How to Start a Vintage Gallery Wall (Even if You're Not a Designer)
A gallery wall isn’t just decoration—it’s a collage of memories, mood, and soul.
In our home, the gallery wall is the heart and the soul. It’s ever-evolving, always updating with new pieces. It reflects authenticity, tells a story, highlights who we are, and never fails to brighten my day. Sometimes, I just like to sit and look at it—to feel the warmth of the memories and blessings it reminds me of. (I’ll tell you more about it later.)
Unlike store-bought prints or mass-produced sets, vintage gallery walls tell your story.
No hate or judgment toward TJ Maxx and Target designers—we all have those pieces we just couldn’t resist during our alone time in the clearance aisle. Sometimes it’s easier, and feels more acceptable, to go with trends and feel like you’ve curated a space that “fits in.” And that’s completely valid!
But here at R.A.E., we’re all about authenticity, creativity, and being happy in a space that feels like you. This process is about connection—connection to others by creating conversation-starting spaces, and connection to yourself by expressing who you are, telling your story, and reflecting on that through creating the space to be who you are.
If this is something you’re working on—or maybe you just want to be reminded of the glimmers in your life—I highly recommend starting with a gallery wall.
A Little History First
Before we dive in, let’s unpack a bit of gallery wall history.
The concept dates back to the 17th century, when walls in salons—intellectual gathering spaces during the Enlightenment—were filled with original art from floor to ceiling. This approach made art more accessible, breaking away from elite exclusivity and encouraging the showcasing of new and diverse creators.
According to Fine Art Connoisseur, “From the 17th century onward, the Paris Salon, a juried show at the Louvre featuring thousands of artworks, accepted way too many pieces, so its organizers literally filled the walls, with almost no regard for styles and subjects, in order to maximize the number that could be shown.” Prestigious works were placed at eye level, while lesser-known pieces filled the upper walls.
By 1768, the Royal Academy of Art in London was showcasing similar displays. It wasn’t until the 1960s, though, that gallery walls became accessible to the average home. A 1967 newspaper article titled “Gallery Wall Good Way to Display Pictures” gave everyday people tips on curating their own framed displays. The trend continued through the family-photo-heavy 80s and 90s, then resurged in 2013 with another article: “Salon Walls Tell a Story.”
So, with respect to this rich history, we can appreciate the evolution of art becoming more inclusive, accessible, and personal—paving the way for each of us to bring soul and story into our homes.
Step 1: Gather Your Pieces (Don’t Overthink It—Feel It)
Marie Kondo your space and select three pieces that absolutely bring you joy. These could be family heirlooms, personal mementos, nostalgic treasures, or that cool thing you found at Goodwill last week.
This is not about what your friends and family like, what’s trending on IG, or what Martha Stewart says—it’s about what speaks to you and makes you happy.
To find unique, meaningful pieces, I recommend:
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Kindly asking a grandparent or family member if they’re letting go of anything
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Checking out garage sales, estate sales, and church rummage sales
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Combing the aisles of thrift stores and antique malls
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And if you’re feeling creative—maybe even making your own art
Types of pieces you might include:
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Framed vintage art (paintings, prints, needlepoint)
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Old mirrors or carved wooden frames
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Postcards, book pages, handwritten letters
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Vintage plates or small decorative objects
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Photos, ticket stubs, or scraps of meaningful fabric
Every gallery wall becomes more beautiful when it has meaning.
Vintage styling is about emotion—not perfection. Again, don’t worry about the Joneses or current trends. This is your home, and you get to breathe life into it. The gallery wall is the first step to creating the soul of your space.
Step 2: Choose a Focal Piece
Choose a focal point—something eye-catching that grounds the wall in who you are. My focal piece is a painting of the Last Supper. You don’t have to pick one, but it helps create a cohesive vignette.
Once you have your focal point, start gathering supporting pieces. Try grouping by:
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Color
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Mood
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Frame type or texture
Some people love the eclectic, maximalist look; others prefer monochromatic tones or a tighter theme. It’s all about how you want to express yourself.
Step 3: Play with Layout Before Hanging
Lay everything on the floor—or trace frames onto paper and tape them to the wall.
Personally, I took a picture of the wall and the pieces I had, then played around with placement in Procreate. It was a much easier way to visualize everything without moving pieces back and forth for hours.
Tips for easy styling:
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Keep 2–3 inches between frames
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Mix horizontal and vertical shapes
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Use odd numbers for balance
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Don’t be afraid to break the “grid”
Some designers recommend imagining a horizontal center line and building balance around that. I didn’t follow that method—I started with my biggest pieces, spread them out, then filled in with smaller items, balancing colors, textures, and materials as I went.
Frame Tips
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Don’t stress if the frames don’t match—mix metals, wood tones, and shapes.
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Clean thrifted frames gently with a soft cloth and non-abrasive products.
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If needed, reframe art with vintage finds from estate sales or antique shops.
For full transparency, most of my frames are thrifted—but a few are from Walmart or the dollar store. Sometimes you just make it work!
If you would like some inspiration, take a your of my Gallery Wall here.
Final Thoughts: Let It Evolve
A gallery wall isn’t one-and-done. Let it grow with you.
Swap things out seasonally. Add a new find when it speaks to you. Let your wall be a living, breathing reflection of who you are in the moment.
Your decor should feel like:
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Snuggling into a warm blanket
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Eating your favorite home-cooked meal
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Looking in the mirror and liking who you see
It should feel safe, warm, and deeply connected to who you are.
Browse the Shelf for pieces you might like to hang on your Gallery Wall!