Need another great idea for your wall space, when you’ve already used artwork or objects for decorations? A staircase gallery wall is an easy project that adds variety and personality without feeling overwhelming. An updated gallery wall will bring visual interest, clean lines, and creates a beautiful way to display family photos or favorite artwork in a space that’s often overlooked.
One of the things I love most about a gallery wall on the stairs is how it naturally draws your eye upward. It makes the space feel intentional and finished, while still being simple to put together with a little planning.
How to Find Your Frame Set for Your Staircase Gallery Wall
There are so many gallery frame sets on the market right now, which makes this project even easier. You can find great options at places like Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, HomeGoods, and similar stores. I chose this particular set because it had the right number of frames, included white mats, and offered a nice mix of sizes to create visual balance.
Another bonus is the price — when this set goes on sale, it can be purchased for under $25, which makes it a very budget-friendly option. Once I knew the exact frame sizes, I sent my photos to a local photo shop and had them printed in black and white. Having all of the prints ready ahead of time made the hanging process much smoother and helped everything feel cohesive once it was on the wall.
How To Get Started On Your Gallery Wall
Gallery Frame Layout:
To set up my gallery wall, I started by making a tape line to represent where the wall molding would eventually go. This helped give me a clear visual guide before anything was permanently installed. Next, I lined the tape up close to the railing height and followed the angle of the opposite railing to keep the look symmetrical and clean.
A general rule of thumb for wainscoting height is about one-third of the wall height, or roughly 36 inches. I chose to go with 37 inches so it would align perfectly with the railing height. That small detail made a big difference in making the space feel balanced and intentional.
Once the guide line was in place, I created paper templates for each one. Some sets actually come with a paper template, but this is an easy way to create it yourself. This step is incredibly helpful because it allows you to move things around without committing to nail holes too soon. After several layout attempts — and a little creative input from my helpers — I found the arrangement that worked best.
Gallery Frame Spacing
I placed the frames at a slight downward angle to follow the tape line, which helped them flow naturally with the staircase. It’s also a good idea to use a ruler to measure the spacing between each frame. You’ll want the frames to be roughly the same distance apart vertically for a cohesive look. I used about four inches between frames. The spacing between the sides of the frames will vary due to different frame sizes. Keep the measurements as consistent as possible will help the gallery wall feel polished and well planned.
Hanging the Frames (A Quick Mom Tip)
The frames I chose had small hanging brackets on the back, which made them easy to install. You can use a small finishing nail for each frame and make sure the frames lie as flat as possible. This helps everything look cleaner and keeps the gallery wall from feeling bulky or uneven.
Mom Tip: If you have little ones who love to touch the walls near the stairs, I recommend removing the glass from the frames. That way, if a frame gets bumped or moved, you won’t have to worry about broken glass on the stairs. It’s a simple change that adds peace of mind while still keeping the gallery wall looking great.
The Completed Project
Finishing Touches & Styling Tips
Once all of your frames are hung, take a step back and make any small adjustments before fully committing. Minor tweaks in spacing or alignment can make a big difference in how polished the final look feels. Using similar mats or keeping photos in black and white helps the gallery wall feel cohesive, even when frame sizes vary.
A staircase gallery wall is also easy to update over time. You can swap out photos, add a new frame, or refresh the artwork as your style changes or your family grows. It’s a timeless way to decorate your stairway while keeping the space personal and inviting.
Hope this helps give you ideas for an easy project!
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