How to Style a Gallery Wall with Art Prints and Postcards
By Heartell Press | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to arrange a cohesive gallery wall using art prints and postcards, with practical steps for layout, framing, and hanging.
Quick answer
Start by selecting a mix of art prints and postcards that share a common color palette or theme. Lay them out on the floor to test arrangements before hanging, using paper templates to avoid unnecessary nail holes.
Choose Your Prints and Postcards
Pick pieces that feel connected through color, subject, or style. For example, a risograph art print like Tulips and Gingham brings bold pattern mixing, while a letterpress card like To You (Martini Cheers) adds tactile contrast with its hand-carved texture. Mixing different print techniques keeps the wall visually interesting without feeling chaotic.
Don't limit yourself to standard art prints—postcards and folded cards work beautifully when displayed open or in small frames. Their smaller scale helps fill gaps and adds variety to the layout.
Plan Your Layout on the Floor
Lay your chosen pieces on the floor and experiment with spacing. Keep gaps between frames consistent—usually 2 to 3 inches—to create a unified look. Try a grid for a clean, modern feel or an organic cluster for a relaxed vibe.
A common mistake is rushing to hang without testing. Use painter's tape to outline each frame's position on the wall, or cut paper templates to the exact size. This saves you from patching misplaced nail holes later.
Frame and Hang with Care
Use frames that complement your prints without overpowering them. For risograph prints like Redwood Dream, a simple wood or metal frame lets the bold colors shine. For letterpress cards, consider a floating frame to show off the paper's texture and deckled edges.
When hanging, start from the center and work outward. Use a level and measure twice before hammering. If you're renting, use removable adhesive strips designed for lightweight frames and postcards.
Step-by-step gallery wall styling
- Step 1: Gather your pieces: Select a mix of art prints, postcards, and folded cards that share a unifying element like color or theme. Include at least one larger anchor piece to ground the arrangement. Checkpoint: Do all pieces feel cohesive when viewed together? If not, swap out one or two until the set clicks.
- Step 2: Test the layout on the floor: Arrange the pieces on the floor in front of a blank wall. Adjust spacing and order until the composition feels balanced. Take a photo from eye level to review. Common mistake: Uneven spacing. Use a measuring tape to keep gaps consistent—2 to 3 inches works for most walls.
- Step 3: Create paper templates: Cut kraft paper or newspaper to the exact size of each frame. Tape the templates to the wall using painter's tape, then step back and adjust positions before committing. This step saves you from patching holes and lets you live with the layout for a day before hanging.
- Step 4: Hang from the center outward: Start with your anchor piece at eye level (roughly 57-60 inches from the floor). Hang adjacent pieces using your templates as guides, using a level for each frame. Checkpoint: Are all frames level? Even a slight tilt can throw off the entire wall.
- Step 5: Fill gaps with small pieces: Use postcards or small folded cards to fill any leftover gaps. Their smaller scale helps the wall feel complete without overwhelming the larger prints. A single small piece can balance a large empty corner—don't leave awkward spaces.
Product facts to consider
- Tulips and Gingham Risograph Art Print: Tulips and Gingham Risograph Art Print is printed with soy inks on 100% recycled paper using low-energy processes. The eco-friendly risograph process creates bold, saturated colors that pop on a gallery wall, and the recycled paper adds a matte, non-glare finish that works well under glass.
- Redwood Dream Risograph Art Print: Redwood Dream Risograph Art Print measures 8 x 10 inches to fit standard frames. Standard sizing means you can find affordable, ready-made frames without custom ordering, making it easier to build a cohesive gallery wall on a budget.
- To You (Martini Cheers) Letterpress Card: To You (Martini Cheers) Letterpress Card is letterpress printed from hand-carved woodblocks and polymer plates on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. The tactile impression of letterpress adds depth and texture to your wall, creating a subtle visual contrast when paired with flat risograph prints.
