.
• Vintage Finds: Old postcards, antique frames, or retro posters can add a unique, personal touch.

Remember, the beauty of an eclectic gallery wall is in its diversity. Don’t be afraid to mix modern with vintage, or colorful with monochrome.

Frame It Easy

One of the most important aspects of creating an eclectic gallery wall is the custom framing. The frames you choose can either tie everything together or add more of an eclectic touch to your gallery wall. Here’s how to think about framing your art or photography. It’s all about the mix and match! Consider using a variety of frame styles and colors—mixing wood and metal frames, or mixing and playing with frame color can add visual interest. Alternatively, if your artwork is diverse enough on its own, you might opt for uniform frames to create some cohesion. In our example, greens and pinks were the color themes considered. 

Get To Hanging

With your layout planned and frames ready, it’s time to start hanging! Here’s how to make the process as smooth as possible:

• Start with the Centerpiece: Begin by hanging your anchor piece or the largest item in the center of your wall. As we said, this will serve as the focal point for the rest of your arrangement. Once this frame is in place… it’s all gravy from here!
• Work Outwards: Gradually work your way outwards, hanging pieces according to your pre-planned layout. Use a level to ensure everything is straight, and don’t forget to step back occasionally to see how it’s all coming together.
• Command Strips: If you’re hesitant to commit to hammering nails into the wall, consider using removable adhesive strips. They’re great for small frames and lightweight objects, but may not work for larger pieces, especially if it is a heavy, metal frame.

Budget-Friendly Tips for An Eclectic Gallery Wall

If you’re planning a gallery wall with a mix of sizes, it can add up, especially with a biggin’ for the center focal point. But there are ways to keep costs as low as possible. 

Check out our favorite free downloadable art sites. There is no limit to what is available. Any style, art movement, scene, or vibe can be found for a free download. (Psst…we’ve even put some together for you below!) So there you go, boom….free art. Now when it comes to the frames…here’s the trick. Make sure you sign up to be part of our framing family. You will get exclusive discounts and be the first to know about our sales. Take advantage of them! 

Next, decide what is worth the spend in your opinion. We have the ultimate budget-friendly picture frame in Wilton. You can do an entire gallery wall in Wilton frames, or do your larger sizes in this frame, to keep frame costs lower. Take advantage of matting. If you opt for all Wilton frames, do some funky matboard colors to keep that eclectic vibe vibing! Spring on a few metal picture frames in smaller sizes to keep things interesting. Keep in mind, that a gallery wall does not have to be 8 frames large! You can pack a punch with just 3 or 4 frames.  

Enjoy Your Eclectic Gallery Wall

Once everything is up on the wall, take a step back and admire your work. Doesn’t it look fab?! All that hard work and planning has paid off!  You now have the ultimate reflection of your style, memories, and personality—all beautifully displayed in one spot. Love it!  

Don’t be afraid to switch things up over time—an eclectic gallery wall is never truly finished, and you can always add, remove, or rearrange pieces as your collection grows. 

With our frames, you can easily disassemble them and swap out your art when the mood suits you. We offer a print-only option as well, so if you stumble across a new image you’d like to have us print so you can swap your frames, we have got you MORE than covered. 

Creating an eclectic gallery wall is a rewarding DIY project that can transform your space into a personalized showcase of so stellar eye candy. So, gather your art, photos, and trinkets, and start styling an eclectic gallery wall!