The TikTok Trend Dominating Gallery Walls In 2025: How To Get The Look

Gallery walls are one of the easiest ways to express your personality through home decor — no two look the same, which makes them the perfect opportunity to get creative with your arrangement. Many homeowners experiment with gallery wall styles by using different frames, artworks, and photos to create a look that's full of character. Although these designs should be a unique reflection of each home, social media has provided a great place for people to find and share inspiration for their own gallery walls. Just when people began wondering whether gallery walls are still trendy or out of style, TikTok revived interest in the approach with a clever new trend. This rising trend doesn't focus on the frame or item being displayed on the wall; instead, it's all about using bold photo mats to liven things up.

If you were to walk into a department store, the majority of frames available to buy would likely include a plain white or neutral photo mat. The goal of these mats is to separate the display from the frame and direct your eye, and thanks to TikTok, more people are realizing just how much potential this blank space can have. There are endless ways to personalize photo mats, and if you've been looking to add a touch of flair to your gallery wall, they could be worth considering.

In 2025, home design trends are embracing maximalist decor techniques, aiming to bring in more colorful, exciting styles. This is carrying over to gallery wall trends as well. While a white or neutral mat has been the standard for years, designers are noticing a refreshing shift towards more creative mat designs to create an elevated look. It's a simple way to revamp a basic gallery wall into something that feels custom and artistic.

@tinalemac

My plain picture frames were just not doing it for me, so I gave my gallery wall a makeover with these easy DIY ideas that take under 30 minutes to do! 🖼️ 1. Add a pattern! You can use wallpaper, fabric, or scrapbook paper 2. Double mat is my current fixation. I love how you can mix and match patterns and colors for a layered look. 3. Paint markers are my current faves! Less messy than paint and dries super quick too. It took me less than 10 mins to make this striped one! #diyhome #diyhomedecor #diyideas #gallerywalldecor #gallerywallideas #gallerywallinspo

♬ we fell in love in october – girl in red

It's no surprise that this trend is growing like wildfire, considering it's easy to DIY and tailor to your own style. From size and shape to pattern and color, the options really are endless. For a simple splash of color, you could upgrade your photo mats with monochromatic ones that tie the displays together. You can also play around with patterned fabrics or paint to introduce a layer of texture and character. Or, try a dramatic vibe with off-center or wide mat layouts. There's no need to commit to one approach either, as many gallery walls include a mix of mat patterns and colors, with some even double-matted for added visual interest.

Some retailers offer custom mat designs, but if you'd rather update your mats at home, it's helpful to consider the kind of style you want to create. Designers note that your mat should reflect the energy that already exists in your space, whether that's sleek and sophisticated or vibrant and eclectic. Also, don't forget to consider the picture you'll be displaying in your mat and what kind of background will best contrast it. Simpler mats work well to highlight busy images, while more minimalist images stand out with wider or patterned mats. You can always mix and match for a maximalist style, but aiming for a cohesive color palette in the process will help ensure a more luxurious, thoughtful look.

Again, there are many ways to go about this DIY – you can paint your mat, wallpaper it, or apply fabric. Either use the mats that already exist in your frames, or, if creating one from scratch, cut an opening in the mat board that's a bit smaller than your graphic to avoid gaps. If you plan to use wallpaper or fabric, start by cutting your material about an inch larger than the entire mat. Place it face down with your mat on top, and then mark diagonal lines inside the frame for trimming. After trimming, fold the material over the back of the mat and glue each section down.