Creating a gallery wall along your staircase is a great way to make use of empty wall space while adding a personal touch to your home. Whether you’re displaying family photos, favorite artwork, or a mix of thrifted frames and prints, you can make it your own.

The tricky part is figuring out how to arrange everything so it looks balanced as it follows the stairs. With a little planning and a few simple tips, you can create a staircase gallery wall that looks thoughtfully put together without spending a fortune.

Staircase Before Gallery Wall

Here’s a look at the wall along the staircase. My wall looked empty. It needed a creative boost. I decided to create something fun yet memorable to capture our family and travels. A gallery wall was the answer. Follow along as I show you how I revamped this basic wall.

Step-by-Step Guide on Arranging a Gallery Wall

Supplies Needed

A blank wall along a staircase
Picture frames
Artwork, photographs, mirrors, and/or quotes
Clear tape
Paper or Poster Board
Scissors
Pencil
Picture hanging kit or Command Strips
Hammer
Measuring tape

Step 1 – Choose a Theme or Color Scheme.

Before you hang your pieces, choose a theme or color scheme for your gallery wall. Think about the color and shape of the frames you want to use. Consider the colors already present in your home and select complementary shades. This will help create a cohesive look and make it easier to select which pieces to include.

Your gallery wall can include paintings, photographs, vintage artwork, mirrors, posters, or any other wall decor you want to showcase. You can mix and match the different pieces. Choose pieces you love that reflect your personal style and complement each other.

I chose an array of brown, grey, and green frames because they best matched my home’s style and decor. I also incorporated personal photos of my family, as well as photos from previous travels.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different combinations until you find the perfect mix.

Step 2 – Plan out Your Layout.

Once you have selected your pieces and have a theme or color scheme in mind, it’s time to plan your layout. There are many different ways to arrange a gallery wall, so choose a design that works well with the shape of your staircase and the size of your art pieces. You can choose a symmetrical layout or a more random arrangement, depending on your preference.

Step 3 – Trace Your Frames

Once you have chosen your layout, you can start to plan the positioning of your frames. Start by tracing the outlines of each frame with pencil on your chosen paper. This will help you visualize the final arrangement and make it easier to plan where each piece will go.

I used old poster board to outline my frames, but you can also substitute gift wrapping paper, newspaper, brown paper, or printer paper. With this poster board, I traced four different frames. My frame sizes ranged from 5×7 to 11×14.

Also, when outlining, I recommend using a pencil to mark where the nail or hook should go for each frame. This will make putting up your frame much easier.

Step 4 – Position the Paper Outlines

Create a mock-up of your layout on the wall using the cutouts. Start with the larger pieces and work your way out and around them. Use tape to attach the paper outlines to the wall in the arrangement you’ve chosen. This lets you experiment with different arrangements and see how the pieces look together before committing to hanging them up.

Consider the size and shape of each piece, as well as the spacing between them. A general rule of thumb is to keep a consistent spacing of 2-3 inches between each piece. Use a measuring tape to measure the distance between each painting.

Take your time with this step, as it will make the installation process much easier. This is also where you will perfect your layout.

Once you have found the perfect layout, you can start hanging up your pieces!

Step 5 – Install the Hardware and Hang Frame

Use the template to mark where each nail or hook should go, then install the hardware one frame at a time. Start with the largest pieces and then fill in the gaps with smaller ones.

Use the appropriate hardware for the weight of each piece. I used a picture-hanging kit with varying hook and nail sizes to accommodate each frame. You can also use Command strips to hang your pieces.

Take your time with this step, and use a leveler to ensure each piece is straight.

Step 6 – Step Back and Admire

Finally, step back and admire your staircase photo gallery! Your gallery wall should be a beautiful and eye-catching feature of your staircase.

Arranging a gallery wall along a staircase requires a bit of planning and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. By following these simple steps, you can create a stunning staircase gallery that enhances your home’s look.