What to Put in an Eclectic Gallery Wall That Pops
Living in Canada has its perks, but when it comes to home décor shopping, we’re seriously missing out! Unlike my American friends, we don’t have Target, Hobby Lobby, World Market, At Home... and the list goes on. And don’t even get me started on the shipping fees, often double what you'd pay in the U.S. Wild, right?
As an Interior Decorator who specializes in Gallery Walls, this means I’ve had to get really creative. I can’t just pop into a store the day before a client install and grab everything I need for an eclectic or farmhouse style gallery wall. For frames only designs, no problem, we’ve got IKEA, Michaels, Walmart, and HomeSense. But when it comes to mixing textures, styles, and unique finds? It takes planning, resourcefulness, and a little talent 😉
If you missed it, review my guide on how to hang an Eclectic galley wall → HERE
Top 10 Eclectic Gallery Wall Ideas
An eclectic gallery wall is all about personality. Mix classic art with meaningful keepsakes for a sentimental look, or go bold with quirky finds, fun patterns, and unexpected textures. Whether deeply personal or totally playful, anything goes!
1. Art prints
This one might seem obvious, but yes you will need some art prints. Some of my favourite places to find great pieces are local artists, ETSY, Society6, Minted, Juniper Print Shop.
Not all art needs to be framed! Mix things up with canvases, tapestries, or even prints on wood, metal, and other unique materials for added texture and interest.
Art comes in many forms, not just prints and paintings. Source some vintage posters, frame a decorative puzzle you’ve completed, display a piece of cross-stitch, or hang woven wall art like this adorable one from West Elm. Get creative with what you consider “art” in your space!
2. Yarn hanging or bead hanging
One of the fun things about this option is that if you’re a DIYer, there are tons of amazing tutorials online to guide you through the process. Not into making it yourself? No problem, ETSY is a fantastic place to find handmade and one-of-a-kind pieces.
I’ve also ordered a few things from Temu. While the quality can be hit or miss and the sizes tend to run small, it’s actually a great resource for DIY supplies if you’re looking to build or customize something yourself.
If you're more of an in-store shopper, places like Target, HomeSense/HomeGoods, and West Elm often carry some sort of hanging and usually have selection in stock. Look in the summer selection for wind chimes too!
3. Mirrors
Fun and simple mirrors are usually easy to find, and most home stores keep a steady stock year round. IKEA has been absolutely killing it lately with their affordable rattan and gold-framed options—they’re stylish, versatile, and perfect for gallery walls. Amazon is another great spot to browse, especially if you’re after variety and fast shipping.
Stores like West Elm or Crate & Barrel carry beautiful mirrors, but they can be pricey, especially for something that’s meant to be part of a larger gallery wall. If you want to splurge on the mirror, go for it, just look for ways to save on some of the other pieces in your gallery.
4. Shelves
Just like mirrors, floating shelves are easy to find and available almost everywhere. You can browse great options on Amazon, Home Sense/Home Goods, Ikea and Michaels. If you're in Canada, Bouclair is definitely worth checking out, especially their kids' section, which often has smaller-sized shelves that work perfectly in gallery walls.
5. Plates + Platters
I love decorative plates, I even have a plate wall in my kitchen! So trust me, I know a thing or two about hanging them. It just takes a little patience, and the perfect one will eventually pop up. I’ve found great plates at IKEA, Home Sense/Home Goods and H&M Home. For my Canadian friends, I have also found cute plates at Superstore and Simons. Depending on your style, definitely check out thrift stores. Most of the plates I find there lean more vintage. If you're on vacation, be sure to explore local handmade markets, they’re a great place to find unique, meaningful souvenirs you can proudly display at home.
One thing to keep in mind, plates are always changing in stores with the seasons. If you're into bright colours, shop in the spring or summer. Prefer warm, earthy tones? Fall is your season. And if you love reds and greens, you'll find plenty of options around the holidays. Timing your hunt with the seasons can make all the difference!
The first image below might not look like a typical plate, but it’s actually called a charger. A charger is a decorative base setting placed underneath the dinner plate to elevate the overall table presentation.
6. Letters + Words + Sayings
After years of creating gallery walls, I can confidently say, this is the most love-it-or-hate-it item! The strong opinions usually come from word art like FAMILY, BLESSED, LOVE. I’ve included all of these in past projects because clients specifically requested them and they truly loved the result.
Letters tend to be a safer bet, especially when more than one person is involved in the decision making. A single initial for the family’s last name works well in shared spaces, while individual letters for kids’ names are a great fit in their rooms.
When it comes to words and letters, Michaels and Home Sense/Home Goods are the best place for these. But if you're looking for something truly unique or tailored to your family’s style, custom is the way to go. Check out Etsy or browse your local FB Marketplace for small businesses that offer personalized options.
Leave the wood quote signs for farmhouse gallery walls and opt for something a bit more modern, like metal or LED signs. Quote art prints are also a popular choice and work beautifully in gallery walls. You’ll find tons of options on ETSY and Society6, or you can even design your own using Canva.
7. Maps
This one’s perfect for anyone with a love of travel or a special connection to a past home or meaningful place. You can frame maps, mount them on wood with Mod Podge, or hang them with sleek magnetic poster holders.
I’ve linked a simple Mod Podge tutorial to get you started, but there are plenty of helpful videos online too. Don’t want to cut wood yourself? Just head to Michaels and grab one of their wood plaques, they’re perfect for easy DIY projects like this.
The magnetic hangers can be found at Michaels, Amazon, even online stores like Temu.
8. Shapes + Animals
The possibilities here are truly endless. You can use a variety of materials, rattan, metal, wood, glass, fabric and shapes like flowers, stars, wooden rainbows, hearts, arrows, birds, starbursts, sunbursts, animal heads, numbers, starfish, clocks, wall medallions, and more. Looking through my client galleries, I’ve used all of these and then some!
When it comes to sourcing these pieces, think outside the box. They’re not always in the wall decor aisle. I’ve found arched and heart-shaped cutting boards, decorative deer and moose heads during the holidays, and playful items in the kids’ section. Don’t skip Michaels, check their unfinished wood section for medallions and simple shapes that are perfect for DIY projects.
9. Plants + Baskets
I grouped these two together, but they could easily stand on their own. You can hang plants in baskets, which adds texture and life to a space but you can also hang empty baskets directly on the wall. They work especially well with Boho-style gallery walls. I see sets of decorative baskets all the time on FB Marketplace. I think people think they want an entire wall of baskets but usually, one or two mixed into a wall of beautiful, eclectic pieces works much better.
And if you can handle faux plants, I definitely can! Check out some great options from West Elm and Bouclair. I’ve also found some surprisingly realistic ones at HomeSense/HomeGoods.
10. Anything + Everything Personal
Mixing personal mementos with traditional gallery wall items adds depth and personality to your gallery wall. Love music? Hang a favourite instrument. Frame meaningful letters, postcards, or even your grandmother’s cherished chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Display vacation souvenirs like maps, ticket stubs, or boarding passes to relive your favorite trips. Got a fun cowboy hat? Hang it up, instant charm!
Family heirlooms like vintage keys or old tools from your grandparents’ home make unique additions and always spark great conversation.
