Some people say gallery walls are being replaced by larger-scale artwork. Maybe that’s true for some trends, but a collection of framed pieces grouped together still feels timeless. Think of classic homes in movies — they often have framed art lining stairways and entryways. One spot I especially like for a gallery wall now is around the television. That big, dark rectangle can dominate a wall, so surrounding it with frames softens its presence and gives your eyes other places to rest. And when nature documentaries are on, the TV practically turns into art anyway.
We first tried a gallery around our living room TV years ago and it has evolved over time. Frames and artwork have been swapped, but the concept has held up. Since people often ask how we arrange and hang pieces, what we frame, and where our art comes from, here’s a practical, user-friendly guide to creating a gallery around your TV.
Preparing Your TV for a Gallery Wall
If you can, mount the TV on the wall and hide cords with an in-wall power kit or cord-concealing system. That clean look makes the whole arrangement feel intentional and less cluttered. Mounting isn’t essential — a TV on a media cabinet can work fine — but going wall-mounted does open up more visual space and simplifies framing around it. Secondhand dressers and sturdy vintage pieces make excellent media cabinets if you prefer the TV to sit rather than hang.
Arranging and Hanging Picture Frames
There are several effective ways to plan and hang frames around a TV. Choose the approach that fits your comfort level and how much trial-and-error you want to do.
Gallery Wall Method #1 – Lay Frames Out on the Floor
Place the frames you plan to use on the floor and leave a gap where the TV will go. Measure the TV so the negative space is accurate. Move frames around until the composition feels balanced. This tactile method is low-tech and gives a quick sense of the final look before you make any holes in the wall.
Gallery Wall Method #2 – Paper Templates
Cut paper to the size of each frame — using newspaper, kraft paper, or printer paper taped together — then tape those templates to the wall where you want each piece. This lets you visualize the final arrangement at eye level and tweak spacing without preparing multiple holes. When everything looks right, swap the paper templates for the real frames.
Gallery Wall Method #3 – Use a Large Sheet Template
Combine the floor and template methods by arranging frames on a large sheet of craft or rosin paper laid on the floor. Trace each frame and mark the hanger positions, creating a single oversized template you can transfer directly to the wall. This works well for small-to-medium groupings and for creating mirrored layouts on either side of a TV.
Gallery Wall Method #4 – Adjust as You Hang
If you prefer to wing it, you can hang pieces in sections and refine as you go. Start with central pieces above the TV to set balance and spacing, then add pieces to the left and right. This approach is flexible and realistic — small adjustments and a little spackling are part of the process and easy to fix.
Tying Frame Groupings Together
Mixing frame styles and art types works beautifully when you use a few unifying elements:
- Mats: Plenty of white mats create visual consistency, helping different frames read as a single collection.
- Color palette: Repeating tones — greens, blues, pinks, plus lots of white space — makes disparate pieces feel cohesive. Even decorative objects like white antlers or small sculptural pieces can echo the palette.
- Spacing: Keep frames close enough to read as a group. Aim for 2–3 inches between frames; any farther apart and they may look like separate elements. Treat the TV like another frame and keep consistent spacing around it. Step back to view from the main seating area to ensure the spacing reads well from that vantage point.
What to Frame in Your Gallery
Mix personal items, small originals, prints, postcards, and found objects for an eclectic, meaningful wall. A few examples of pieces that work well together:
- Family photos framed with consistent mats to maintain unity.
- Decorative objects such as faux antlers or shells painted or chosen to match the palette.
- Small original paintings or prints from independent artists to add unique color and texture.
- Postcards, book pages, or printed photos that reflect the color story you want to emphasize.
- Maps mounted on cork for a tactile element and to highlight travel memories.
When we assembled our wall, the pieces included family photos, small original paintings, succulent photos we printed, postcards from exhibits, and sculptural objects. The variety keeps the wall interesting, while shared colors, mats, and spacing make everything feel intentional.
Frames don’t have to come from boutique shops. Affordable metal frames with mats can look high-end and are often available at mainstream stores. Mix in thrifted or vintage frames when you find ones you love. If you want extra guidance on hanging, short demonstration videos can show tricks for keeping frames level and in place while you adjust the layout.
In short: don’t overthink it. Start with a plan or a template, but allow yourself to rearrange as you go. Small fixes like spackling are quick and easy, and most mistakes are hardly noticeable once frames are in place. The most important thing is to begin — your wall will evolve, and that’s part of the fun.
If you have a lower media cabinet and a large empty wall above it, consider filling the space with a similar approach: a cluster of framed pieces, affordable shelving, or a single large artwork paired with smaller accents. Experiment and let the wall reflect your style.
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