Create a gallery wall in 5 easy steps

Gallery walls are a fun way to add some personality to your walls by showcasing your favorite people, places and things. Getting the layout just right can be tricky! You don't want to wing it when it comes to picture placement, but knowing where to hang each photo can be a daunting task...unless of course you employ these tips and tricks, in which case it will be a cinch!

1. Place all of the photos that you want to use on the floor...be sure to choose a mix of sizes, shapes, colors and picture orientation. Next, grab some paper, tape, scissors and something to draw with.

2. Take the paper and lay it over each frame, cutting and taping it to create a template that is the exact size of the frame.

3. Make a rough sketch of the picture onto each template so that you can associate that particular template with the picture frame it corresponds to. This drawing doesn't need to be a masterpiece...just try to create a quick likeness, capturing recognizable elements from the photo.

4. Tape the templates to the wall with blue painters tape. Blue tape won't damage the paint on your walls and will allow you to reattach the pictures multiple times as you move them around to find the perfect placement. Be sure to mix up the arrangement before settling on the final location. You want the pictures to play off one another and relate to each other. Make sure that the pictures are relatively close together - that they're "talking to" each other, and try to line up certain distances or lines so that there is a cohesiveness to the placement of each piece. White space is good (space between frames) but make sure the gaps aren't too big between each piece. Have fun with this step! This will allow you to see exactly what the gallery wall is going to look like before you start hammering nails into the wall!

5. Once you are happy with the arrangement, you can start hanging each picture. Make sure that you hang the pictures exactly where the templates are positioned. Use anchors or picture hangers so that the frames are properly supported and don't damage the wall. Then stand back and enjoy your handiwork!