How to Create a DIY Wall Art Gallery for Less Than $20

A DIY wall art gallery can transform any space into a personalized and visually appealing area without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to decorate your living room, bedroom, hallway, or office, creating a stylish gallery wall is one of the most budget-friendly ways to elevate the aesthetic of a room. The best part is, you can do it all for less than $20.

In this guide, we’ll explore how you can curate, create, and arrange your very own art gallery using inexpensive materials and creative ideas. From sourcing free or low-cost prints to crafting your own frames, we’ll show you how to assemble an eye-catching and unique wall display that reflects your personal style. Let’s dive in!

Start with a Vision

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Before rushing to the craft store or downloading art prints online, it’s important to have a vision for your gallery wall. This will help you maintain a cohesive and intentional look. Here are a few key factors to consider:

Room Theme: The room’s overall theme should influence your art choices. Whether you’re decorating a modern, bohemian, minimalist, or eclectic space, your gallery wall should complement the existing décor.
Size and Layout: Think about how large your gallery wall will be. Will it cover an entire wall or just a small section? This decision will influence how many pieces of art you need. Consider using painter’s tape to outline the size and layout on the wall before committing.
Color Palette: Having a consistent color palette for your art will help tie the entire gallery together. If your room has neutral tones, you can incorporate colorful artwork. Conversely, if your room features bold colors, try using more neutral or monochromatic art to balance things out.
Frame Styles: Consistency in the type of frames you use will create a more polished look. Choose simple, inexpensive frames that are uniform in color, or use a mix of styles for a more eclectic feel.

Sourcing Free or Inexpensive Art Prints

One of the biggest expenses when creating a gallery wall is buying prints or artwork. Fortunately, there are several ways to source art for your gallery wall without spending a fortune. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Free Online Art Sources

Many websites offer free, downloadable art that you can print at home. These are often high-quality images available in various styles, from photography to illustrations. Here are a few places where you can find free art:

Unsplash: Unsplash offers a wide range of high-resolution photographs for free. Many of the images are suitable for wall art, from nature and cityscapes to abstract photography. Simply search for a theme that fits your vision and download your favorite images.
Pixabay: Another great source for free high-quality images, including illustrations, photos, and vector art. Pixabay’s collection is vast, so you’ll be sure to find something that fits your style.
Pexels: Like Unsplash, Pexels provides a large selection of free images that are available for personal use. With an emphasis on high-quality photography, Pexels is a fantastic place to find images for your gallery wall.
Canva: Canva offers free designs and templates that can be easily customized and printed. It’s ideal for creating a more personalized gallery with quotes, typography, or abstract art.
Public Domain Art : Websites such as The New York Public Library Digital Collections and The British Museum offer free access to a wide array of public domain artwork. You can download classic art pieces or historical images to use in your gallery.

DIY Art

Creating your own art is a fun and rewarding way to personalize your gallery. It also eliminates the need to spend money on prints. Here are some low-cost DIY art ideas that you can try:

Abstract Paintings: You don’t need to be a professional artist to create an abstract painting. Using inexpensive acrylic paints and a canvas (or even cardboard), you can create a simple, colorful abstract piece. Experiment with brushstrokes, splatters, and gradients to create a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Nature Prints: Collect leaves, flowers, or other natural elements and use them to create a print. You can use them to make a nature-inspired design by pressing them onto paper or canvas and adding some paint for extra flair.
Watercolor Art: Watercolors are inexpensive to buy and simple to use. You can experiment with watercolor techniques to create soft and dreamy designs, perfect for a relaxing or serene gallery wall. Even abstract patterns can look stunning in watercolor.
DIY Typography: If you enjoy quotes or inspirational words, you can create typography art using free software like Canva or Google Docs. Print the design and frame it. You could also hand-letter quotes on plain paper for a more personal touch.

