How to Arrange Two Frames Side by Side

A person aligning two slim wooden frames side by side above a wooden console while measuring the gap with a tape measure.

Hanging two frames side by side may seem simple; however, even a difference of a few centimeters in height or spacing can make the arrangement look messy. For a balanced result, take into account not only the size of the posters but also the outer dimensions of the frames and the mounting points on the wall.

1. Measure the outer dimensions of the frames

The poster size is not the same as the area covered by the frame. The profile thickness and, if present, the mat increase the total width and height. Therefore, when planning the layout, note the outside-to-outside dimensions of both frames. When calculating the total area you’ll use on the furniture, be sure to include the space between them in these measurements.

2. Determine the common alignment line

If the frames are the same size, aligning their top edges creates a neat appearance. If they are different sizes, aligning their visual centers instead of their top edges may create a more balanced look. Before marking the wall, check this common line with a spirit level.

3. Adjust the gap according to the outer edges

Measure the distance between the two frames not from the posters, but from the outer edges of the frames facing each other. To start, you can try a spacing of 5–10 centimeters. Smaller frames may look better closer together, while larger frames may look better with a slightly wider gap. It’s important that, when viewed from the entrance to the room, the pair appears as a single composition.

4. Use the center of the furniture as a reference point

If you’re hanging the frames on a console table, bed, or sofa, position the total width of the pair at the visual center of the piece of furniture. First, calculate the total width of the two frames and the space between them; then align the midpoint of this measurement with the center of the piece of furniture. This way, the arrangement won’t appear skewed to one side.

5. Check each mounting point individually

The hanging hardware on the back of two frames that look identical may be at different heights. Measure the distance between the top edge of each frame and its hanging point separately. Before drilling any holes, place paper templates the size of the frames on the wall and assess the result from a few steps away.

To choose visuals that complement each other, browse the Gallery Wall category. During your final check, pay attention to the top or center alignment, the space between the two outer edges, and how they relate to the furniture. If these three elements are in balance, the two frames will appear as a single, cohesive arrangement on the wall.