Quick answer

Start by choosing a unifying element—like color, mat width, or frame profile—to tie different frame styles together. Lay your frames on the floor to test spacing and balance before making any holes in the wall.

Why Mixed Frame Styles Work

Mixing frame styles adds visual depth and personality to a gallery wall, but it requires a deliberate approach. Without a common thread, the arrangement can feel chaotic. A shared color palette, consistent matting, or repeating frame profiles help create cohesion. For example, pairing a sleek thin frame like the Luxe Wall Thin with a bolder diptych set can work if both share a black finish.

Luxe Wall Thin

Luxe Wall Thin

Choosing Your Unifying Element

The easiest way to unify mixed styles is through color. Stick to one or two frame colors across all pieces—black, white, or natural wood are versatile. Alternatively, use consistent mat widths or the same print type (like float mount vs. regular mat) to create visual harmony. The Bobby Berk Hallway Collection demonstrates how mixing three different frame sizes can still feel cohesive when the finish and mount style are consistent.

  1. Step 1: Choose a unifying element: Pick one constant—frame color, mat style, or print finish—that will run through every piece. For example, all black frames or all white mats. This prevents the mix from looking random. Common mistake: skipping this step and ending up with a disjointed wall. Decide your constant before buying frames.
  2. Step 2: Lay out your frames on the floor: Arrange all frames on a flat surface in front of the wall. Start with the largest piece as your anchor, then build outward. Leave 2–3 inches between frames. Step back and adjust until the balance feels right. Checkpoint: take a photo from eye level to see how the layout reads. Adjust spacing before moving to the wall.
  3. Step 3: Create paper templates and tape them up: Trace each frame onto kraft paper or newspaper, cut out the shapes, and tape them to the wall. This lets you test the arrangement without making holes. Move templates around until you're satisfied. Common mistake: relying on a single nail. Use painter's tape to mark the top center of each template for accurate hanging.
  4. Step 4: Hang from the center outward: Start with your anchor piece at eye level (roughly 57–60 inches from the floor to the center). Then hang adjacent frames, using a level and measuring tape to maintain consistent gaps. Checkpoint: after hanging each frame, step back and check alignment. A slight tilt can throw off the whole wall.
  5. Step 5: Add final adjustments and step back: Once all frames are up, walk away and view the wall from different angles. Adjust any piece that feels off. Add small decorative objects or a sconce to fill empty space if needed. Final verdict: a gallery wall with mixed styles should feel intentional, not accidental. Trust your eye and don't be afraid to shift one frame an inch.

Products That Help You Mix and Match

  • Luxe Wall Thin - Black (With Regular Mat): Our Luxe frame series are the best wall frames around, period. Each frame is custom made-to-order in the USA with premium materials. The Luxe wall thin frame's minimalism allows your photo to make a big statement. A minimalist thin frame acts as a neutral anchor when paired with larger or more ornate frames, letting your photos stand out without competing.
  • Bobby Berk - The Diptych - Black (Float Mount): Bobby Berk designed this beautiful 30x40 diptych two-frame gallery wall that will elevate your living space. Choose one theme or mix it up with two different photos. A pre-designed diptych set takes the guesswork out of pairing two large frames, ensuring balanced proportions even when mixing with smaller individual frames.
  • Bobby Berk - The Hallway Collection - Black (Regular Mat): This six-frame hallway gallery wall picture frame set designed by Bobby Berk is a classic gallery wall with a modern twist, mixing and matching three different picture frame sizes. A curated multi-frame set provides a ready-made layout template, making it easy to add your own mixed-style frames while keeping the overall arrangement cohesive.