13 Clever Alternatives To A Boring Gallery Wall For A Unique Home Design

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The concept of a gallery wall is timeless. Since they can consist of a collection of photos, paintings, or artwork, they are completely personalizable to your space, tastes, and favorite trends. But popular gallery walls of the last few years, which often take the form of a neat wall of matching photos, can feel overdone. Even if you've gone for a more character-filled wall of art prints or vintage photos, you might be feeling uninspired. If you feel like your gallery wall is missing a certain air of creativity, it might be time for a change. Whether you want to revamp your framed photo setup, or go for a completely different idea altogether, we've rounded up some alternatives that can bring a boring gallery wall back to life.

The ideas on this list still maintain some of the essence of a gallery wall, using several pieces to fill and decorate a blank space, but they are more imaginative than the typical framed photos. These ideas can work anywhere you have a blank wall, big or small. Keep reading for some inspiration for your next big decor revamp.

Don't be afraid to go 3D with your wall decor. It will make your gallery wall look more like a work of art. This idea still has many benefits of a typical gallery wall: it puts together a mish-mash of items, providing some attractive variation to the space. The frames still give it a distinctly gallery wall feel. It also draws the eye and displays each shelf and its contents like a piece of art, rather than as a typical floating shelf. What makes this idea stand out is its flexibility as well as its look; you can display a wide range of 3D art and decor. It's also much easier to swap out items compared to a gallery wall — you can change your display seasonally or even more often, if you wish. Finally, you can play with the scale, depending on how much space you'd like to fill up.

This project requires small floating shelves and a frame for each one. The frame needs to be large enough to create a perimeter around each shelf — so this will be easier with small shelves like the Umbra Showcase Floating Shelves. You can choose from all manner of frame types, ranging from minimalist modern frames to ornate thrifted finds, as long as you can pop out the back so you're left with only the outer frame section. It's also possible to make this project completely renter-friendly with products like the Command Display Ledges and Command Picture Hanging Strips, just be sure to follow the weight restrictions.

A plant gallery wall adds charm to any space. It's a 3D gallery wall idea that's particularly appealing for plant-lovers. Like typical gallery walls, this idea offers eye-pleasing variety, you just need to choose different plant sizes and types to make your own customizable layout and look. Keep in mind the wall location and choose plant types that are suitable for its conditions (you will have more options if the area receives a good dose of bright light). This idea is perfect for rooms with plant-heavy biophilic interior decor; it brings greenery to your walls in a more unique way than plain shelves or nature-inspired artwork. The use of frames scattered throughout gives the display a look reminiscent of typical gallery walls, while the plants add an unexpected element. For even more visual interest, incorporate some climbing vines on wall-mounted trellises. 

Plain floating shelf options like the Fixwal Small Floating Shelves can serve as a basic backdrop to your plants. Or, you can opt for stylized round shelves with a little more personality, like the AceList 3-Pack Round Floating Shelves. Shelves aren't the only option either. Wall-mounted planters are an ultra-minimalist choice that look like they're floating against the wall. The PlantPod Luxs Wall Planters look simple but are self-watering for forgetful plant owners. Another accessory that looks charming is wall-mounted propagation tubes (like the Renmjx Plant Propagation Tubes) which add even more visual interest to this elevated gallery wall idea. 

If you love the framed photos on your gallery wall, there are still options to keep them in use, but in a more creative way. Instead of a carefully planned gallery wall, you can take advantage of picture ledges for your display. This idea still lets you keep your favorite snapshots and artworks on the wall and make use of decorative frames that can make images really pop. However, the layered look feels more relaxed and homey, especially compared to a tidy gallery wall. You can take this idea small or big. It just depends on the size of picture ledges you choose, and if you really want to fill a large wall, you can line up multiple ledges. One benefit of this setup is its flexibility: it's perfect for those who like to play with their space and routinely freshen things up. You can easily swap out frames, pictures, and the overall layout without needing to put new holes in the wall each time.

These Holman Handmade Floating Ledges come in multiple finishes and sizes, but all have a decent surface area (with 3 inches of usable shelf space depth) that lets you place picture frames in front of each other. You can also create a layout mixing picture ledges with wall-mounted frames to make your wall look distinctive. Renters can take advantage of this idea too, with the damage-free Command Picture Ledge; it's not as deep (with only 2 inches of usable shelf depth) but it's worth considering since it doesn't require any screws or nails, and can hold up to 5 pounds. 

