How to Create an Easy Budget-Friendly Gallery Wall
Use these simple tips to get a high-end gallery wall look in your home by using cherished family photos as art.
Want to create a DIY photo gallery wall without spending a ton?
Consider hanging multiples of the same frame as a curated collection to personalize your space without breaking the bank. This large gallery wall in my home makes for a big impact with a smaller spend and it’s a fairly simple DIY project. The best part is you can create yours using fewer or more frames according to the size and scale of your walls.
Using family photos as art is the best!
Here at Hip2Save, many of our team members are huge fans of displaying family photos throughout our homes in stylish and frugal ways because details like this truly add a personal touch! Plus, looking at cherished memories can make you feel better and improve your mood.
I decided to create two single rows, however, there are so many different gallery wall designs to consider! Before starting your project check out TheSpruce.com for lots of inspiration on various picture walls.
I was able to easily create a large gallery wall with 16 inexpensive 12×16 RIBBA picture frames from IKEA! For the pictures inside, I utilized Walgreens photos deals to order 8×10 photo prints with free in-store pickup!
Hip Savings Tip: Walgreens often offers deals and promo codes to save on photo prints! Sometimes 8×10 prints are even FREE. Be sure to check this page for their current promotions.
Welcome to our family travel picture wall! ✈️
I have chosen to keep the focus on our family’s travels for all of these photos, and I love it so much. People always ask and comment about it when they come over, so that’s how I know it’s creating its own vibe and impact.
Each of these photos I have taken myself and each represents a special trip we have taken as a family. In some of them, my kids are super little so it’s nostalgic and special to walk by them each day. 😍
Design Tip: Hanging multiples of the same picture frame creates a soothing and uniform photo gallery wall! Whether you opt for white, black, metal, or wood frames, stick with the same color and size to get this look.
How to make a gallery wall like mine:
- Measure your space and grab enough picture frames for at least 2 rows. My space has two rows of 12×16 IKEA picture frames matted for 8×10 photos.
- Order photos and pick them up from Walgreens What we love about ordering from Walgreens, besides the great prices especially when there’s a coupon code, is that you can opt for free same-day pickup!
- Place the prints inside the frames. I first tape the photo print to the matting on the back to secure it. This will make sure it doesn’t move around when hanging.
- Hang the prints on the wall evenly spaced apart. We used small picture frame nails and a laser level to make sure everything is hanging straight. We actually drew two long lines using chalk on the wall first, and then nailed each frame on those lines spacing each evenly.
Where else can you find affordable picture wall frames matted to 8×10?
Here are a few places to buy gallery wall frames like mine in the $10-$12 range. Keep an eye out when they periodically go on sale!
We recommend checking out:
Here’s how to keep your picture wall secure.
I highly suggest adding some poster putty behind each frame to prevent them from falling or swinging around. After I lost a few frames from my kids accidentally bumping into them, I now use a bit of this removable putty behind each corner and they now stay put!
Here’s another gorgeous photo gallery wall example to consider:
This is Collin’s new gallery wall in her home using these pretty Project 62 photo frames from Target.com! I love how she is displaying various sizes of the same black frame along the hallway to personalize this space. It looks so GOOD!
Plus, I am totally swooning over her dreamy plant ledge. Anyone else?!
Do you have any gallery wall tips to share? Let us know in the comments!
Check out all our best photo deals to take advantage of for your home!
Even cheaper are the magnetic wood frames, usually a 2 pack on Amazon. I’ve switched to these and they add flare to your art/ image.
Thanks for sharing about the frames you like to use, siena95! 🖼🤗