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How to make your own photo gallery wall hanging

By  Bunnings magazine May/June 2025

D.I.Y. hanging artworks and floral arrangements designed as a gallery wall from a gold rod on a cream wall behind a table

Overview

Flex your art curator skills and bring together favourite images in a gallery wall style hanging. Select prints and family photos to stick to lightweight blank stretched canvases or pop them into op-shop frames. The hanging rod and frames can be sprayed gold for gravitas and sprigs of faux or dried flowers add a little whimsy. Read on to find out how to make your own photo gallery wall hanging.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Spray paint your rod

Working on a drop sheet and wearing safety gear, apply spray primer to the chrome tube rod; let dry. Apply several light coats of metallic gold spray paint, leaving to dry after each coat.
Close up image of a black gloved hand spraying gold paint on a metal rod to make a gallery wall

2 Spray paint picture frames

Cover canvases with cardboard and painter’s tape. Disassemble picture frames. Apply metallic gold spray paint to the frames, then leave to dry. Remove the tape and cardboard.
Close up image of a black gloved hand spray painting picture frames gold to make a gallery wall

3Attach wall hooks and position rod

Measure and mark the locations of the hanging hooks on the wall (here in line with the top of door and window frames). Attach the wall hooks, check for level then leave for an hour. Position rod on hooks.
Close up image of a a left hand holding a metal rod in place in wall hooks to make a gallery wall

4Make your D.I.Y. hanging vases

Thread twine through holes in necks of glass vessels, add flowers and hang from the rod. Hold up frames on wall and mark locations. Reassemble frames with backing, mat board, picture and glazing.

Tip: Check out this video for creating a nail-free gallery wall.

Close up image of a left hand holding a picture frame next to a hanging vase to make a gallery wall

5Display your art

Centre art print and photo on canvases and attach with spray adhesive; let dry. Attach screw eyes from picture-hanging kit to top corners or centres of frames, thread with wire or twine and hang from rod.

Keep in mind...

  • Make sure you use removable wall hooks appropriate for your type of wall and for the weight of the finished project.
  • When spray-painting, wear eye protection, a mask and gloves and work outside or in a well-ventilated space, covering surrounding areas with a drop sheet to avoid overspray.
  • Always use the right ladder for the job. Make sure it has non-slip feet and is set up on a flat, stable and solid surface. Wear sturdy footwear, maintain three points of contact (for example both feet and one hand) on it at all times and make sure another person is nearby in case you need assistance.
    • Close up image of a hand holding twine that’s attached to a screw eye on a wooden picture frame to make a gallery wall

    6Now that the walls are decorated…

    Why not update your bedroom with his easy D.I.Y. vanity table.

    Photo credit: Martina Gemmola and Melissa Rettore. Art prints credit: (From left) Study of a Young Woman by Johannes Vermeer, Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies by Claude Monet, Study for a Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat, A Bouquet of Flowers by Clara Peeters, photograph stylist’s own, The Boulevard Montmartre on a Winter Morning by Camille Pissarro.

    Health & Safety

    Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

    When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.