How to Hang Acrylic Prints for a Gallery-Style Look (A Complete Guide)

Turning your favorite photos into wall art changes how you experience your space every day. Among the different materials available today, acrylic prints have become increasingly popular for their clarity, depth, and modern aesthetic. Whether you’re decorating a living room, office, bedroom, or hallway, the right placement and hanging method can make an acrylic picture feel like a professional gallery display.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about styling and hanging acrylic prints. We’ll cover why acrylic photo prints are so appealing, how to choose the right photos, hanging techniques, layout ideas, lighting considerations, and tips to make your photo on acrylic stand out in any room.

Acrylic prints go beyond traditional framed prints. With printing on acrylic, your image is infused onto a clear acrylic surface, which gives photos a distinct visual sharpness and dimensional pop. Light interacts with the surface in a way that makes colors appear vibrant, details crisp, and depth rich.

Acrylic picture prints often feel more contemporary and refined because:

• The acrylic material adds depth and luminosity to images

• There’s no need for a bulky frame unless you choose one

• The smooth surface keeps the focus on your photo

• They resist moisture and fading more than paper prints

These qualities make acrylic photo prints ideal for modern interiors, minimalist designs, and spaces where you want a clean, elevated look without heavy framing.

Not all images behave the same once printed. Acrylic prints excel with certain types of photos because the glossy surface enhances contrast and brightness. When picking a photo on acrylic, consider these factors:

High Resolution Matters

Clear, high-resolution images prevent pixelation and preserve detail. Photos with crisp lines and sharp focus translate beautifully to acrylic.

Bold Colors and High Contrast

The acrylic surface intensifies colors. Bright landscapes, vivid cityscapes, and energetic portraits all benefit from printing on acrylic. Photos with strong contrast—like light subjects against dark backgrounds—also stand out.

Emotional and Personal Moments

While landscapes and abstract art look stunning, personal photos bring a unique emotional dimension. A favorite travel shot, candid family moment, or artistic portrait can become a conversation piece when printed as an acrylic picture.

Artistic Styles

Acrylic is also a great choice for creative photography. Black and white shots with strong contrast, architectural captures, or abstract close-ups get a fresh look thanks to the depth of the acrylic finish.

Before you hang anything, planning your layout is essential. A gallery-style display feels intentional and cohesive, not cluttered or random.

Here are some steps to help you design your wall layout:

Step 1: Measure Your Space

Use a tape measure to determine the width and height of your wall area. This helps you choose appropriately sized acrylic prints and keeps the arrangement balanced.

Step 2: Pick a Focal Point

Decide whether you want a single large acrylic photo print or a group arrangement. A large central piece can act as the anchor of your gallery, while smaller prints can complement it.

Step 3: Create a Mock Arrangement

Before making holes in the wall, cut paper templates of your prints to scale and tape them up. This lets you visualize spacing and positioning.

Step 4: Keep Consistent Spacing

Gallery-style layouts typically use even spacing between pieces. A common approach is 2–3 inches between smaller prints and slightly more between larger acrylic prints.

Acrylic prints can be arranged in many ways depending on your space and style:

• Grid Layout: Perfect for a series of photos, like travel memories

• Linear Row: Great for hallways or spaces above furniture

• Salon Style Mix: A creative blend of sizes for an artistic wall

• Centerpiece with Accents: One large acrylic print surrounded by smaller pieces

The goal is to make the wall feel balanced and visually engaging.

Hanging acrylic prints professionally doesn’t require complicated tools, but having the right ones makes a big difference.

Here are the essentials:

• Level

• Measuring tape

• Pencil or painter’s tape

• Drill or screwdriver

• Wall anchors (especially for heavier acrylic prints)

• Hanging hardware (sawtooth hangers, D-rings, or French cleats)

Many acrylic photo prints come with pre-installed mounting options, making setup easier.

There are several ways to hang acrylic picture prints depending on the look you’re after and the wall surface you’re working with.

Flush Wall Hanging

This method keeps the print close to the wall for a sleek, seamless appearance.

How to do it:

1. Mark the wall where you want the print

2. Use wall anchors if necessary

3. Screw in the mounting hardware

4. Hang the acrylic print so it sits flush

This style works well in minimalist interiors where you want clean edges.

Floating Mount Style

A floating mount creates a small gap between the print and the wall, adding depth and shadow play.

How to do it:

1. Attach spacers or standoffs to the back of your acrylic picture

2. Mark wall anchor locations

3. Install anchors and standoffs

4. Hang the print so it “floats” off the wall

Floating mounts are especially popular for gallery-style walls.

French Cleat System

This method is ideal for larger acrylic photo prints because it distributes weight evenly.

How to do it:

1. Install one part of the cleat on the wall

2. Attach the matching part to the back of the print

3. Hang the acrylic print so the two parts lock together

This is one of the most secure mounting options.

Lighting can make or break your display. Acrylic prints interact with light differently than canvas or paper.

Natural Light Enhances Depth

Soft natural light makes acrylic prints glow and adds dimension.

Avoid Harsh Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can cause glare, making details harder to see.

Use Accent Lighting

Track lighting or picture spotlights highlight acrylic picture prints beautifully, especially in the evening.

Acrylic prints look stunning on their own, but they can also blend into a larger wall design.

Combine with Shelves or Greenery

Acrylic prints pair well with floating shelves, plants, or small decor objects.

Mix with Other Wall Art

You can combine acrylic photo prints with framed posters or canvas pieces, as long as the theme stays consistent.

Match the Room’s Color Palette

Acrylic prints stand out on neutral walls, but they also look striking against darker accent colors.

Once your acrylic prints are hung, keeping them clean is simple:

• Dust with a soft microfiber cloth

• Avoid abrasive cleaners

• Use mild glass cleaner on the cloth, not directly on the print

• Check mounting hardware occasionally

With proper care, acrylic picture prints stay vibrant for years.

Acrylic prints are one of the easiest ways to create a high end look at home. Their modern finish, depth, and color clarity make them feel like professional art pieces rather than simple photo enlargements.

If you’re creating a gallery wall with acrylic photo prints, platforms like CanvasChamp offer an easy way to turn personal photos into stunning acrylic wall art.

Whether you choose one bold centerpiece or a full collection of acrylic pictures, the result feels polished, personal, and timeless.

Hanging acrylic prints can transform an empty wall into a meaningful visual display. With the right photo selection, layout planning, hanging technique, and lighting, your space can feel like a curated gallery.

From vibrant travel photography to cherished family moments, printing on acrylic gives your images a depth and brilliance that traditional prints often cannot match.

If you’re ready to create your own photo on acrylic display, CanvasChamp makes it simple to design acrylic wall art that fits beautifully into any home.