The Designer-Approved Gallery Wall Trend You Need to Know Now

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Certain design elements are so good that instead of having their 15 minutes of fame and fizzling out, they evolve continuously. Gallery walls are one such timeless feature. Throughout the years, gallery walls have gone from being expansive, floor-to-ceiling arrangements to grids and smaller clusters. Some people have even begun adding sentimental objects to their gallery walls. 

However, there’s a new gallery wall trend coming for your artwork. Expect to see gallery walls that feature more textural touches, from fabric mats to ribbon flourishes. 

“​​Incorporating more texture into framing is a trend I’m really excited by this year,” says Kate Twesten, director of merchandising at Framebridge. “We’ve seen silk mats, linen mats, and more visually interesting frame styles used in both standalone framing and gallery wall layouts, a welcome change to the monochromatic look that has been so present in the last few years.”

This type of flourish is aesthetic, sure, but it’s not totally arbitrary or just about looks. “These textured details add warmth, depth, and personality to your wall,” says Twesten. “There’s a comfort that comes with many of these materials — something we’re all craving today, especially in our home. These elements are also a great way to capture your unique design style and add personality to your space.”

Amanda Jacobs, the principal designer at Amanda Jacobs Design, was well ahead of this trend. “I recently came across an incredibly inspiring image on Instagram — a small print or painting surrounded by an oversized velvet mat,” Jacobs says. “It was such a striking and unique way to create the impact of a large artwork without needing a big print. I’ll definitely be incorporating this idea into a future project!”

What makes Jacobs’s inspiration photo, originally shared by the design and boutique hotel firm, Ash, so unique is that a smaller piece of artwork is situated within a supersized frame with expansive velvet matting. It’s so visually appealing that it makes you want to get closer and maybe even reach out to touch the frame. 

Though mimicking her inspiration photo is still on Jacobs’ to-do list, she’s found other ways to incorporate textures into her framing and art hanging techniques. “One that stands out is at one of our residential projects, a Swedish oil painting,” Jacobs says of the image above. “Its rich colors and striking composition beautifully tied together the entire home’s color scheme.”

The artwork itself is gorgeous, but what makes it extra special is how she hung a velvet bow (similar in texture to the fabric in her Instagram inspiration) above it. This detail adds a pop of interest that’s still subtle and doesn’t take away from the art. 

Turns out Jacobs isn’t the only one who’s ahead of the trend. Renters Zachary Host and Taylor Kidd have shared a maximalist Houston rental apartment for almost three years. In the guest bedroom, there’s a take on Jacobs’ inclusion of ribbon in a gallery wall. While they’re not velvet, the couple’s silk bows reflect the light in a way that reinforces their 3D-ness. It’s no wonder why the bows, which Zachary says are inspired by the “Prince of Chintz,” designer Mario Buatta, are a favorite feature in the home. 

Beyond matting and hanging techniques, fabric can also be added to the frames themselves. Just look at what Apartment Therapy House Tour Director Adrienne Breaux did to her gallery wall in the photo above. She followed writer Ashley Poskin’s idea of wrapping a frame in wallpaper but swapped in fabric instead. 

“Just adding fabric to the mat and frame of the art piece — a humble print of one of my own photos in a cheap IKEA frame — makes the piece seem much more expensive-looking,” Breaux said of her project. “Its presence now feels bigger and more imposing.” 

You may be wondering what kind of fabric or material touches to try. It all depends on the look you’re going after. Velvets are sumptuous and can lend a luxe touch to a humble oil painting or charcoal sketch. Twesten recommends silk and cork, two materials Framebridge has begun carrying recently. 

“Both silk and cork are materials that exude a natural, lived-in feel,” says Twesten. “Silk mats have a gorgeous, subtle sheen and are offered in an array of rich colors that complement art beautifully. These mats tend to pair well with rich hardwood frames like walnut or cherry.”

As for cork, the look is a little different. “Cork is a really versatile material that looks great with so many different types of art — modern, traditional, and more,” says Twesten. “Cork can lean a bit more playful and looks great with brighter color pairings.”

Now you know what adding texture in this way — regardless of exactly what type of material you use and where you add it — can do for a gallery wall. It's a tool for extra oomph, personality, and warmth. And don’t forget: This is a look you can pull off fairly easily and inexpensively, but it pays off big-time.