A modern and trendy way to display pretty porcelain is by turning a vintage plate collection into a distinctive gallery wall. With their ornate designs, many of these dishes are like works of art in themselves and the rounded shape of plates is also a nice break from the angles of usual framed photos. Since plates come in different sizes, designs, and colors, this idea still lets you create a similar feeling of variety, which is one of the winning characteristics of gallery walls.

To get an eclectic gallery wall feel (but upgraded), you might want to collect several different plates rather than just using a matching set. Thrift or shop for individual plates, or if you want to stick with a theme, you can get a set that has a coordinating design but with different artwork on each plate. To mount each one to the wall, use plate hangers like the Rocky Mountain Goods Plate Hanger.

Put a vintage spin on a boring gallery wall to infuse more character. You can start with collecting thrifted, framed prints. However, what elevates this gallery wall is interspersing a few other wall-mountable vintage finds. It adds to the cozy feel and gives it more interest than a regular, picture-only gallery wall. These pieces contribute to the vintage theme and also add visual interest and more texture, especially if they're pieces.

Items can include pieces like mirrors, hanging baskets, old-fashioned clocks, and candle sconces. Even things like silver trays, old signs, or wall-mounted lanterns can make for quirky gallery wall additions. These offer variety to a gallery wall that might otherwise have felt a bit staid and predictable. There's also a special feeling and character that comes from choosing each piece with intention and putting your favorite finds together.

A basket wall has all the visual variety of a gallery wall, as well as a textural element that feels very natural. You can lean into this look even more by choosing baskets made of natural materials rather than synthetic copycats. Like a gallery wall, you can combine all manner of different designs, patterns, and colors to fill a blank space. Most baskets are lightweight too, which makes this type of wall fairly easy for one person to install. This idea might be a good gallery wall alternative if you're worried about heavy frames that can fall on young children or pets. If you choose lightweight wicker baskets, they're unlikely to cause any damage if they're pulled down by curious fingers or paws.

This project idea particularly suits boho, farmhouse, japandi, and rustic homes where natural wicker and rattan materials are popular. You can choose different basket styles to better suit different decor types. For example, the colorful Soujoy 12-inch Woven Seagrass Serving Tray has a playful and casual design that might suit boho rooms, while the AuldHome Design Rustic Willow Basket Trays have a more traditional woven design that will suit farmhouse-style homes. Alternatively, irregular designs like these DeCrafts Rattan Bread Baskets could pair perfectly with the wabi sabi spirit of a japandi or organic modern space. Of course, thrifting baskets is the cheapest option, and you might find some unique gems.

Some gallery walls can feel a bit impersonal. This is especially the case if you just bought a set of commercial gallery wall prints. If you want to bring your personality and history into a gallery-wall-adjacent idea, consider making a knick-knack wall instead. You can use these as a chance to display souvenirs, figurines, thrift store finds, or just other little bits and bobs that caught your eye. To give it lots of character, don't buy your items all at once, but make your own collection using pieces you come across. It might take longer to do so, but your choices will be more intentional. This idea is a good alternative to a gallery wall because it can take up as much or as little wall space as you need, and also incorporates many pieces into one display.

Choose shelves that are just wide enough to hold your items. Picture ledges can work well with this project, or shallow shelves like the Bameos Floating Shelf. You want the items to be the centre of attention, not the shelf itself, so pick a color that will blend in with the wall. 

When done right, wall-to-wall shelving can offer the same visual variation as a gallery wall. To capture the same kind of vibe, you'll want to plan out your items on the shelves. Just like a gallery wall, you want to go for diversity in size, color, and shape in your shelf decor. This creates a shelfscape that's varied and fills the area. Like a gallery wall, wall-to-wall shelving is a good way to decorate a large blank space.

Unlike its 2D alternative, shelving lets you decorate with all sorts of items, including framed pictures but also plants, sculptures, vases, baskets, books, bins, and more. All in all, this idea allows for more flexibility, with the ability to swap out trinkets with ease. If you fill the shelves completely and lean more towards a cluttered look, it can offer the same homey feeling as a good gallery wall. You can choose from a wide variety of shelves on the market, or DIY your own stunning floating shelves that are strong enough to hold heavier items.

Both wall-to-wall shelving and gallery walls can look a little too neat and polished to some. But if you mix shorter shelves and gallery wall photos, you can create an eclectic wall that has just the right amount of clutter. Similar to a gallery wall, this idea takes advantage of the lived-in and relaxed look of an assortment of decorations placed together. But when you mix shelving and frames, you can incorporate 2D photos and art along with 3D decorations for even more heterogeneity. Mixing the shelf length and placement on the wall also contributes to the pleasantly messy look; a straight line of shelves would be more traditional and plain. Even better, any extra shelf space can also double as storage for items like books and baskets, that fit in aesthetically with the rest of the decor.

