Picture wall inspiration – ideas and guide for your poster wall
A photo wall – or poster wall as many call it – is one of the easiest ways to give a room personality. You don’t need a large wall or a big budget. You just need to know what works.
Here you will find everything you need: inspiration, practical advice, and direct product recommendations for your photo wall.
What is a gallery wall?
A gallery wall is a collection of posters, prints, or pictures hung together on one wall – instead of individually spread around the room.
Symmetrical – all frames are the same size and hung in a tight grid
Asymmetrical – different sizes arranged freely and organically
Minimalist – 3 posters with space between them
Filled – 7-10 posters covering the entire wall
How to Create a Photo Wall – Step by Step
1. Choose your wall
Start by finding the right wall. An empty wall above the sofa, the headboard, or along a hallway are classic choices. Choose a wall that is naturally visible when you enter the room.
2. Decide on an expression
Do you want a calm, minimalist look or a filled and personal wall? This determines how many posters you need and which sizes work best.
3. Choose your posters
Choose posters that share either color, motif, or style. You don’t have to stick to one theme – but a common touch ties it all together. See our Modern posters, Art posters, and Japanese posters for inspiration.
4. Decide sizes
A classic combination is one large poster (50x70 or 70x100 cm) as an anchor point, with smaller posters (30x40 or A4) around it. Let the large poster set the tone.
5. Lay it out on the floor first
Before you make holes in the wall: lay the posters on the floor and experiment with the arrangement. It’s much easier to move posters on the floor than to move holes in the wall.
6. Hang up
Start with the middle poster and work outward. Keep about 5-10 cm between the frames – too little space and the gallery wall looks cluttered, too much and it loses cohesion.
Inspiration for picture walls
Above the sofa
The classic placement. A wide gallery wall above the sofa unites the living room and creates a natural focal point.
In the bedroom
Fun and personal above the headboard.
I enter
First impressions count during visits.
How many posters do you need?
It depends on the size of the wall and the look you want to achieve – but here is a good rule of thumb:
Number of posters Suitable for
2-3 posters: A small wall or a minimalist look
4-5 posters: A standard wall area, e.g., above the sofa
6+ posters: A large wall or a dramatic, filled look
→ Poster wall with 3 posters – how to do it
→ Poster wall with 5 posters – layouts and tips
Find your posters for the picture wall
At Ellens Postershop, you will find posters in all sizes and styles – ready for your picture wall.
Modern posters
For a clean and timeless photo wall
Art posters
For an artistic and personal photo wall
Kitchen posters
For a calm and organic photo wall
Black and white posters
For a classic black and white photo wall
See also
Picture wall in the living room – what works above the sofa?
Picture wall in the bedroom – calm and personality
Picture wall in the entryway – first impressions count
Picture wall with 3 posters – simple and strong
Picture wall with 5 posters – full and personal
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a photo wall and a poster wall?
No difference – they are two words for the same thing. A picture wall or poster wall is a collection of posters or pictures hung together on one wall for a decorative effect.
How many posters are needed for a picture wall?
You can create a gallery wall with as few as 2-3 posters. Most gallery walls consist of 3-7 posters. The most important thing is not the number, but that the posters share a common feature in color, style, or theme.
What sizes of posters are suitable for a gallery wall?
A classic combination is to mix sizes: one large poster (50x70 cm or 70x100 cm) as an anchor point and 2-4 smaller posters (30x40 cm or A4) around it. This creates depth and movement in the arrangement.
Should you use the same frames for a gallery wall?
Not necessarily. Uniform frames give a clean and tight look. Mixed frames – for example, different colors but the same style – create a more personal and organic expression. Avoid mixing too many different types of frames, as it can look messy.
How do you hang a gallery wall straight?
Place the desired arrangement on the floor first and measure the distances. Start by hanging the middle poster and work outward. Use a level for the first posters – adjust the rest by eye.
How much does a photo wall cost?
It depends on the number of posters and frames. You can easily create a beautiful photo wall with 3 posters and simple frames for under 500 DKK. At Ellens Postershop, you’ll find posters starting at just 99,- designed for photo walls.
