Ways to Decorate a Console Table
There are many ways to decorate a console table, and one of the most striking is a gallery wall above it, but knowing how to arrange a gallery wall takes planning, not improvisation. Many gallery wall photos show the finished result without the planning process, and spacing figures are rarely given, which is why so many attempts end up uneven. This guide covers the best ways to decorate a console table, then explains how to arrange a gallery wall before you put a single hole in the wall: the paper-template method, exact spacing and layout templates you can copy.
Key Takeaways
- A gallery wall above a console table makes a personal, collected focal point.
- Plan every gallery wall with paper templates before you make any holes.
- Keep 5 to 8 cm between frames, and keep the gap consistent.
- Above furniture, start the lowest frame 15 to 25 cm above the top.
- Copy a proven layout for your number of frames rather than improvising.
Ways to Decorate a Console Table
| Way | What it involves | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Gallery wall above | A grouping of frames, mirrors and objects | Feels personal and collected |
| Single mirror | One large mirror as the anchor | Bounces light in hallways |
| Lamp and books | A lamp at one end, stacked books at the other | Works in any room |
| Greenery | A plant or trailing vine | Softens straight lines |
| Symmetry | Matching lamps or vases at each end | Calm and formal |
| Baskets below | Woven baskets or stools underneath | Adds storage |
Whichever you choose, follow a simple formula: an anchor above, something tall at one end, something natural, and some clear surface. For the full method, see our guide on how to style a console table.
How to Arrange a Gallery Wall: Spacing Rules
| Measurement | Figure | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gap between frames | 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) | Keep it the same throughout |
| Centre of the whole grouping | About 145 cm (57 in) from the floor | On an open wall |
| Above a console table or sofa | Lowest frame 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 in) above | Furniture sets the height |
| Overall width above furniture | About two-thirds of the furniture's width | Treat the grouping as one piece |
| Around a TV | Same gap as between frames, about 5 to 8 cm | Treat the TV as a frame |
How to Arrange a Gallery Wall With the Paper-Template Method
The paper-template method lets you see and adjust the whole gallery wall before making any holes.
- Gather your pieces: frames, mirrors and any wall objects you want to include.
- Lay them out on the floor: arrange them in front of the console table until you like the balance, then photograph the layout.
- Make templates: trace each piece onto kraft paper or newspaper and cut it out.
- Mark the hanging points: on each template, mark exactly where the nail or hook goes, measured from the back of the frame.
- Tape the templates to the wall: use painter's tape, following your photo.
- Check the spacing: measure the gaps and adjust until they're even.
- Live with it for a day: it's easier to adjust paper than holes.
- Hammer through the marks: then tear the paper away and hang each piece.
Gallery Wall Layout Templates
Rather than improvising, copy a layout that matches your number of frames.
| Frames | Layout | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 3 frames | A row of three, or one large with two small stacked beside it | Narrow walls and console tables |
| 4 frames | A 2 by 2 grid of matching frames | Calm, modern rooms |
| 5 frames | One large centre frame with two smaller frames on each side | Above a sofa or sideboard |
| 6 frames | A 3 by 2 grid, or two rows of three | Long walls |
| 7 frames | One large anchor with six smaller frames around it, salon style | Collected, eclectic looks |
| 9 frames | A 3 by 3 grid of matching frames | Large blank walls |
Grid layouts
Grids use identical frames with identical gaps, so they look calm and modern. They're the easiest gallery wall to get right, but they need precise measuring. Measure twice, and mark each nail position lightly in pencil.
Salon-style layouts
Salon-style walls mix sizes, shapes and frames. Start with the largest piece as an anchor, then build outwards, keeping the gaps consistent and the outer edge roughly even.
Linear layouts
Align the frames along one line, either the tops, the bottoms or the centres, with different sizes above and below. It's a good compromise between grid and salon-style. Linear layouts work especially well above a long console table or a low sideboard, where a strong horizontal line echoes the furniture below.
Mixing Frame Sizes
- Start with an anchor: the largest piece, in the centre or just off-centre.
- Balance weight: a large frame on one side needs two smaller ones on the other.
- Repeat finishes: limit yourself to one to three frame colours.
- Mix in objects: a round mirror or a wall hanging breaks up rectangles.
- Keep the outer edge tidy: an imaginary rectangle around the whole gallery wall helps it read as one piece.
A Gallery Wall Around a TV
Treat the TV as the largest frame. Keep the same gap around the screen as between the frames, choose quieter art so it doesn't compete with the picture, and balance the frames on each side. Black or dark frames help the TV blend in when it's switched off.
A Gallery Wall Above a Console Table
Size the whole gallery wall to about two-thirds of the console table's width, and start the lowest frame 15 to 25 cm above the tabletop. Let one tall object on the table, such as a lamp, overlap the bottom of the arrangement slightly to link the two. For exact hanging heights elsewhere, see our guide on how high to hang wall art.
Choosing What to Hang
The pieces don't have to match, but they need a common thread. Choose one of three: a shared colour palette, a theme such as travel, botanicals or family photos, or matching mat colours. Wide white or cream mats make small prints look larger and more finished. Mix in a few non-frame pieces, such as a mirror, a woven hanging or a small shelf, to add depth. Odd numbers of pieces usually look more natural than even ones.
Tools You'll Need
- Tape measure, pencil and spirit level.
- Kraft paper or newspaper, scissors and painter's tape.
- A hammer and picture hooks rated for each frame's weight.
- Wall anchors for heavier mirrors or frames.
Renting? See our guide to rental-friendly wall decor without nails for options that hold light frames without holes.
Common Gallery Wall Mistakes
- Improvising with a hammer: always plan with templates first.
- Uneven gaps: the number one reason a gallery wall looks messy.
- Hanging it too high: centre the whole grouping near eye level.
- Too many frame styles: pick one to three finishes.
- Too small for the wall: size it to the furniture below.
Gallery Wall Pieces From Global Swanky
Browse more in our Home Decor collection.
1. Round Decorative Wall Mirror
The Round Decorative Wall Mirror starts at $144.19, with a 35 cm round option that works as a circular piece within a gallery wall.
2. Retro Classical Oval Mirror
The Retro Classical Oval Mirror is $45.83, an oval shape to break up rectangular frames.
3. Artificial Flower Hoop Wreath
The Artificial Flower Hoop Wreath is $11.46, a light floral circle for salon-style arrangements.
4. Macramé Woven Wall Hanging
The Macramé Woven Wall Hanging is $15.29, adding texture among framed prints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there gallery wall layout templates I can copy?
Yes. Three frames in a row, a 2 by 2 grid of four, five with a large centre frame, a 3 by 2 grid of six, a salon-style seven around one anchor, and a 3 by 3 grid of nine all work reliably. Plan them with paper templates first.
What is the right gallery wall spacing between frames?
Keep 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) between frames, and keep the gap consistent throughout. Smaller gaps suit grids of matching frames; slightly larger ones suit mixed salon-style walls.
How do you mix frame sizes in a gallery wall?
Start with the largest piece slightly off-centre or in the middle, then balance it with smaller frames, keeping the outer edges roughly even. Repeat one or two frame colours or finishes so the mix still feels connected.
How does the paper template method work?
Trace each frame onto paper, cut it out, mark where the nail goes, and tape the templates to the wall. Adjust until it looks right, then hammer the nails through the marks and remove the paper.
How do you plan a gallery wall around a TV?
Treat the TV as one frame in the grouping. Keep the same gap around it as between the frames, choose quieter artwork so it doesn't compete with the screen, and balance the frames on both sides.