Printables

Many online platforms and artists offer printable artwork for as low as $1 to $5. Some websites even provide free downloadable prints. You can find everything from minimalist designs to motivational quotes and vintage illustrations. Here are some platforms to explore:

Etsy: Etsy is a hub for independent artists selling digital downloads. You can find high-quality printable artwork that fits various styles. Look for artwork that matches your room’s color scheme, theme, and vibe.
Creative Market: Creative Market offers a wide selection of printables, including art prints, fonts, and patterns. Many of the downloadable items are affordable and often on sale.

Printing Your Art for Less

Once you’ve gathered the art you want to display, it’s time to print it. You don’t need to spend a lot of money at a print shop—there are ways to print your own artwork at home or at affordable local printing shops.

Home Printing

If you have a printer at home, you can print your art for as little as the cost of ink and paper. For the best results:

Use high-quality paper, such as glossy or matte photo paper. This will enhance the colors and give your prints a professional look.
Set your printer to the highest resolution for sharp, vibrant prints.
If your printer doesn’t handle larger sizes, consider printing in smaller dimensions (such as 8×10 inches) or using a photo printing service to print larger formats.

Affordable Printing Services

If home printing isn’t an option, many local printing shops offer affordable services. Online services like FedEx Office , Shutterfly , or Snapfish also provide printing options at reasonable prices. You can often find discounts or promotions, making it even easier to stay within your $20 budget.

8×10 Prints: You can usually get 8×10 prints for around $0.50 to $2 each from local print shops or online printing services.
Larger Prints: If you want to go larger, some print shops offer budget-friendly options for posters and larger prints. Keep an eye out for discounts or sales, which could lower your costs significantly.

Affordable Frames

Framing your prints is the key to creating a gallery wall that looks polished and cohesive. While custom frames can be expensive, there are several ways to keep your framing costs low.

Inexpensive Ready-Made Frames

You can find affordable frames at stores like IKEA , Target , Walmart , or Amazon. These stores offer basic frames in various sizes that are simple and stylish. Depending on the size and material, frames can range from $1 to $10 each.

Wooden Frames: Simple wooden frames can provide a more rustic or classic look. Look for inexpensive options in light or dark wood tones.
Plastic Frames: Plastic frames are lightweight, inexpensive, and come in a variety of colors and sizes. They may not feel as premium as wooden frames, but they still look great and are perfect for budget projects.
Upcycled Frames: Another way to keep costs low is to repurpose old frames. You can find secondhand frames at thrift stores or garage sales and give them new life with a coat of paint or a fresh backing.

DIY Frame Options

If you’re feeling crafty, you can create your own frames with inexpensive materials such as cardboard, twine, or wooden dowels. For example, you can use cardboard to create simple, custom-sized frames and wrap the edges with twine or fabric for added flair.

Arranging Your Gallery Wall

Now that you have your art and frames, it’s time to arrange the pieces on the wall. Here are some tips for creating a cohesive and visually pleasing gallery wall:

Use Painter’s Tape: Before committing to nail holes, use painter’s tape to outline where your frames will go. This helps you visualize the layout and make adjustments before making it permanent.
Group Similar Sizes Together: Group similar-sized frames together for a balanced look. If you have a mix of small and large prints, create a focal point in the center and balance the larger frames with smaller ones around it.
Leave Some Space: Don’t overcrowd your gallery wall. Leaving some space between each piece allows the art to breathe and prevents the wall from looking too busy.
Try an Asymmetrical Layout: For a more modern or eclectic feel, try arranging the art in an asymmetrical pattern, rather than a grid. This adds visual interest and creates a more relaxed vibe.

Final Thoughts

Creating a DIY wall art gallery for under $20 is possible with a little creativity and planning. By sourcing free or inexpensive art, printing your own designs, and using budget-friendly frames, you can achieve a stylish and personalized gallery wall without overspending. The key is to stay focused on your vision, keep the materials simple, and enjoy the process of curating a space that reflects your personality and style.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-timer, this project is a fun and affordable way to elevate your space. Get creative, experiment with different arrangements, and most importantly, enjoy the satisfaction of creating a beautiful, budget-friendly art display in your home.