To get a similar look as this video, intersperse small shelves between your framed photos and prints. Choose shelves of different sizes to lean into the gallery wall vibe. You can buy shelves individually or go for an assorted bulk pack like the Love-Kankei Floating Shelves, which includes six shelves with varied widths.

Gallery walls are usually intended to make a statement, placed on blank wall spaces in key parts of the home. But they aren't your only option. Statement decals are just as bold and can share many benefits of a gallery wall. You can use them to fill a large expanse of space, and like the smaller prints of the gallery wall, this option can cost less than an extra-large piece of wall art. However, large wall decals still look as eye-catching as framed artwork. It draws the eye and can help make expanses of naked wall look less empty.

Wall decals come in all sorts of designs so you can find something that fits the theme of your room. A set of large decals, like the leaves shown here (or these wondever Boho Flower Wall Stickers or Arawat Dandelion Wall Decals, for those who want a touch of whimsy), is also easier and faster to install compared to putting up a bunch of picture frames. It could be even simpler than painting, so it's a great option for a feature wall. Finally, with wall decals there aren't any risks of heavy objects or frames falling, making it practical for areas where mounting heavy decor to the wall can be dangerous — such as above one's bed. 

There are plenty of good reasons to decorate with mirrors; they can make rooms appear larger, brighter, and more welcoming. If you want to boost those effects, why not use more of them? In fact, why not try a mirror wall. The slightly cluttered nature of a gallery wall can make some spaces feel smaller, which is nice if you're going for a cozy look. But if you want the opposite, replace those pictures with mirrors. Vintage mirrors with beautiful frames will help maintain a gallery wall vibe, but their reflective surface keeps the space feeling open and airy. If you source second-hand ones, you'll probably also find pieces with more variety and character, which is the name of the game when making an elevated gallery wall.

Creating a vintage mirror wall is much the same as setting up a gallery wall, just with mirrors instead of pictures. To make it more useful, you might want to place this project in an area where you'll benefit from having a mirror to check your appearance. But before picking a wall, also consider what the mirrors will be reflecting. Will they be bouncing back a pretty view from a window, or other decor you like — or will they be, say, reflecting a view of your toilet? This is one of the reasons why mirrors should never face the bathroom door, according to feng shui.

Vintage sports equipment has a ton of charm. If sports are a big part of your life, making art out of old gear might be the perfect way to honor one of your favorite pastimes. To get a gallery wall-inspired look, you'll want to hang multiple pieces. Nice-looking equipment options for decorating include old-fashioned rackets, skis, snowshoes, or oars. You can even use a mix of sports equipment to create a sporting-inspired accent wall. A bit of variety makes it look more casual, and you can do this either by flipping a piece or two upside down or putting things like skies or snowshoes on an angle. You can also use old rackets as a base for hanging pictures and artwork, like in the above video.

This project will of course rely on what you can source secondhand. You can try to browse thrift shops and sports consignment shops. If you can't find anything locally, you can check on, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Etsy. One example of what you can get online is this cool Wright Ditson Comet Tennis Racket, though Etsy finds often come at a premium price from resellers.

A wine bottle wall is a lovely gallery wall alternative for vino lovers. Since some bottles have creative labels, they can easily double as works of art. Even better if the bottle or wine itself is a pretty color. This project is a creative idea for a 3D gallery wall that doesn't use typical decor pieces like vases and plants. It's especially on-theme if you're looking for an imaginative accent wall idea for the kitchen or dining room. By incorporating several bottles, it still keeps the patchwork essence of a gallery wall. You can line the bottles up neatly for a minimalist look, or place the shelves in a slightly scattered layout (or even put them amongst framed prints) for a more eclectic style.

To complete this project, you'll need to buy wall-mounted wine bottle holders. Individual holders give you more placement flexibility to get the gallery wall-inspired look. The Aqarea Wall-Mounted Wine Hook is similar to the one shown in this video. You can also find vertical holders if you prefer that style. The Lily's Home Wine Bottle Display Holder is a distinctive pick that will look nice in rustic homes. For a more polished effect, something like this Auhoky Metal Wall Mounted Wine Holder can add an extra decorative element to your wine wall. When the wine is done, try out some unique ways to repurpose wine bottles in your garden.