How to Size Frames for a Staircase Gallery Wall

One of my favorite features in our home is the staircase gallery wall.

Situated at the heart of the house, it feels fitting because it captures so many of our family’s meaningful moments and stages.

I shared our stairway gallery wall several years ago, and as our style shifted toward a more traditional look in the foyer, we replaced the modern black frames with antique-style brass frames. With a little patience and a few style updates, the gallery now feels like it was always meant to be part of the space.

Here’s what our staircase looked like before with the black frames—both versions work beautifully. This change proves how much the choice of frame style can influence the overall feel of your wall decor.

The Trick to Arrange a Stairway Gallery Wall Perfectly Every Time

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If you want a quick, painless way to create a gallery wall—whether on a stairway or any other wall—the wrapping paper or shipping paper method is my go-to. It saves you from accidental nail holes and makes planning the entire layout easy and visual.

How we hung our stairway gallery wall quickly and easily without any accidental nail holes + inspiration for other gallery walls in the house. #gallerywall #stairwaygallerywall #familygallerywall #staircasegallerywall #foyer #entryway

We used this same technique years ago in our dining room and it worked just as well. Below is a simple, step-by-step approach to planning any gallery wall layout:

Gallery Wall Layout Planning Step-By-Step

Roll out shipping paper or wrapping paper on the floor and place your picture frames on top. Trace each frame and cut out the outlines to create hanging templates.
Mark the nail hole locations directly on the paper templates.
Attach the paper templates to the wall with clear tape so you can evaluate the entire arrangement without distraction.
When the layout feels right, hammer the nails through the marked spots on the paper, remove the paper, and hang the frames.

Some modern frames include templates, which simplifies this further, but the paper method is especially helpful if you’re working with thrifted or oddly sized frames.

TIP: Hang the largest templates first to establish the anchors of your display, then fill in with smaller frames to balance the composition.

Picking the Right Frame Sizes

When choosing frames, it’s better to err on the side of larger sizes. Small frames, like many 8×10s, can make a stairway feel cluttered and busy, especially with colorful photos or bold art.

I typically use frames between 11×14 and 20×24 for stairway gallery walls. Use the larger frames as anchors and then fill the gaps with smaller frames such as 8×10 or 5×7 to add variety without overwhelming the composition.

To keep order on a tall stair wall, arrange frames into columns or vertical groupings so the overall display maintains a cohesive flow up the stairs.

The images below show the frame sizes we used, which can be helpful if you want to recreate a similar look in your home.

staircase gallery wall picture frame sizes

Shop Our Gallery Wall Frames

Where to Find Picture Frames for Gallery Walls

Thrift stores are a goldmine for frames—don’t overlook them. A can of black or gold spray paint can transform a dated frame, and products like Rub ’n Buff can help create an antique patina for an elevated look.

I used a few thrifted frames in our gallery, but I ordered others online to get the sizes I needed quickly. If you prefer to hunt, keep checking thrift shops and flea markets; the right frame can turn up when you least expect it.

TIP: Adding a mat to a simple frame instantly makes it look more refined. You can even cut a mat from poster board with an X-Acto knife for a polished result on a budget.

Gallery Wall Spacing Rules to Consider

Keep the spacing between frames consistent—about 2 to 6 inches is a good rule of thumb. Frames placed too far apart will feel disconnected; too close and the display can read as cluttered. Aim for balanced negative space that ties the collection together.

Deciding which photos to print is often the hardest part because it’s tempting to include every favorite memory. I find it helpful to choose a mix of candid and posed shots, vary subjects, and keep a consistent color palette or black-and-white edits to create cohesion.

We smile every time we pass these stairs—often multiple times a day—because the wall is filled with memories that matter.

Foyer Sources

Trim color: Sherwin Williams Willowleaf
Wall color: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Gel stained cabinet (in Minwax Coffee)
Wainscoting picture frame molding
Rug
11×14 picture frames
12×16 picture frames
16×20 picture frames
20×20 picture frames
Mirror
Smoked glass vase
Table lamp
Evergreen branch
Christmas tree

Our family and this wall continue to grow together. A house becomes a home by the people who live in it, and these photos remind us of that every day.

Do you have a special way to display family photos? Whatever the method, displaying memories is always meaningful.

See More Wall Decor Tips

How to Hang a Gallery Wall Perfectly Every Time
Where to Buy Vintage Art Online and How to Print Digital Art
Mistakes Most People Make When Hanging Picture Frames
28 Creative DIY Wall Decor Ideas for Your Blank Walls