Curated Vintage Artwork for Gallery Walls: Easy DIY Decor Ideas

Have you seen all the stunning gallery walls on trend? Are you dreaming of a gallery wall brimming with character and charm? If so, you’re in the right place! You don’t need to be an art expert or spend a fortune to achieve a beautifully curated look. It seems as though every time I flip through a decor magazine, I see beautiful vintage artwork with easy-to-assemble gallery walls. Today, I want to share some of my awesome finds with you!

I’m Kim, and I believe every home can look beautiful and stylish without a hefty price tag! With 30+ years of decorating experience, I love showing you how to create a stunning, pulled-together home using what you already have and budget-friendly finds.

I’m working on a little refresh in my she room. I’m adding a some amazing wallpaper and a small gallery wall. If you haven’t seen my special room you can check out my post on How to Create a She Shed in a Room.

It’s pink.

And girly.

And I love it!

Isn’t she so cute?

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to share some gallery wall ideas with my friends! So buckle up!


“Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind. As the sun colours flowers, so does art colour life.” John Lubbock

What You’ll Need to Get Started

  • Frames: Thrifted, garage sales, estate sales, or store finds.
  • Artwork: Prints, vintage finds, family photos or digital downloads.
  • Mirrors, Decorative Pieces or Baskets : Don’t be afraid to mix it up!
  • Command Strips, Nails or Wall Anchors: You may use all depending on the size of your pieces.
  • Brown Paper Bags: Cut them to frame sizes and use this for mapping out your space before you put any holes in your walls.
  • A Level: Trust me! You’ll need a use this one.
  • Scissors and Pencil: For tracing and marking your layout.

What Is a Gallery Wall? Defining This Popular Home Decor Trend

Simply put, a gallery wall is a curated collection of items, such as framed artwork, photographs, mirrors and other decorative items hung next to each other in a close grouping. You can also use treasures you may have collected over time, incorporating them into the gallery. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your favorite pieces and add character to any room.

I love a pretty gallery wall and nowadays it’s so easy to create one in your own home!

Affiliate links are used in this post. I earn a small fee by linking to their sites. Read my full disclosure here.

My Mother’s Gallery Wall Wisdom: A Timeless Decor Trend

When I was growing up, I remember my mother had a gallery wall in our home. Maybe you have a similar memory? While you might wonder if gallery walls are a thing of the past, I’m here to tell you they are experiencing a major comeback and are one of the hottest decor trends right now!

Before my mother hung her chosen beauties, she would take brown paper grocery bags and cut them into the sizes of the artwork. Next, she would hang them on the wall in the pattern she thought looked best. To this day, I think this simple yet effective method is an amazing way to visualize your gallery wall and decide on the best sizes and placement.

Good job, mom!!

The Do’s & Don’ts of Beautiful & Easy Gallery Walls

There are a few things to remember when creating your gallery wall.

  • Don’t make any hasty decisions until you decide what pieces you will be displaying.
  • Do chose the right wall. Make sure the wall you chose is worthy and your artwork will stand out.
  • Do start with your largest piece of art and build from there.
  • Do consider unconventional items such as, mirrors, antlers, baskets, plates and personal items, etc.
  • Don’t put too many pieces on your wall. Know when enough is enough.

Pro Tip for a Cohesive Gallery Wall

The space between each frame should be similar. Those spaces should never be bigger than the smallest piece of artwork being used.


“The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.” – Neil Gaiman

Beautiful Vintage Artwork

If you love thrift shopping, I’m sure you can find some vintage artwork to add to your gallery wall. However, if you aren’t into thrifting but love the vintage look, I’m about to show you some unbelievable buys that look vintage, yet are new.

Athena Tapestry – Anthropologie

13.9″ x 25.4″ Horizontal Landscape Framed Canvas – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee

10 x 20 Vintage Farmhouse French Country

12″ x 16″ Antique Floral Framed Canvas Board Olive Green – Threshold

24″ x 18″ Landscape Study Framed Wall Canvas Antique Gold – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee

Rue Damiette, Rouen – Camille Pissarro | French Impressionist, Vintage Art, Poster Reproduction, Retro Print, French Old Street, Cityscape

Easy Gallery Wall Sets: A Simple Solution for Home Decor

Many online stores offer printable artwork specifically designed for gallery walls. All you need to do is purchase, print and frame them to create your display. It’s very inexpensive to buy the prints. The catch is you need to print and frame them yourself. If you have a colored printer at home there are plenty pieces small enough that you can print yourself. Some you may have to print at your local office supply store, to get the size you want.

Also, just because you purchase a download, doesn’t mean you have to use each and every print. Print only those that you want to use.

Thrifting for frames, garage sale finds or using what you have is the perfect solution. Especially, if you have a large area you want to do. If you don’t have enough frames, check the clearance section at your local craft stores, too.

Vintage Wall Art Set of 9, Gallery wall Print Set

Vintage Farmhouse Wall Decor – 6 Set Unframed

Neutral Botanical Gallery Wall Print Set of 6

Beyond Prints: Unique Additions to Elevate Your Gallery Wall

While prints and framed artwork form the foundation of many gallery walls, don’t be afraid to venture beyond framed art. Think about adding small decorative mirrors, lightweight sculpted pieces, embroidered textiles or pieces that you’ve acquired through your travels.

BONNYCO Gold Mirrors for Wall Pack of 3 Wall

7 Pack Boho Wall Basket Decor

Gallery Wall Lighting Ideas: Brighten Your Home Decor

Once you’ve curated your gallery wall with all the pieces that speak to you, it’s time to consider lighting it! Beyond simply making your gallery wall visible, well-chosen lighting can transform it into a beautiful and elegant focal point in your home. I’m sharing some great lighting options for you below.

Battery Operated Picture Light with Remote and Timer

Rechargeable Gallery Light

Set of Two Battery Wall Sconces – Have and love!

Gallery Wall – Frequently Asked Questions

Trust your eye! Step back and look at the wall as a whole. If it feels cluttered or your eye doesn’t know where to land, it’s time to edit. Less is often more.

Absolutely! The key is to repeat one color, finish or style throughout the grouping to keep it feeling intentional rather than random.

Command strips are great for lighter pieces. For heavier pieces use proper nails or wall anchors. Always use your paper bag method first!

Your Gallery Wall Awaits: Get Inspired and Get Started!

Creating a gallery is a fun way to switch up your home decor and you don’t have to spend a lot to do it. With these ideas and tips in hand, you’re now equipped to create a gallery wall that truly reflects your unique style and adds a touch of charm to your home. So, gather your favorite pieces, have fun with the process, and get ready to transform your walls into a beautiful and inspiring display!

I hope I’ve given you a little direction and a whole lot of inspiration to produce your own beautiful vintage artwork & easy gallery walls.

If you do create your own gallery, let me know! I’d love to see it.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!

Shop My Favorites

You’ll Also Love

18 Comments

  1. I’m loving how your room is coming together! AnnMarie and I are both suckers for a good gallery wall and these prints look gorgeous together! Can’t wait to see how your wall turns out.

  2. I am new to commenting but had to let you know I have started a gallery wall in our breakfast room. All the paintings were done by my dear mother-in-law. I found several more so I am not finished. And now I will include several other items to round it out. Thank you for sharing!

  3. Kim, I am looking forward to seeing your room finished with a gallery wall and your beautiful new wallpaper. Your She Room will look stunning! I love a good gallery wall and love to see what others do.

  4. Beautiful gallery wall pics and tips. To use pics and pieces from family or those you have found. Have to print more pics for frames.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *