20 Gorgeous Ways to Display Art That Are Better Than a Gallery Wall

Sometimes we just simply don’t have the wall space to hang art, and that’s OK. Whether it’s because you’re lacking square footage and need to utilize every inch for storage or your built-in cabinets take up the full length, there are ways for you to work around this. For example, play with different heights. This pineapple print isn’t in the traditional direct line of vision, yet our eyes are instantly drawn to it.

How come we didn’t think to start doing this yet? Displaying one of your favorite pieces on an easel is the perfect way to make it stand out. A simple, wood easel holding a minimalist photograph as shown here can be placed in any room to give a gallery effect, without a gallery wall.

Unexpected, hidden art is one of our favorite ways to add playful elements around our homes. This painting is off-centered and partially covered by furniture and plants, but it’s still hanging in all of its glory in this cozy corner of the room.

More often than not, windowsills seem to get ignored. Adding decor to these ledges is a great trick. Either they help cover up an unfortunate view or help enhance an amazing one. Make sure the items you keep here aren’t too precious and are framed properly to avoid potential sun damage!

The phrase “less is more” has been ingrained in us from a young age in terms of makeup, costume jewelry, and all of the other fun things. Sometimes more is more though! Hang your art, stack your art, lean your art, and layer your art to get yourself a perfect combination of dramatic Parisian style.

Having fun while styling your art is important. You want your pieces to highlight your personality and style choices, so make sure this stays true while deciding on their locations throughout your home. Placed on some of your other favorite finds will give the artwork solid staging.

Mixing different styles will certainly make a statement in any room of your home. This modern David Bowie print paired with cacti, a vintage bust, and antique candlesticks make this mantel one of the best we’ve seen.

You know those pesky empty spots within your home that you don’t know how to decorate? These are the perfect areas in which to display your favorite art. What was once an empty nook next to your staircase turns into a trendy entryway thanks to the help of a plant and its very own modern portrait.

Paintings don’t need to be hung center justified on a wall to get the attention they deserve. Take your sturdy, small-scale pieces and prop them up among other accessories. These accents and little introductions of your personal style scattered about your space will transform it into a more personal interior.

Have fun with random placement of your pieces. We know that it’s hard sometimes to leave the level and ruler in the toolbox and just go about placement in a nonchalant manner, but trust us when we say the relaxed look is good. This mismatched kitchen is quirky and also somewhere we totally want to have breakfast.

This ultrarelaxed way to go about displaying art is one of our favorites. Not only are you cutting back on expenses associated with matting and framing but you’re eliminating the whole installment process. Use tape or tacks to pin up your favorites, and we guarantee your style will shine right through.

Much like your wall space, you may simply not have enough room to show off your collection of great pictures. For you, art scattered everywhere is the perfect alternative. Kate Moss behind a bike tire has never looked so chic.

What better way to bring attention to something than by hanging it solo on a blank wall? The minimalist approach is a fan favorite among Scandinavian design worshippers — and we can’t blame them.

Use little alcoves and nonfunctioning fireplaces as spots to keep your art in surprising areas. When you think of placing art in your home, you many not necessarily think to set it back, but trust us when we say it really works. Bonus points for dark paint as a background to really make a bold impact.

We’ve definitely seen gallery walls that incorporate a variety of different textile wall hangings, but we’re loving the way this crocheted piece is layered over the framed poster. Add different textures when you’re setting up your art to create fun visual effects.

There’s often a stigma associated with framed art that it’s a bit more upscale than other interior decorations. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Art is for everyone and can be styled in casual ways like this to make it even more approachable. Simply placed on the floor, leaning against the wall next to this boho chair, is understated to perfection.

Playing around with depth is perhaps one of the best ways to make a major impact. Using doorways and hallways as a way to bring attention to your art creates the look of museum-quality exhibits. This is also a great way to make a room seem bigger by elongating it and using every last square foot.

Using exposed bulb pendant lighting as a way to create a unique display is supereasy and will create a peaceful setting in any bedroom or living room. Place the cord behind a hung poster and let the light bulb fall in front of the poster itself.

Use your headboard! This is an ideal ledge for placing small pieces that can lean perfectly against your wall. What we really love is how rather than centering these pieces, they are left toward one edge of the bed to flow right into the nightstand.

We can’t blame you if you still love a gallery wall; we do too. Try going at it from a different approach by creating a Pinterest-esque vibe in real life. Hang all of your inspirations, whether they’re pieces of art or a general color palette, to keep your creative juices flowing with a certain aesthetic.