This year’s design trends are all about adding personality to the home — just look at the resurgence of delft tiles, painted floors, and the mirror wall trend, for starters. Now, designers say the latest personality-filled trend is a reinvented gallery wall. While gallery walls have often been a way to showcase art pieces, people are increasingly filling their gallery walls with personal items like handwritten notes, kids’ drawings, and heirloom textiles. Additionally, many people are adding charm to their gallery walls by using fabric instead of a photo mat.
Here’s everything to know about how people are approaching gallery walls in 2026.
“It’s less about following design trends and more about creating an emotional connection. These personal touches bring warmth and authenticity to a room, turning what could be a decorative display into something deeply personal,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design.
Beyond the personal aspect, people are also placing fabric behind their frames to add texture, color, and character to their walls for a more dynamic display.
“Framed fabric adds a beautiful sense of depth. It softens a wall composition and introduces a tactile element that feels collected and layered. Textiles also carry a sense of history and craftsmanship—whether it’s a vintage remnant, a handwoven piece, or something sentimental,” says Jay.
How to Get Started
The best part about the “new” gallery wall is that nothing is off limits. While traditional artwork is still an important feature, people are getting creative framing practically anything that holds meaning. Take inspiration from a few of the most popular options below.
Handwritten notes: Thoughtful notes from loved ones can add a unique visual element to your gallery wall. Mix it in with art and photos for a personalized display.
Drawings: Frame your kids’ drawings for a nursery or bedroom gallery wall. Use fabric behind each piece for a more dynamic look.
Heirlooms: “I framed lace made by my great-grandmother. Though I never met her, it connects me to my family every time I walk by,” says Jay.
Combine these different elements with traditional artwork or personal photographs for a gallery wall that not only functions as an aesthetic display, but holds emotional meaning to you and your family, too.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.