Have you spent hours scrolling through home décor videos, wishing you had that perfect, curated wall of art? The famous DIY TikTok gallery wall trend makes high-end interior design accessible to everyone. Forget expensive art consultants; with a simple plan and a few clever hacks, you can transform a blank wall into a personalized masterpiece in an afternoon.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the three key steps to achieving a gallery wall that is perfectly spaced, stylishly curated, and instantly Instagrammable.
The Secret to Success: Planning the Layout
The biggest fear with any gallery wall is getting the spacing wrong and ending up with too many holes in the wall. Fortunately, the most viral TikTok hack solves this problem instantly. The key is to start on the floor, not the wall.
Step 1: Gather Your Elements
Before you even think about hammering a nail, lay the groundwork. The modern gallery wall thrives on variety and personal touches.
- Frames: Mix it up! Use at least three different sizes and vary the frame color (e.g., black, natural wood, and one brass accent) for an intentionally eclectic look.
- Art: Combine different mediums. A perfect wall includes abstract art, a few line drawings, personal black and white photos, and maybe a text print. Pro Tip: Look for free, high-resolution public domain art from museum websites to save big on prints.
- Hanging Supplies: Invest in Command Strips for small to medium frames—they are a game-changer for easy adjustments. Use traditional nails/hangers for the heaviest pieces.
Step 2: Master the Paper Template Hack
This is the technique that every designer (and viral TikTok creator) uses to guarantee a perfect layout.
- Trace: Place each of your frames on a large piece of kraft paper or newspaper and trace the outer edge.
- Mark the Hanger: This is crucial! Before you cut, mark exactly where the nail or hanger will need to go on the wall inside the paper cutout.
- Cut & Tape: Cut out your paper templates and use painter’s tape to arrange them on your wall. Keep the distance between frames tight—2 to 4 inches is the sweet spot for a cohesive, professional look.
- Final Check: Stand back! Adjust the paper until the arrangement feels balanced and the center is at eye level (about 57 inches from the floor).
Choosing Your Aesthetic: Grid vs. Salon Style
The art of the DIY TikTok gallery wall is about making deliberate choices. Your layout choice determines the whole feel of the room. Refer to the table below to decide which style best suits your existing décor.
| Gallery Wall Style | Description | Best for… | Key Rule |
| Grid (Structured) | Highly symmetrical. All frames are the same size and are spaced perfectly evenly in straight columns and rows. | Modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian interiors. | Use the same frame color and size for all pieces. |
| Salon (Eclectic) | Asymmetrical and free-flowing. Mixes different frame sizes, orientations (portrait/landscape), and even non-frame objects. | Bohemian, vintage, or maximalist interiors. | Anchor around one main piece and “float” the others around it. |
Step 3: Hanging and Styling the Final Pieces
With the templates guiding you, hanging the actual frames is the easiest part. Hammer your nails directly through the paper template’s marked spot, or place your Command Strip in the indicated area.
Once all the prints are up, make sure your DIY TikTok gallery wall doesn’t look flat or generic.
