Gabrielle Union’s Hallway Shows Why Even the Most Transient Spaces Matter – and Will Make You Rethink Your Walls

The actress shows us why gallery walls endure with her collection of framed photographs hanging neatly (and chicly) in her hallway

Gabrielle Union
(Image credit: Monica Schipper via Getty Images)

One of the easiest ways to infuse a room or hallway with personality is implementing a humble but mighty gallery wall. Between the frames themselves and the works inside them, hanging art and photographs is a simple and elegant way to create visual intrigue.

Gabrielle Union proves this point with her hallway's gallery wall, as seen on her Instagram page. The actor has lined her white walls with bold, black-framed photographs, drawing our attention to the wall without overwhelming it.

Shop the Gallery Wall Edit

When it comes to organizing a gallery wall, experts say that strategic arrangement is key.

'The first step to achieving a striking gallery wall is thoughtful organization,' explains designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'To ensure balance and flow, start by selecting a central piece as the anchor. This could be the largest frame or a particularly bold piece of artwork. From there, you can arrange the surrounding items, ensuring varied sizes and shapes to create visual interest. Laying out the design on the floor beforehand or taping cutouts to the wall in the desired arrangement can help perfect the layout.'

She continues, 'When organizing, aim for a mix of frames and styles. For a classic, cohesive look, use frames in the same color family – black, gold, or wood tones can bring a timeless elegance. On the other hand, a mix of eclectic frames in different finishes can offer a playful, bohemian vibe.'

Frames in hallway

A space decorated similar to Gabrielle Union’s

(Image credit: David Giles Photography Ltd)

To recreate this mixed-and-matched style, experiment with different frames, like this antique-style frame from Magnolia, and this modern, black frame from Target.

In the end, the beauty of a gallery wall lies in its impermanence. Art can shift, frames can change, and the story can grow – making it perfectly suited to a transient space like a hallway. As Gabrielle shows, when designed with intention, even the spaces we move through the fastest can leave the most lasting impression.


Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.