Table of Contents

• Start with the wall you already have
• Decide on the story first
• Choosing frames without losing your mind
• Layout comes before nails
• Colour and balance
• Making it feel finished
• Where Mulbury fits in
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Final thoughts

Start with the wall you already have

Before buying anything, look at your wall properly. Is it a long stretch crying out for attention or a quiet corner waiting patiently? A blank wall can feel intimidating, but it is also full of potential. The trick is not to rush to decorate it. Let the space tell you what it wants to be.

In a living space, a photo wall often becomes a natural focal point, while in a hallway it can turn a pass through into a pause. Even a bedroom wall can work beautifully when kept calm and considered.

Decide on the story first

A great photo gallery starts with a story, not a shopping list. Ask yourself what you want to showcase. Travel adventures, family moments, favourite artwork, a mix of all three. This is where people often overthink it, but honestly, your best photo is usually the one that still makes you smile.

This is also where we gently remind people that a photo wall does not need to be loud to be eye-catching. Sometimes one meaningful poster paired with smaller images says more than a crowded collage.

Choosing frames without losing your mind

Let’s talk picture frames. They matter more than most people realise. Mixing timber tones, profiles and finishes can be beautiful, but there needs to be cohesion. A wall full of frames arguing with each other is not a vibe.

For a timeless look, black frames are quietly classy and work across almost any interior. If you love consistency, identical frames in varying proportions create a symmetrical feel that calms the eye. Prefer something looser? An eclectic mix can feel relaxed when there is a shared detail like finish or depth.

At Mulbury, our frames are made from reclaimed timber, so each one already has its own history. That character adds warmth without needing extra fuss. Consider us your favourite accessory, just made of wood and good intentions.

Layout comes before nails

Before you hang anything, plan your layout. Lay the frames on the floor or trace them out on paper and tape it up. Yes, it takes time. No, you will not regret it.

Popular options include a grid layout for a clean modern look or a more organic arrangement that grows over time. A staircase gallery works best when you follow the line of the stairs rather than fighting it. Trust us, gravity always wins.

Think about size and shape too. Mixing square, rectangular and even square frames helps keep things visually interesting. If you want drama, go with one large piece and build around it. If subtle is more your thing, a mini cluster can be surprisingly powerful.

Colour and balance

A photo wall does not have to be monochrome, but it does need balance. Consider the overall colour palette of the room and how your images sit within it. Black and white photo prints bring calm, while colour images add energy. A simple scheme makes the whole wall feel intentional rather than accidental.

If the wall feels heavy on one side, vary the spacing or add a small mirror to reflect light and break it up. It is a small tip, but it works wonders.

Making it feel finished

This is where people often stop too soon. A photo wall becomes truly visually appealing when you step back and fine tune. Adjust spacing, swap one image, maybe incorporate a small object or art prints to soften the look.

A single statement piece can anchor the whole thing, while subtle pairing between images creates rhythm. Even a gentle accent like fairy lights can add warmth when used sparingly. Keyword being sparingly.

Where Mulbury fits in

We believe the most meaningful walls are built slowly. Our role is not to sell you more, but to help you curate what you already own. Using reclaimed timber means each photo frame carries a past life, which feels fitting when holding moments you cherish.

We have helped customers transform empty spaces into something deeply personal, often using fewer frames than they expected. Sustainability is not about doing less beautifully. It is about doing things with purpose.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not hang everything too high. Eye level matters.
Do not crowd the wall using frames edge to edge. Let it breathe.
Do not chase every trend you see on Instagram or Pinterest. Your home is not a mood board.

And finally, do not forget why you started. A photo wall is not just decor or decor for the sake of it. It is about creating something memorable that feels right every time you walk past it.

Final thought

Whether it is a relaxed picture wall, a refined gallery wall, or a layered photo wall gallery, the goal is the same. To turn an empty space into something that reflects you. Take your time, trust your instincts and remember that good design is not about perfection. It is about feeling at home.

And if you need frames that already have a story, you know where to find us.

Get in touch - we'd love to help you!

To make an enquiry, please head to our Shadow Box Frame page, Custom Framing Page or Floating Frame Page and fill out the form or head straight to our standard size picture frames.

Prefer to pick up the phone? Call us on 03 9532 3424

Email: hello@mulbury.com.au

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