A gallery wall is more than a trend — it's a reflection of your personality, your values, and the stories you want your home to tell. Whether you're adding a sense of warmth to your entryway, making a living room more inviting, or turning a hallway into a conversation starter, wooden art adds a timeless, textured touch.
At Skyline Workshop, we believe the art you hang should mean something. Our handcrafted pieces, from state shapes and scripture verses to intricate wall hangings and custom maps, are designed to help you build a space that feels personal and inspiring.
Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a gallery wall that blends form, function, and feeling — all anchored by the natural beauty of wood.
1. Choose the Right Wall
Start by finding the perfect canvas. Think about where you want to draw attention or create a moment of reflection. Great options include:
- Above a sofa or fireplace
- In a hallway or staircase
- Around a TV to soften the space
- In a bedroom behind the headboard
- Near a dining room or entryway
Consider how the lighting works in that space. Natural light can bring out the richness in maple, cherry, or ebony finishes, while softer lighting can add a cozy glow in the evening.
2. Find a Theme That Reflects You
Gallery walls can follow a theme — or tell a story through contrast. A good starting point is to decide what you want the wall to communicate. Ask yourself:
- Is this wall about family and heritage?
- Do I want to reflect my faith or values?
- Is this a wall that celebrates my travels, hobbies, or home state?
For example, you might start with a bold wooden wall hanging of your home state, then build around it with scripture-based pieces, family photos, or small meaningful accents.
Tip: Choose wood tones that complement each other or contrast gently. Maple offers a light, clean feel. Cherry is rich and warm. Ebony is bold and dramatic.
3. Gather and Mix Your Pieces
The best gallery walls have a mix of sizes, shapes, and textures. Don't be afraid to blend:
- Large anchor pieces – like our U.S. Beer Cap Map, a state plaque, or a large scripture sign.
- Medium artwork – quotes, carved shapes, or smaller maps.
- Small accents – initials, hearts, crosses, or symbols that carry meaning.
You can also mix wooden art with:
- Canvas prints
- Framed photos
- Fabric banners or botanical elements
- Vintage signs or mirrors
Combining wood with other materials creates depth and dimension, keeping the wall from feeling flat or overly uniform.
4. Plan Your Layout Before You Hang
This step makes all the difference. Lay your pieces out on the floor first and try a few arrangements. Snap photos of your top layouts and review them to see what feels most balanced.
Here are a few layout options:
- Grid style: Clean and uniform, best for similarly sized pieces.
- Centered anchor: One large piece in the middle with smaller ones radiating around it.
- Organic cluster: A freeform mix that flows naturally without hard lines.
Still unsure? Trace each piece on kraft paper, cut them out, and tape them to the wall to test spacing before you start hammering.
5. Mind the Spacing and Proportions
As a general rule, keep about 2–3 inches of space between items. This creates breathing room and helps each piece stand out without feeling cluttered.
If you're working around furniture (like above a couch), aim to keep your gallery wall about 6–8 inches above the top of the furniture for a visually pleasing gap.
Be sure to vary heights slightly — especially in organic layouts — so the arrangement feels natural and curated.
6. Use Hardware That Works With Wood
Most Skyline Workshop pieces are lightweight and hang easily with a small nail, picture hook, or adhesive strips. However, if you're hanging on brick or concrete, you may need special anchors or a gallery rail system.
Avoid placing adhesive strips directly on raw wood, as they may not bond well or could damage the finish when removed. When in doubt, go with a nail or hook placed into a stud or drywall anchor.
7. Add Personal and Seasonal Touches
The beauty of a gallery wall is that it can grow and evolve. Start with a few core pieces, then build over time.
Consider adding:
- A handwritten letter or recipe in a frame
- Dried florals or small wreaths
- A rotating space for seasonal wooden décor
- A framed quote or prayer that's meaningful to your family
Swapping out a few pieces each season keeps your wall feeling fresh without a full redesign.
8. Step Back and Celebrate Your Space
Once everything is up, pause and enjoy the transformation. A gallery wall made with handcrafted wooden art doesn't just fill space — it fills your home with story, connection, and soul.
At Skyline Workshop, we're proud to help people create walls that mean something. Every piece is cut, finished, and packaged with care. Whether you're starting small or building a full feature wall, our collection is here to help you craft something that feels entirely your own.
Want to Get Started?
Browse our collection of scripture wall art, state shapes, and beer cap maps — or reach out to us for a custom piece that fits your story.
