You’re standing in front of the perfect accent wall in your home and it’s an empty canvas begging to display your most cherished memories, experiences, and treasures. But as you stand there, the pressure builds. You don’t want your accent wall to be decorated with every other curated gallery display you’ve seen online. You want your wall to be an authentic reflection of who you are, an artful fusion of moments captured in frames, each one telling a story of personal anecdotes.
So, whether you’re looking to liven up a blank accent wall in your Phoenix, AZ home, New Orleans, LA apartment, or Portland, OR rental home, we’ve gathered expert insights for unique accent wall ideas.
Designing a gallery on your accent wall that speaks to you
An accent wall can be as simple as just painting one of your walls a different color but if we really want to give it life, decorating the wall with a gallery can be a great option for creative expression. Siân Pelleschi of decluttering and organizing company Sorted!, introduces us to the various possibilities of how to decorate your accent wall in a gallery style.
“A gallery wall is a beautiful way to showcase your personality and memories, whether through family photos, artwork, or prints,” shares Pelleschi. “Consider the impact—should it make a bold statement, create a welcoming entrance, or add a personal touch? Play with frame styles, from sleek and uniform to eclectic, and experiment with layouts before committing. Whether it’s symmetrical, a flowing staircase display, or bold statement pieces in a row, your gallery wall can tell a unique story and add character to your space.”
Now, let’s continue to explore creative ways to bring your accent wall ideas to life.
1. Consider unexpected locations
Accent walls are commonly found in predictable spots like behind a couch or bed, often adorned with a stylish gallery. While these areas are undeniably charming, accent walls can make an even bolder statement when placed in more unexpected locations.
Artem Kropovinsky, a NYC interior designer and founder of Arsight Studio, an award-winning interior design firm, believes an accent wall with a gallery starts in an unexpected location. “Think along a staircase, above a kitchen backsplash, or even wrapping around a doorway. Mix frame styles for depth, combining sleek modern frames with vintage gilded ones, or go frameless for a clean, contemporary look. The artwork should tell a story, blending personal photos, abstract pieces, and collected prints for a curated feel. Experiment with layouts beyond the standard grid—try an asymmetrical arrangement, a salon-style mix, or a linear row at eye level. To make it distinctive, incorporate sculptural elements like small shelves, mirrors, or decorative objects within the composition.”
2. Experiment with mixing and matching
Mixing and matching can take the pressure off creating a perfectly cohesive look, allowing for more freedom and creativity.
Cory Connor Designs, based in Chatham, NJ, offers insight into this approach, explaining how a blend of different styles can create a unique accent wall. “Mix frame styles for an eclectic touch, combining modern, vintage, or ornate designs. Curate a diverse selection of images, from personal photos and abstract art to fabric swatches, vintage finds, cherished mementos, and handwritten letters, crafting a visually rich and deeply personal wall.”
In a similar vein, Cynthia Ferguson Designs based in Toronto, CAN encourages embracing a mix of frames, mediums, and even high and low-end items. “I truly feel there are no rules when it comes to creating a gallery wall in your home, except that you must love every piece you feature. The most interesting walls are collections of different frames, a mixture of different mediums and my absolute favourites – a mix of high and low. If a little water colour in a garage sale speaks to you for $5, buy it and hang it. In my own home, I have pen and ink created by friends hanging next to oil paintings from the 1800’s. The interest lies in the story they tell about the collector and what speaks to their heart.”
By following the mix and match approach, both designers emphasize the personal connection each piece brings, which makes the curated gallery on your accent wall more meaningful and unique.
3. Incorporate bold elements
To make your accent wall truly stand out, don’t be afraid to incorporate bold elements. Whether it’s striking colors, captivating artwork, or vibrant frames, these standout pieces can add energy and drama to your display, making it a focal point in the room.
Tessa Williams of Brooklyn Collective, a gallery and boutique space, shares how she embraces this approach by creating dynamic, colorful displays. “I love creating a gallery wall with a colorful accent wall. I will first locate a small wall space in a room and paint it a vibrant green or yellow, or gold is nice too. Then, I love to mix mediums and sizes on a wall. I might have a large black and white photograph surrounded by small vintage framed paintings in abstract, floral, or portraits. The mixed media & sizes creates a nice unique flow.”
4. Focus on peace and wellness through your gallery
If you’re looking to create a calming, restorative space, focusing on peace and wellness through your accent wall can be a perfect approach. Julia Dalalba, an architect specializing in interior design for health and well being shares insights on how the arrangement of a gallery on an accent wall can go beyond just decor to positively impact the energy of your home.
“From a Vastu perspective, a gallery wall isn’t just about aesthetics—it influences a home’s energy. Placing uplifting images, such as serene landscapes or symbols that align with your spiritual background, enhances clarity and inspiration, especially if placed in the northeast part of the house. Opting for natural wood or metal frames over synthetic materials helps maintain a harmonious energy flow. Thoughtful placement and intentional uplifting imagery can turn a gallery wall into a source of positivity and balance.”
5. Make a plan for your gallery wall
Now that we’ve explored unique accent wall ideas, you might have a vision for your space. But before you start hanging artwork, learning how to make a gallery wall comes with planning first. Andrew Mellen, a professional organizer, shares some gallery wall ideas and emphasizes the importance of thoughtfully arranging your pieces before committing to hanging them.
“Traditional gallery walls are usually arranged around a large piece of furniture. The less expected choice would be a stairwell, hallway, or even a bathroom. If your style is eclectic, you can mix frame styles and sizes from home goods stores to thrift stores. If a clean look is more your taste, matching the profile, size, and color will give you the look you desire. Then arrange them in a tight grid. A variety of images and mediums, and even meaningful objects will bring depth and unpredictability to your gallery wall. Lay out your design on the floor first or use painter’s tape to map it out on the wall before hanging. Focus on balance and spacing to keep the arrangement visually appealing.”
6. Keep it clean and tidy
To keep your accent wall looking fresh and lasting for years, it’s important to clean and tidy up regularly. Cascade Home Cleaning based in Bellingham, WA shares their approach to keeping these displays pristine.
“We’ve encountered many unique accent walls in our cleaning work, and keeping them pristine requires special care. Intricate frames, especially ornate or vintage designs, tend to collect dust, so we use gentle tools to clean without damaging details. For asymmetrical layouts or stairwell displays, we take extra care to clean around each piece without disrupting the arrangement. When mirrors or mixed materials like wood and metal are included, we tailor our methods to prevent streaks or damage. A well-maintained gallery wall enhances a space and stays looking its best with the right care.”
Unique accent wall ideas for your home: final thoughts
Creating a gallery wall is more than just arranging frames—it’s about curating a space that reflects your personality, memories, and artistic vision. But where do you start? By following expert insights on how to make a gallery wall, you can transform any blank space into a striking focal point that tells your story in a way only you can. So, gather your favorite pieces, map out your design, and start building a display that feels like a true reflection of you.
