Her Honest Space

Create a gallery wall that tells your story. Simple, budget-friendly ideas for mums to design meaningful picture walls without the stress.

I’ve always loved a good picture wall. There’s something grounding about seeing your life, your people, your story — all gathered in one place. For busy mums, it can be more than décor — it’s a pause point, a reminder that even in the chaos, your family’s story is unfolding beautifully.

Over the years, I’ve helped a few people pull theirs together, and what I’ve learned is this: it’s not about perfection. It’s about meaning.

But I also know this kind of project can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin? What if it doesn’t look good? What if the frames don’t match?

This post is here to gently guide you through it. Whether you love a mix-and-match collage or a structured layout with symmetry and flow, you can absolutely make a picture wall that feels like you.

Two Real Examples — One Intent

Here are two gallery wall ideas I’ve personally helped create, both with the same goal: to tell a story.

• The first image — a mix of frame sizes, styles, and candid family moments pulled from old photo albums.
• The second image — a more structured layout of matching frames and black-and-white prints for a timeless feel.

Both are beautiful. Both are valid. One is layered with history and warmth. The other brings calm and order. And both reflect the families they belong to.

Here are some more gallery wall examples I found online. They show how flexible this idea can be — from structured layouts with even spacing, to eclectic mixes that bring in art, objects, and personal touches. The key is consistency in tones and colours. When the pieces share a similar palette, even the most varied frames, prints, or objects will feel intentional and connected, making it easy to create a wall that looks cohesive without being “perfect.”

Choosing your style

Start with what feels right:

• Eclectic & Sentimental
  Use different frames, sizes, colours — think cosy, personal, imperfect. These walls often evolve over time.
• Structured & Minimal
  Go with matching frames (like all white or black), even spacing, and maybe black-and-white prints. Simple, classic, clean.

Not sure which one suits your space? Think about your home’s overall style, and also how you want the wall to feel. Warm and nostalgic? Or calm and cohesive?

Quick Wins for Mums

If the idea of a full gallery wall feels too much, start small:

• Print straight from your phone using an affordable service (Kmart, Officeworks, Big W).
• Begin with 3–5 frames and add over time.
• Use removable adhesive strips if you don’t want to commit to nails.
• Choose frames you can easily swap photos in and out of — low effort, high reward.

Where to Find Affordable Frames

• IKEA — great for matching sets in different sizes.
• Kmart, Target, Big W — budget-friendly basics that still look polished.
• Thrift stores or op shops — a treasure trove if you love eclectic walls with personality.

Planning Your Layout (Without Stress)

• Measure the space you want your gallery wall to fill — width and height.
• Tape it out on your floor — use an old sheet or large roll of brown paper to mark out the size.
• Lay out your frames inside this area on the floor. This is where the magic happens — play around with placement as much as you like without fear of wall damage.
• Adjust spacing — keep gaps between frames around 5–7cm. This breathing room helps the wall feel balanced and intentional.

Tip: If your largest piece is horizontal, balance it with a smaller vertical piece next to it for a dynamic look.

Easy Layouts to Try

Sometimes it helps to start with a template before you make it your own:

• The Grid
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  Clean and minimal — equal spacing, perfect for balance.
• Column
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  Frames placed in a downward layout works well in narrow spaces, hallways, between windows and doors
• Anchor + Mix—
  🟩 (large)
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  One hero piece in the middle, smaller frames around it.
• The Trio
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  Simple row of three — quick, easy, and stylish. Great above sofas, consoles and bed

✨ Tip: Keep 5–7cm between frames for a balanced look.

Want to Mix Frames, Art & Objects?

A picture gallery wall (also called a collage wall) doesn’t have to be just frames and photos.

You can absolutely include:

• Art Prints
• Children’s drawings
• Small mirrors- round, oval or rectangle
• Wall décor (like hats, hanging baskets or fabric)

The key to making it work? Cohesion through colour palette. If your pieces share similar tones — even if the styles differ — the overall look will feel connected and intentional.

Keep it interesting

• Mix portrait and landscape orientations
• Add a photos of landscapes, architecture memories from holidays mixed with family portraits
• Hang objects with meaning a postcard, souvenir, a dried flower that reminds you of your wedding etc
• Don’t overthink symmetry- balance is the key to a successful gallery wall

Quick Starter Tips for Your Gallery Wall

Not sure where to begin? Try these simple steps:

• Choose 1–2 anchor pieces you truly love — a family photo, a print, or a keepsake.
• Mix in smaller frames around them to balance the wall without overthinking it.
• Lay everything out on the floor first so you can shuffle pieces around until it feels right.
• Test with paper templates taped to the wall before you hang.
• Don’t stress about matching frames — different sizes and finishes work if the tones feel cohesive.

💡 Budget-friendly tip: mix IKEA, Kmart, or thrifted frames with personal items like postcards, kids’ art, or fabric swatches.

✨ Closing Reflection

At the end of the day, your gallery wall isn’t about perfect spacing or identical frames — it’s about meaning. These walls become little memory keepers, holding moments that make your family’s story unique. One day your kids will look at it and see not straight lines, but love stitched together in frames.

So don’t wait until it’s “perfect.” Start with one piece and let your wall grow with you..

💭 What would you include on your gallery wall — baby photos, holiday memories, or little keepsakes? Share in the comments, I’d love to hear.