How to Create a Gallery Wall with Mixed Mediums: Combining Prints, Textiles, and Objects

Quick answer

Start by selecting a unifying color palette or theme, then combine paper prints, textile pieces, and small objects with varying depths. Lay everything out on the floor first to perfect the arrangement, and use consistent spacing to keep the wall cohesive.

A gallery wall doesn't have to be all frames. Mixing art prints with textiles and small objects adds depth, texture, and personality, turning a flat arrangement into a curated vignette. Whether you're working with a single print or a full collection, the key is to create visual balance without losing the eclectic charm.

In this guide, you'll learn how to plan, assemble, and hang a mixed medium gallery wall that feels intentional. We'll cover how to choose a theme, arrange pieces on the floor, and avoid common mistakes like overcrowding or ignoring negative space.

Choose a Unifying Theme or Palette

Before you start collecting pieces, decide on a unifying element. This could be a color palette—say, warm neutrals with a pop of terracotta—or a theme like botanical illustrations and woven textures. A consistent thread makes a mixed medium wall feel curated rather than chaotic.

Look at your existing decor for cues. If your room features natural wood and linen, choose prints with earthy tones and textiles with similar textures. This doesn't mean everything must match perfectly; just ensure there's a visual conversation between the pieces.

• Limit your palette to 3-4 colors to maintain cohesion.

Select Your Prints, Textiles, and Objects

Art prints are the backbone of most gallery walls. For a mixed medium approach, select prints with strong lines or bold colors that can hold their own next to fabric and objects. Paper Collective's 'Work of Art' by Jon Harvey is a playful illustration that adds character, while 'Modigliani in the Garden' by Adee Ardon brings a softer, artistic feel. Both are printed on FSC-certified premium paper, so they'll look crisp and last.

Textiles can include woven wall hangings, macramé, or even a framed scarf. They add softness and absorb sound, which is great for a living room. Objects like ceramic plates, small mirrors, or sculptural sconces introduce depth. Choose items with varying sizes and shapes to create rhythm.

• Mix at least one large print with smaller pieces to create a focal point.

Lay Out the Arrangement on the Floor

Before hammering any nails, lay all your pieces on the floor in front of the wall. This lets you experiment with spacing and composition without making holes. Start with your largest piece—often a print—as the anchor, then arrange smaller items around it.

Aim for a balanced distribution of visual weight. If you have a dark, heavy object on one side, balance it with a cluster of lighter prints on the other. Step back and view the arrangement from a distance to ensure it feels cohesive. Take a photo with your phone to see it from a fresh perspective.

• Use painter's tape to outline the desired wall area and keep your layout within bounds.

Hang with Precision and Consistency

Once you're happy with the floor layout, transfer it to the wall. Use a level and measuring tape to keep spacing consistent—typically 2 to 3 inches between frames. For objects with depth, like shelves or sconces, account for their protrusion so they don't overwhelm the arrangement.

Consider using a paper template method: trace each piece onto paper, cut it out, and tape the templates to the wall. This lets you adjust the layout without lifting heavy items repeatedly. It's a simple trick that saves time and avoids unnecessary holes.

• Start hanging from the center and work outward to keep the composition balanced.

Step-by-Step: Building Your Gallery Wall

1. Gather your pieces: Collect prints, textiles, and objects that share a color palette or theme. Include at least one large anchor piece and several smaller items. Checkpoint: Ensure each piece feels intentional—if something doesn't fit the palette, set it aside.
2. Create a floor mock-up: Lay everything on the floor in front of the wall. Experiment with spacing and composition until it feels balanced. Common mistake: overcrowding. Leave enough negative space so each piece can breathe.
3. Transfer to the wall: Use paper templates or careful measurements to hang pieces. Keep spacing consistent (2-3 inches) and use a level. Checkpoint: Step back and view from a distance; adjust any pieces that look off-balance.
4. Add final touches: Incorporate small objects like ceramic plates or mirrors to add depth. Ensure they are securely anchored, especially if they protrude. Final step: Walk past the wall at different angles to confirm it feels cohesive and visually engaging.

Products to Consider

• Work of Art: Art Print Work of Art by Jon Harvey - Illustration curated by Paper Collective. Printed on FSC-certified premium paper. Perfect for modern interiors. Its bold illustration makes it a strong anchor piece for a mixed medium wall, and the premium paper ensures it holds up well alongside textiles and objects.
• Passepartout - White: Give your artwork space to breathe with our acid-free passepartout. Timeless design and perfect fit to elevate every print. A white passepartout adds a clean border that helps prints stand out against busy textile backgrounds, and the acid-free material protects your art over time.

A mixed medium gallery wall is a rewarding project that lets you display your personality. By following these steps, you'll create a balanced arrangement that combines prints, textiles, and objects into a cohesive display. Remember to start with a clear vision, experiment on the floor, and hang with precision. The result will be a wall that feels curated, not cluttered.