Layout basics

How much space should you leave between frames?

When people ask why their gallery wall feels “off,” the answer is almost always spacing — not the frames, not the art, the gaps.

The rule of thumb

Leave 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) between frames. Close enough that the group reads as one composition, far enough that each piece can breathe.

• Small frames (A5–A4): lean to 5 cm.
• Large frames (A3+): lean to 8 cm.
• Keep every gap equal — the eye forgives almost any layout if the spacing is consistent.

When to break it

1. A tight salon wall — deliberately pack frames at 2–3 cm for a dense, collected look. Commit fully; halfway looks like a mistake.
2. One hero piece — give a single large work extra breathing room (10–12 cm) so it reads as the anchor.

The takeaway

Pick one gap, keep it equal everywhere, and your wall will look designed instead of decorated.