How to Hang a Kids’ Artwork Gallery Wall

I’ve always been nervous to hang an artwork gallery wall. I feel like I can never pick the right pieces to go together, or decide on the right layout, or decide on the right place. But, when it came time to decide on some artwork for our big playroom update, I knew we needed an artwork gallery wall of Emory’s art projects to the room.

Luckily, I found a great way to hang the artwork gallery wall, without having to worry about the spacing between each frame. Let me show you!

• Active Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Cost: I spent $60 for frames, but it totally depends on your frame cost
• Power Tools Needed?: Nope!
• Help Needed?: Nope. This is an easy solo project
• Difficulty Level: Beginner!

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Supplies Needed

• Your choice of artwork for your gallery wall (I used 4 of Emory’s paintings)
• Frames for each art piece (I bought these from Ikea, but if you don’t have an Ikea close by, these are a close replacement)
• Hammer
• Picture Hanging Nails or Picture Hangers
• Pencil
• Painter’s Tape
• Laser Level

Step 1: Choose Your Artwork & Frame It

This is either going to be your easiest step or hardest–choosing the artwork for your gallery wall.

Make sure you know what feel you’re going for in your space–fun, moody, colorful, more neutral colors, family photos, etc.

For me, I wanted to use artwork for our playroom gallery wall from all parts of Emory’s life, so we had a few from daycare and a few from this year to use.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, place them in the frames, and you’re ready to go!

Step 2: Choose Your Wall

Next up: choose your artwork gallery wall (pretty self-explanatory). Make sure the wall is big enough that your frames won’t overwhelm the space. And, make sure to use an empty wall (aka a wall without other artwork). You want the gallery wall to be the focus on the space.

Step 3: Plan Your Layout on the Floor

Before you make any holes in the wall, you’ll want to plan your layout on the floor. This way you can move things around and play with different looks until you get the right one.

Step 4: Use Painters’ Tape & Pencil to Mark Your Layout on the Wall

This is the secret step: you’re going to use painters’ tape to mark out the spacing on your wall! This way you can keep the spacing equal throughout the whole artwork gallery wall.

Once you have the painters tape up, use your laser level (or regular long level) to make sure the tape is up level.

Once you know the tape is perfect, hole up each picture and mark with a pencil where the nail hole needs to be on the wall.

Step 5: Hang Your Artwork Gallery Wall

Almost there! Now you just need to hammer in your nails or picture hangers on those pencil marks. Then hang your pictures!

Let’s Check Out the Finished Project!

I’m oh so happy with how this kids’ artwork gallery wall turned out!

I love having a special place to display E’s artwork, and I love that I can rotate the pictures out, and add a few if needed!

I’ve always shied away from hanging gallery walls, but this painters tape trick has totally changed my mind. I’ve already got my sight set on our family room wall for a new gallery wall next.

Have Questions? Looking for More Home Decor Tips?

Check out our posts: Creating a Family Command Center, Our Playroom on a Budget Reveal, and How to Paint an Accent Wall Stencil!

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Last but not least, please review our Disclaimer before completing any project we describe here.