More is More: The Art of Creating a Maximalist Gallery Wall

When it comes to gallery walls we always say: the bolder, the better. Think layered frames, clashing styles, and a mix of high and low that somehow works together perfectly. Whether you’re a vintage print collector, a family photo curator, or someone who frames their personal mementos (guilty), there’s no wrong way to go full-on maximalist.

To prove it, we asked our community to share their own layered-to-perfection gallery walls—and they delivered. Ahead, a collection of inspiring spaces where more really is more. Scroll on for standout moments, thoughtful tips, and ideas worth borrowing.

A Celebration of Folk Art

For over two decades, Jen Williams has been curating works by American folk artist Charles Wehringer—but it wasn’t until New Year’s Day 2024 that every piece came together in one vibrant, joy-filled display. The result is a gallery wall that feels both deeply personal and profoundly hopeful—a celebration of creativity, character, and the unifying power of art.

Design Tip: When curating around a single artist or theme, let the variety within the collection speak for itself. Play with spacing, scale, and frame styles to keep things dynamic.

Beyond the Frame

Loosely inspired by Everything Is Illuminated, Stacey Mei Yan Fong’s eclectic gallery wall is part memory museum, part evolving art installation. With a mix of framed photos, music posters, and 3D treasures (including a haunted potato by Katie Kimmel), it’s a feast for the eyes—designed to reveal something new with every glance. The layout started on the floor, then took shape on the wall, filling negative space with petite pieces that add texture and depth.

Design Tip: Think beyond the frame. Incorporating dimensional objects or sculptural elements adds tactile interest and makes your gallery wall feel more immersive and personal.

The Perfect Balance

Designed by Alana Spears and Erin from Winsome Home Interiors (and photographed by Kaitlin Green), this mixed-media gallery wall anchors a dream office that’s both calming and energizing. The space is carefully curated with family photos, children’s artwork, and treasured collected pieces—each telling a part of the client’s story. A subtle, textural wallpaper creates a warm, dimensional backdrop, while the desk faces the wall, making it the first thing she sees each day. It’s the perfect balance of grounding and motivation.

Design Tip: When combining art and wallpaper, think of them as collaborators in your space’s story. Choose a wallpaper that complements the colors and mood of your artwork, letting both elements shine together.

Tell A Story

Mary Ana McKay’s gallery wall is anything but ordinary—each piece has its own story to tell. From Depression-era sketches rescued from a NYC trash can, to a heartfelt portrait of a late pup and a whimsical sketch from a talented uncle, these pieces are as rich in history as they are in personality. It’s like a bookshelf for the walls, always evolving and telling a new story.

Design Tip: Don’t shy away from mixing in meaningful, sentimental pieces. A gallery wall is a beautiful way to celebrate your personal history and share it with everyone you welcome into your home.

Art Meets Heart

Designed by Britta Daas, this gallery wall is a perfect blend of personal mementos and local art. It all began with a Marimekko fabric wall hanging, which sparked the creation of a collection that tells the story of the space and its inhabitants. The wall features a mix of vibrant art from Minneapolis, Michigan, and Massachusetts artists, alongside treasured family photos and a framed Save the Date invitation from the couple’s 2016 wedding.

Design Tip: Mix in fun elements like quirky prints, old postcards, or even fabric swatches to keep the collection fresh, unexpected, and full of personality.